a slight face

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a slight face" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a face that is delicate or not very pronounced in features. Example: "She had a slight face that gave her an air of gentleness and fragility."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"I fell so much," Kacey Sewell, 13, said, making a slight face.

The New York Times

If it makes you feel better, roar at the opponent or make a slight face when they attack or defend.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Users will find that the interface has been given a slight face-lift, but the familiar customizable search bar, toolbars, and buttons remain in place.

MIT Technology Review

A slight grimace crossed his face.

The New York Times

The moment is now a part of political lore: A sardonic twisting of the knife, Trump sitting stoically during the roast, a slight grimace on his face.

HuffPost

The women mostly dance with their heads towards the sky and a slight grimace on their faces, as if they're trying to figure out a particularly tricky Countdown conundrum.

The Guardian

He looked like a teen-ager, and had a sharp, handsome face, a slight frame, and hard eyes, which the student who brought me to him sternly instructed me not to look into.

The New Yorker

As played by Rooney Mara, she's a slight, whey-faced child-woman with piercings, tattoos and a spiked black haircut of terrifying unattractiveness.

Independent

This design included a large aperture (17 m x 17 m), a slight downward facing nod (20°), a high-sloping ceiling to accommodate the beam angles from the closest heliostats, and particles released near the back wall of the receiver.

Energy Procedia

The overall food well assembly was inclined at a slight angle, facing away from the choice point, to ensure that the animals could not see the presence/absence of reward in the food wells.

Behavioural Brain Research

You can cut in a slight outward facing arc in order to save more pineapple fruit.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's appearance, use "a slight face" to convey a sense of delicacy or subtlety, avoiding more generic terms like "small face".

Common error

Avoid using "a slight face" when you mean the person is insignificant. The phrase refers to physical features, not social standing or value.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a slight face" functions as a descriptive noun phrase. It modifies the noun "face" with the adjective "slight", indicating a subtle or delicate quality. As noted by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for describing appearance.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a slight face" is a grammatically sound and nuanced way to describe delicate or subtle facial features. As Ludwig highlights, the phrase is correct and usable in written English, although it is relatively rare. Its primary function is descriptive, conveying a sense of gentleness or understatement. While appropriate for neutral registers like news and general descriptions, it should not be confused with descriptions of character or significance. Related phrases include "a delicate face" and "a subtle face", offering similar yet distinct ways to express facial appearance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a delicate face

Emphasizes the fineness and fragility of facial features.

a subtle face

Highlights the understated and nuanced qualities of the face.

a gentle face

Suggests a kind and mild expression or appearance.

a soft face

Indicates a lack of harsh or sharp features.

a faint expression

Focuses on the minimal or barely perceptible nature of a facial expression.

a restrained smile

Describes a smile that is not fully expressed or is held back.

a composed face

Implies a calm and controlled facial expression.

an unpronounced face

Describes a face lacking prominent or distinctive features.

a demure expression

Highlights a modest and reserved facial expression.

a mild countenance

Refers to a calm and gentle facial appearance.

FAQs

How can I use "a slight face" in a sentence?

You can use "a slight face" to describe someone's delicate or subtle facial features, as in "She had "a slight face", which made her look younger than her actual age."

What are some alternatives to "a slight face"?

Alternatives include "a delicate face", "a subtle face", or "a gentle face", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "a slight face" is appropriate in formal writing when accurately describing someone's physical appearance. Its appropriateness depends on the context and purpose of your writing.

What's the difference between "a slight face" and "a thin face"?

"A slight face" refers to the subtlety or delicacy of the features, whereas "a thin face" primarily describes the lack of fullness or roundness in the face. They focus on different aspects of facial appearance.