a sharp face

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sharp face" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone with distinct, angular facial features that give a striking or intense appearance. Example: "She had a sharp face that made her look both elegant and formidable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Kolek, a fortysomething woman with a sharp face, is remarkably succinct.

The Guardian - Opinion

Howdy do?" He was a young man, thin and tall with a sharp face and a big, exaggerated smile.

The New York Times - Magazine

The voice had come from a man who, in the dim light, appeared to be thin, balding at the temples, with a sharp face furrowed by shifting wrinkles.

The New Yorker

By contrast, Kramer — who has been not only a chef but also a waiter, a folk-art importer, an improvisational-theatre performer, and, for a year in his twenties, a Ringling Brothers clown — arrives at knife shows looking like a Silicon Valley entrepreneur: button-down silk shirts, neatly pressed slacks, a thin goatee on a sharp face.

The New Yorker

By contrast, Kramer who has been not only a chef but also a waiter, a folk-art importer, an improvisational-theatre performer, and, for a year in his twenties, a Ringling Brothers clown arrives at knife shows looking like a Silicon Valley entrepreneur: button-down silk shirts, neatly pressed slacks, a thin goatee on a sharp face.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

The older Rose, with curlier hair, a sharper face and a spikier attitude, was the Helena Bonham Carter sister.

The New York Times

Round his neck hung a large homemade ID, a photo of his small, sharp face, which had clearly been cut from a larger picture (you could see people's legs) and underneath the word Dave in black felt tip.

The Guardian

With her red curls pinned around her sharp face, like a woman in a Toulouse-Lautrec painting, Brown delivers an astonishing performance.

The New Yorker

With his small bright eyes like a bird's, his bony sharp face, red complexion, stiff white hair and military mustache, and self-important strutting air, the Major irresistibly recalls to mind a white leghorn cockerel on the brink of his first crow.

The New Yorker

She had a sharp, angular face, a hooked nose and she had a strong chin.

The New York Times - Magazine

"He had a sharp, beautiful face, a shock of thick black hair and clear gray eyes that shimmered like quartz".

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a sharp face" to depict characters who are intelligent, shrewd, or have a commanding presence. This description adds depth and intrigue to their visual portrayal.

Common error

Avoid using "a sharp face" repeatedly in the same description or across multiple characters, as it can become monotonous. Vary your descriptions with other facial features or expressions to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sharp face" functions primarily as a descriptive element, offering insight into a person's physical appearance. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct. It is often used to quickly convey an impression of someone's features.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a sharp face" is a common and grammatically correct descriptive term used to portray distinct, angular facial features. According to Ludwig AI, it fits well in various writing styles, typically serving to create a visual image of a character, suggesting intelligence or intensity. It is predominantly found in news and media contexts. While alternatives like "a chiseled face" or "an angular face" exist, "a sharp face" remains a direct and effective way to convey a specific physical attribute in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a chiseled face

Focuses on the well-defined and sculpted nature of the facial features.

a defined face

Highlights the clear and distinct outlines of the face.

an angular face

Emphasizes the presence of prominent angles and lines in the face.

a striking face

Indicates that the face is particularly noticeable and memorable.

a severe face

Implies a stern and unyielding appearance.

a lean face

Focuses on the lack of roundness or fullness in the face.

a gaunt face

Suggests a thin and hollow-cheeked appearance, often due to illness or hardship.

a hawkish face

Implies a resemblance to a hawk, with a prominent nose and piercing eyes.

a pinched face

Suggests a narrow and drawn appearance, often due to stress or worry.

a finely etched face

Highlights the delicate and precise details of the facial features.

FAQs

How can I describe someone's face instead of saying "a sharp face"?

You can use alternatives like "a chiseled face", "an angular face", or "a striking face" depending on the specific features you want to emphasize.

Is it appropriate to use "a sharp face" in formal writing?

Yes, "a sharp face" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly when describing characters in literature or providing detailed descriptions in news articles. Its neutrality allows it to fit well into different styles.

What does it imply when someone is described as having "a sharp face"?

Describing someone as having "a sharp face" often implies that they have distinct and angular facial features, which can suggest intelligence, intensity, or a commanding presence. The exact implication depends on the surrounding context and the other descriptions used.

Can "a sharp face" have negative connotations?

While generally neutral, "a sharp face" can sometimes carry negative connotations if combined with other descriptors that suggest sternness or severity. However, this is less about the phrase itself and more about the overall impression created by the description.