blank face

USAGE SUMMARY

"blank face" can be used in written English.
It is a phrase used to describe the expression someone has when they are feeling no emotion. For example, "The judge gave the defendant a blank face as he read the sentence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Talk of Britishness draws a blank face.

Independent

He just was kind of — a blank face".

The New York Times - Sports

She finally turned her gaze to meet my blank face.

The New York Times

The senior policeman came out, and I searched his blank face for clues.

The New Yorker

I'd say, "Hey, how are you doing?" and his blank face would just show no expression.

The Guardian

His wristwatch stopped with him: "a blank face halted at 2.20pm".

The Guardian - Books

"For the World Cup," the sports editor elucidated, seeing my somewhat blank face.

The Guardian - Sport

What is opposite the blank face of the fourth cube? 3. Which word, when unscrambled, does not match the others?

The New York Times

But, Ms. Glavin said, there are times when a prosecutor's blank face masks disgust for crocodile tears.

The New York Times

(The combination looks just enough like hair framing a blank face to suggest that what duocide did was erase features).

The New York Times - Arts

Wherever he'd go, and it was everywhere, guests would howl into the full moon of his blank face.

The New York Times - Style

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "blank face" to describe a neutral expression that lacks any discernible emotion. It's effective when you want to show a character's detachment, confusion, or intentional concealment of their feelings.

Common error

Avoid assuming that a "blank face" always indicates a lack of understanding or agreement. It can also signal deep thought, shock, or an attempt to control emotions. Context is crucial.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "blank face" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the object of a verb or the subject complement. It describes the appearance or expression on someone's face. Ludwig examples confirm its usage in various narrative and descriptive contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "blank face" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe a face devoid of emotion. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriate usage across diverse contexts, from news reports to literary descriptions. Its frequency is high, particularly in News & Media. While its meaning is generally straightforward, it's important to consider the context to accurately interpret the reasons behind the lack of expression. Related phrases like "expressionless face" or "deadpan expression" offer nuanced alternatives for conveying a similar idea.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

expressionless face

Replaces "blank" with "expressionless", highlighting the absence of emotion.

deadpan expression

Focuses on the lack of humor or emotion, implying a deliberate intention.

impassive countenance

More formal and emphasizes the calm and controlled nature of the face.

unreadable expression

Highlights the difficulty in discerning any emotion from the face.

vacant stare

Emphasizes the emptiness or lack of awareness in the gaze.

emotionless gaze

Focuses on the eyes and their lack of emotional expression.

poker face

Implies a deliberate attempt to conceal emotions, often in a competitive situation.

stone-faced

Suggests a rigid and unyielding lack of emotion.

wooden expression

Implies stiffness and artificiality in the lack of emotion.

inscrutable face

Highlights the difficulty of understanding the person's thoughts or feelings.

FAQs

How can I describe a more intense lack of emotion than a "blank face"?

For a more intense lack of emotion, consider using phrases like "stone-faced", "expressionless face", or "impassive countenance".

What does it mean when someone gives you a "blank face"?

A "blank face" typically means the person is showing no obvious emotion. It could indicate they are confused, disinterested, attempting to hide their feelings, or are simply deep in thought. The context is important for interpretation.

Is it rude to respond with a "blank face" in a conversation?

Whether it's rude depends on the situation and cultural norms. In some contexts, a "blank face" might be seen as disengaged or dismissive. In others, it might be a neutral or polite response, especially if the topic is sensitive or the person is trying to remain composed.

What are some situations where having a "blank face" might be advantageous?

Having a "blank face" can be advantageous in situations where you want to maintain composure, such as in negotiations, games of chance (like poker), or when receiving difficult news. It can prevent others from reading your emotions or intentions.