a worried expression

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a worried expression" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone's facial appearance that indicates concern or anxiety. Example: "She walked into the room with a worried expression, clearly troubled by the news she had just received."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

With a worried expression the librarian allowed me to check out Leon Uris's "Exodus".

The New York Times

During matches, Miss Elizabeth would pace the apron wearing a worried expression as Savage did battle inside the ropes.

The New York Times - Magazine

For much of the match, Cilic wore a worried expression, or was it a sign of concentration?

The New York Times

The woman has a worried expression on her beautiful face, as if she were agonizing over modern culture's loss of soul.

The New York Times - Arts

BALTIMORE — Mark Teixeira wore a worried expression Monday afternoon as he described the status of a cough he can neither shake nor understand.

The New York Times - Sports

The commander, Gen. Antoine Lahad, wearing soft white leather loafers and a worried expression, said defiantly that his forces would not disband and flee but stay put and "defend their land unto the death".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

It's important to pick up on a worried look or frustrated expression and notice out loud that you wonder if something is bothering them.

HuffPost

A tall, tanned man of forty-three, with slicked-back hair and a slightly worried expression, Mossler looks, reassuringly, like a traditional shoe salesman.

The New Yorker

A worried look crossed her face.

The New Yorker

"You get the bug," he said, as Mrs. Thaxton looked on, a somewhat worried expression on her face.

The New York Times

She bore a vaguely worried expression, but beyond that, I couldn't gauge her stand on this idea.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's reaction to news, use "a worried expression" to show, rather than tell, their concern or anxiety.

Common error

Avoid assuming someone has "a worried expression" without clear indicators. Ensure the context and observable cues genuinely suggest worry, not just pensiveness or concentration.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a worried expression" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object or subject complement in a sentence. It describes a specific facial appearance indicative of concern or anxiety, as Ludwig AI confirms.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a worried expression" is a common noun phrase used to effectively portray concern or anxiety through facial depiction. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and widespread use. Found frequently in news and media, as well as in wikis and scientific sources, this phrase is versatile for both formal and informal communication. While alternatives like "a concerned look" or "an anxious face" exist, "a worried expression" provides a direct and easily understood way to convey emotional state.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a concerned look

Focuses on the visual aspect of worry, emphasizing the appearance of concern.

an anxious face

Highlights the facial features reflecting anxiety.

a troubled countenance

Uses more formal language to describe a face showing distress.

a distressed appearance

Broadens the scope to include overall appearance, not just facial expression.

a fearful gaze

Emphasizes the element of fear in the expression.

a stressed demeanor

Shifts focus to the overall behavior and attitude indicating stress.

a preoccupied air

Suggests a state of being absorbed in worrisome thoughts.

a solemn mien

Implies a grave and serious expression, often due to worry.

a furrowed brow

Pinpoints a specific physical manifestation of worry.

a look of apprehension

Focuses on the anticipation of future trouble or misfortune.

FAQs

How can I use "a worried expression" in a sentence?

You can use "a worried expression" to describe someone's facial appearance when they are feeling anxious or concerned. For example, "She had "a worried expression" after hearing the news".

What are some alternatives to "a worried expression"?

Alternatives include "a concerned look", "an anxious face", or "a troubled countenance", which offer similar connotations of concern or unease.

Is it better to say "a worried expression" or "an anxious expression"?

While both convey a sense of unease, "a worried expression" often implies concern about a specific situation, whereas "an anxious expression" might suggest a more general state of apprehension.

Can "a worried expression" be misinterpreted?

Yes, it can. What appears as "a worried expression" might sometimes be a sign of deep concentration or simply a person's default facial expression. Context is key to accurate interpretation.