a sweet face

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sweet face" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who has a pleasant or endearing facial appearance, often conveying warmth or kindness. Example: "She walked into the room with a sweet face that instantly made everyone feel at ease."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

"And he's got such a sweet face".

The New York Times

She was young and had a sweet face, with manners to match.

The New Yorker

Mr. Vassallo is a "sweet clown" because he was told he has a sweet face.

The New York Times

"I remember Danielle in particular, she just had such a sweet face".

The New York Times - Sports

He had curly dark hair and a sweet face, round and smooth.

The New York Times - Magazine

"I love dogs, and this one has such a sweet face," Ms. Binetsky said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Caroline had learned to smile with her whole face, a sweet look that didn't show her gums, yet it came across as wistful, something less than the thousand-watt beam of friendly delight that the culture requires.

The New York Times - Magazine

Whine until you get your way, but end up being adorably cute - put a smile and a sweet expression on your face to go with the whining.

WikiHow

"A fine figure, a little squat, a strong, sweet face lit by his own blue-green eyes," he thinks of Priscilla.

The New Yorker

In "There Once Was a Man," a sort of Frankie Laine Western pastiche, Connick and O'Hara, who has an ingénue's sweet face and a svelte body that tells a different story, make sparks fly off the lusty paean to love ("It rocks muh whole solar plexus. It's bigger than Texas").

The New Yorker

"Through the eyes of our faith, in our hearts, we really believe and know without doubt that Emanuel effectively received a complete healing and that now he has a perfect and sweet face and two legs that work, and that he is running and jumping and having fun in heaven right now," Estrada posted.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's personality, follow "a sweet face" with details about their character or actions to provide a more comprehensive picture.

Common error

Avoid using "sweet" excessively in describing physical attributes. Vary your descriptive language with alternatives like "kind", "gentle", or "innocent" to create a more nuanced and engaging description.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sweet face" functions primarily as a descriptive adjective phrase modifying the noun "face". It adds a qualitative attribute, indicating that the face possesses a pleasing or endearing quality. Ludwig confirms the appropriateness of this usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sweet face" is a common and grammatically correct adjective phrase used to describe someone or something with a pleasant and endearing facial appearance. Ludwig confirms the phrase's validity and provides numerous real-world examples from reputable sources, primarily in news and media. While generally neutral in register, it is advisable to consider more formal alternatives like "an endearing countenance" in certain contexts. When using the phrase, ensure it is followed by further description or context to provide a more comprehensive portrayal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A pleasant-looking face

Uses a more straightforward and less evocative adjective than "sweet".

A delightful face

Emphasizes the pleasing and joyful quality of the face.

A gentle facial appearance

Replaces "sweet" with "gentle" and uses a more descriptive term for "face".

An endearing countenance

Replaces "sweet" with "endearing" and "face" with "countenance", using more formal vocabulary.

An appealing visage

Combines a general positive adjective with a more formal term for "face".

An innocent face

Implies a pure and unblemished quality to the facial features.

A kind-looking visage

Substitutes "sweet" with "kind-looking" and "face" with "visage", adding a touch of formality.

A lovely expression

Focuses on the overall expression of the face, rather than just the features.

A charming set of features

This is a more elaborate way of describing an attractive face, focusing on individual aspects.

A wholesome appearance

Suggests a healthy and pleasant overall look.

FAQs

What does it mean to describe someone as having "a sweet face"?

To say someone has "a sweet face" generally means they have a pleasant, kind, or endearing facial appearance. It often suggests innocence or gentleness.

What are some alternative ways to describe a kind-looking person without saying "a sweet face"?

You could say they have "a kind face", "a gentle face", or an "innocent face", depending on the specific quality you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use the phrase "a sweet face" in formal writing?

While "a sweet face" is widely understood, it may be considered informal for some formal writing contexts. Consider more sophisticated alternatives like "an endearing countenance" or "a kind visage" in such cases.

How can I use the description "a sweet face" to create a more vivid image in my writing?

Combine the description "a sweet face" with details about the person's eyes, smile, or other features, and link it to their actions or personality traits. For example, "She had a sweet face, framed by gentle eyes that reflected her compassionate nature."