about face

USAGE SUMMARY

"about face" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to mean a sudden and complete reversal in attitude, opinion, direction, or purpose. For example, "The senator made an about face on his previous stance on gun control and publicly announced his support for stricter regulations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

3 1 ABOUT FACE, by Fern Michaels.

The New York Times - Books

"About face".

The New York Times

"It's all about face".

The New Yorker

It's not about face time".

The New York Times

Talk about face value.

The New York Times - Style

"Asia is all about face.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

The admission was an abrupt about-face.

The New York Times

But he had an about-face.

The New York Times

That led to another about-face.

The Economist

It was a major about-face.

The New Yorker

His statement was an about-face.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "about face" when you want to emphasize a complete and often unexpected reversal in direction, opinion, or policy. It's particularly effective when highlighting a significant change after a period of commitment to the opposite course.

Common error

Avoid using "about face" to describe gradual shifts or evolutions in thinking. This phrase denotes a sudden, complete, and often surprising turn, not a slow transformation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "about face" functions as an idiomatic expression, indicating a sudden and complete reversal. Ludwig provides examples where it describes shifts in policy, opinion, and direction, highlighting its use in conveying significant changes.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

8%

Science

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "about face" is a common idiomatic phrase used to describe a complete and often unexpected reversal in opinion, policy, or direction. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for a range of contexts, particularly in news and media. While alternatives like "complete reversal" or "sudden turnaround" exist, "about face" carries a specific emphasis on the dramatic nature of the change. When using the phrase, it's important to ensure that the context involves a significant and abrupt shift, avoiding its application to gradual evolutions. The phrase's prevalence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Economist underscores its reliability and widespread understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

about-turn

British English equivalent of "about face", signifying a complete reversal.

complete reversal

This phrase emphasizes the thoroughness of the change, highlighting that it's a full 180-degree turn.

sudden turnaround

This highlights the abruptness of the change, focusing on the speed at which it occurs.

reversal of opinion

This specifically refers to a change in someone's beliefs or stance on a particular issue.

change of heart

This suggests the change is driven by emotion or a shift in one's feelings.

shift in policy

This indicates an alteration in established rules or guidelines.

U-turn

A more informal term implying a sharp and often unexpected change in direction or policy.

volte-face

A formal term for a complete change in policy or opinion.

flip-flop

This term often carries a negative connotation, suggesting inconsistency or opportunism.

backpedaling

Implies retracting or retreating from a previous position, often defensively.

FAQs

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

You can use "about face" to describe a sudden and complete reversal. For instance, "The company did an "about face" on its environmental policy after facing public backlash".

What does "about face" mean?

"About face" is an idiom that means a complete reversal of opinion or action; a turnaround.

What are some alternatives to saying "about face"?

Alternatives include "complete reversal", "sudden turnaround", or "reversal of opinion". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "about face" formal or informal?

"About face" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though more formal alternatives like "volte-face" may be preferred in some situations.