broken face

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "broken face" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are describing a physical injury or damage to someone's face, or metaphorically to describe emotional distress. Example: "After the accident, he had a broken face that required extensive surgery to repair."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

I don't remember anymore the details of these thoughts, only that they were distorted, swollen, blurred: broken face, broken voice, broken body left dying on the floor, watching me go with dimming, despairing eyes.

The New Yorker

In this mature phase of his career – he is 31 – Lee is a fusion of the old and the new, his broken face telling of the heavy spars at the Kronk, his considered southpaw choreography under Booth reflecting a lethal stealth.

Independent

The knot that threatened to surface at any moment and expose a hot river of tears that would spill down my defeated and broken face.

Huffington Post

As I like to say, out with the old (goodbye broken face powders and super dark lipsticks) and in with the new and boutique...and may that something new make me look a little younger, add some glow to my skin and smell like spring in a bottle!

Huffington Post

Like Come On Pilgrim, Surfer Rosa displays a mix of musical styles; pop guitar songs such as "Broken Face", "Break My Body", and "Brick Is Red" are featured alongside slower, more melodic tracks exemplified by "Where Is My Mind?".

Wikipedia

Surfer Rosa's lyrical content includes examinations of mutilation and incest in "Break My Body" and "Broken Face", while references to superheroes appear on "Tony's Theme".

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

On Wednesday, Human Rights Watch put names to some of these broken faces.

Huffington Post

Each and every time I went to the City of Hope, I wanted to see those broken faces with smiles before I left.

Huffington Post

Throughout his talk, no one ever broke face, or mentioned the fact that this lunar landing did not actually take place on the moon.

The New Yorker

Pupils returning to school in England and Wales next week after the summer break face some of the biggest education reforms in 20 years, headteachers have warned.

The Guardian

She was never broken and faced only three break points.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "broken face", consider the context to ensure it accurately conveys the intended meaning, whether it's a physical injury, emotional distress, or a design element.

Common error

Avoid using "broken face" in contexts where the damage is minor or superficial; reserve it for significant injuries or deeply felt emotional states to maintain impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "broken face" typically functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "broken" modifies the noun "face". It describes a state of physical damage or, metaphorically, a state of emotional distress reflected in one's appearance, as shown by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "broken face" is a common expression used both literally to describe physical injuries and metaphorically to convey emotional distress. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. The phrase appears frequently in news and media, as well as in wikis and scientific contexts. While its register varies from neutral to informal depending on the context, it's crucial to consider the graphic nature of the phrase and choose alternative expressions such as "injured face" or "damaged face" if a less intense description is required. Understanding its varied usage helps writers employ it effectively and appropriately in their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fractured face

Replaces "broken" with a synonym, focusing on the physical damage.

injured face

A more general term indicating harm to the face.

damaged face

Similar to "injured face", but can also imply non-physical damage.

bruised face

Specifies the type of injury to the face.

disfigured face

Emphasizes the altered appearance of the face.

shattered face

Implies a more severe and extensive injury.

traumatized face

Focuses on the emotional impact reflected in the facial expression.

crestfallen expression

Shifts the focus from physical damage to emotional dejection.

devastated look

Emphasizes the overwhelming emotional distress.

crushed visage

A more literary and intense way of describing emotional defeat.

FAQs

How can I describe a facial injury instead of saying "broken face"?

Consider using alternatives like "injured face", "fractured face", or "damaged face" depending on the severity and nature of the injury.

When is it appropriate to use "broken face" metaphorically?

Use "broken face" metaphorically to describe a look of extreme sadness, disappointment, or defeat, implying a significant emotional impact on someone's appearance.

Is "broken face" too graphic for general use?

Depending on your audience and the context, "broken face" can be quite graphic. Consider less intense alternatives like "bruised face" or "injured face" if you need to tone down the imagery.

What's the difference between "broken face" and "battered face"?

"Broken face" implies a fracture or significant damage to the facial bones, while "battered face" suggests repeated blows or trauma causing bruises, swelling, and other soft tissue injuries. The former is more specific to bone damage.