anxious expression

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "anxious expression" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone's facial expression that indicates worry or unease. Example: "She walked into the room with an anxious expression, clearly worried about the upcoming presentation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

He stood sideways to the audience, and sang with an anxious expression.

The New Yorker

They never criticised me, whatever the outfit: shorts, worn with a mullet, binoculars, an anxious expression and a Free Nelson Mandela sweatshirt.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They were formed by Chris Thile, the mandolinist, who is thirty-one and has a boyish face, a playful but anxious expression, and hair that looks permanently mussed.

The New Yorker

She had me lie on the couch and got a cold towel for my head and sat by me with her anxious expression.

The New Yorker

Sometimes it's "Oh, that's, um (long pause) interesting," accompanied by an anxious expression, as if I were wearing a black hood and cape.

The New York Times

When Hannah England crossed the line in the 1500m semi-finals in Daegu Stadium on Tuesday she wore an anxious expression.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

There were no chills, shivering, cough or expectoration, but the patient had disordered sleep, facial flushing, an anxious facial expression, chest discomfort, palpitation and shortness of breath.

BMC Cancer

Your dog may repeatedly lick its lips and/or have an anxious facial expression if it is unable to find enough water.[3].

WikiHow

People arrived with anxious, sour expressions but once inside got caught up in the post-transactional thrum.

The New Yorker

Is her expression anxious?

Huffington Post

Now, his expression anxious, he sat stiffly across from the pretty Gypsy with her piercing black-brown eyes, his hand in hers.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "anxious expression" when you want to specifically describe a facial display of worry or unease. It's effective for conveying immediate emotional states in narrative or descriptive writing.

Common error

Avoid using "anxious expression" when you mean someone has a general anxiety disorder. "Anxious expression" refers to a temporary facial display, not a chronic condition.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "anxious expression" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a visible manifestation of anxiety through facial features. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used to describe someone's facial expression that indicates worry or unease.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "anxious expression" is a grammatically correct and readily understandable noun phrase used to depict worry or unease through facial features. Ludwig AI confirms its applicability across various contexts, predominantly in news and media, as well as scientific writing. While not exceedingly common, its clear and direct meaning makes it a valuable tool for descriptive and narrative purposes. When you want to specifically describe a facial display of worry or unease in narrative or descriptive writing, this is the perfect sentence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

worried look

Focuses on the visual aspect of worry, similar to seeing an anxious expression.

nervous demeanor

Shifts the focus from facial expression to overall behavior, indicating nervousness.

concerned look

Emphasizes concern and care, a milder form of anxiety.

fretful face

Highlights the face as displaying fretfulness, similar to anxiousness.

apprehensive visage

Uses more formal language to describe an apprehensive facial appearance.

uneasy countenance

Emphasizes a lack of ease in the face, suggesting discomfort or worry.

perturbed features

Focuses on how facial features are disturbed or unsettled.

agitated appearance

Suggests visible agitation, a more intense form of anxiety.

disquieted air

Shifts from the face to the overall impression of disquiet.

troubled aspect

Highlights the presence of trouble or worry in someone's appearance.

FAQs

How can I describe an "anxious expression" in more detail?

You can specify which facial features contribute to the "anxious expression", such as furrowed brows, widened eyes, or a tense mouth. Describing these details provides a more vivid picture of the person's emotional state.

What's the difference between a "worried look" and an "anxious expression"?

While similar, a "worried look" might imply general concern, whereas an "anxious expression" suggests a higher level of unease or agitation. The phrase "worried look" is a slightly milder version.

Can "anxious expression" be used to describe animals?

Yes, it can. While primarily used for humans, "anxious expression" can also describe the facial appearance of animals displaying signs of stress or fear. You can also use the similar sentence "anxious facial expression".

What are some situations where someone might have an "anxious expression"?

Someone might have an "anxious expression" before a big test, during a job interview, when facing a difficult decision, or when waiting for important news.