an ocean of faces

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an ocean of faces" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a large crowd or a multitude of people, often conveying a sense of overwhelming numbers or diversity. Example: "As I entered the stadium, I was struck by the sight of an ocean of faces, all eagerly awaiting the concert to begin."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Bouncing around at about $200 million in sales, Boston Beer is a cork on an ocean of upscale brews, facing mounting pressure from global monsters like Heineken.

Forbes

THE European Union faces an ocean of troubles, from the integrity of its currency to the security of its neighbourhood.

The Economist

Dancing in an ocean of white puntuated by smiling faces, you were transported to an alternate rave Disneyland populated by ecstatic clones.

Vice

Before the first failed effort to cap the petro geyser BP faced an ocean of problems.

Forbes

These kids deserved the same ocean of faces and thunderous applause that your child got.

The New York Times

Sure, if look at the photo from a distance, you might just see an ocean of rich old white people pulling faces like they've all got guns to the backs of their heads, but delve closer and the real stars emerge.

The Guardian - Film

She stood in an ocean of 5-year-olds, tears flooding many faces around her.

Huffington Post

It looked like an ocean of flowers".

The New York Times

And an ocean of emotion.

The Guardian - Sport

We see a vast ocean of white faces.

Huffington Post

The desk sits in front of an ocean-facing window, so that Mark, batting out his medical papers and articles, usually with punk rock blasting on the stereo, and the weather radio barking the latest buoy data, can keep an eye on the waves.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an ocean of faces" to vividly depict a large crowd, particularly when you want to emphasize its overwhelming or diverse nature. It's especially effective in descriptive writing.

Common error

While descriptive, "an ocean of faces" can sound informal or melodramatic in formal reports or academic papers. Opt for more neutral language like "a large audience" or "numerous participants" in such settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an ocean of faces" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. It vividly describes a large gathering of people, emphasizing the overwhelming number and the difficulty in distinguishing individual identities. The use of "ocean" creates a strong visual metaphor, a common technique in descriptive language. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "an ocean of faces" is a descriptive noun phrase used to vividly portray a large crowd. Grammatically sound, it functions to create a visual metaphor emphasizing the scale and often overwhelming nature of a gathering. While Ludwig AI confirms that it is correct, its use may be more appropriate in descriptive writing or news reporting than in highly formal contexts. Related phrases include "a sea of faces" and "a multitude of faces". When using this phrase, writers should aim to create a strong sense of visual imagery and emotional impact, and should be mindful of the context to avoid sounding melodramatic.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a sea of faces

Uses "sea" instead of "ocean", maintaining the metaphor of a vast expanse.

an endless sea of faces

Adds "endless" to emphasize the vastness of the "sea of faces".

a multitude of faces

Replaces the metaphorical "ocean" with the more literal "multitude".

a myriad of faces

Uses "myriad" to indicate a great number, but might sound more formal.

a throng of faces

Substitutes "ocean" with "throng", suggesting a densely packed crowd.

a host of faces

Utilizes "host" to suggest a large, often celebratory, gathering.

a mass of faces

Replaces the metaphor with "mass", emphasizing the sheer number of people.

an army of faces

Employs "army" to imply a large, organized gathering.

countless faces

Focuses on the inability to count the faces, implying a very large number.

a sea of people

Shifts focus from faces to people, broadening the scope.

FAQs

How can I use "an ocean of faces" in a sentence?

You can use "an ocean of faces" to describe a large crowd of people, like in the sentence: "As the band took the stage, they were met with "an ocean of faces", all eager to hear their music."

What's a good alternative to "an ocean of faces"?

Alternatives include "a sea of faces", "a multitude of faces", or "a throng of faces", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "an ocean of faces" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "an ocean of faces" may be too descriptive for formal writing. Consider more neutral alternatives like "a large crowd" or "many attendees".

How does "an ocean of faces" differ from "a sea of faces"?

The phrases "an ocean of faces" and "a sea of faces" are largely interchangeable, both conveying the image of a vast, undulating expanse of people. The choice between them often comes down to stylistic preference.