cautious face

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cautious face" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone's facial expression that conveys carefulness or wariness in a particular situation. Example: "She approached the negotiation table with a cautious face, aware of the potential risks involved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

And it is wrenching to see how his cautious face nearly cracks when he is driven to say out loud (but out of anyone's hearing), "I love you".

The New York Times

The attack and sweep shown by Davalois Fearon and Jaqlin Medlock are especially fine, while Joshua Tuason, with his strikingly long, full legs and handsome but cautious face, emerges as the company's most gifted if least mature artist.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Still, consumers are cautious, facing high unemployment, tight credit and a slumping housing market.

The New York Times

In Humboldt's Gift, the lawyers' faces are like the faces of the politicians and gangsters who run the city: "impenetrable massive cautious faces, the faces of conservative men who will not, unless you have a proper claim to it, give you the time of day".

The Guardian - Books

But Agustien would be cautious facing Tottenham's in-form Wales left-winger Gareth Bale at The Liberty Stadium.

BBC

She is a physicist by training, methodical to a fault and ultra-cautious; faced with conflicting advice, her instinct is always to put off a decision.

The Economist

But it makes sense: If you feel as if you have been emotionally, professionally and politically run over by a tank for the last, say, eight years, then the well-selected, fun merchandise and carbonated energy of Fred Flare will bring a smile on your cautious, crabby face.

The New York Times

There is the matter of Mr. Kean's cautious style: faced with even the softest of softball questions lobbed his way, too often the senator's default reaction is to send himself diving for the dirt.

The New York Times

It is possible the participant or the NRP would be more cautious when facing a sex partner who is more or less sexually experienced.

BioMed Research International

"We must be cautious, because we face a tough opponent on Wednesday".

The New York Times - Sports

Sometimes, negative emotions (like fear) drive us to defensively collect resources and be more cautious in the face of possible threats.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cautious face", ensure the context provides a clear reason for the character's caution, enriching the narrative with subtle emotional cues.

Common error

Avoid using "cautious face" repetitively; instead, vary your descriptions by focusing on specific facial features or related expressions like a "wary expression" or "guarded look" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cautious face" functions as a descriptive adjective modifying the noun "face". It's used to characterize someone's facial expression, indicating a state of wariness or careful consideration as exemplified by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

11%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cautious face" describes a facial expression indicating wariness or careful consideration. While grammatically correct and understandable, it's a relatively rare expression, according to Ludwig. As Ludwig AI points out, it's primarily found in news and media contexts. Alternatives like "wary expression" or "guarded look" may offer more common or nuanced ways to express a similar sentiment. When using "cautious face", consider the specific reason for the caution to enrich the narrative.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wary expression

Focuses on the outward display of caution through one's facial features.

guarded look

Implies a protective or defensive stance reflected in one's eyes or general expression.

apprehensive gaze

Highlights the anxiety or unease conveyed through one's line of sight.

circumspect countenance

Refers to a thoughtful and prudent demeanor evident in one's facial appearance.

hesitant visage

Emphasizes the reluctance or uncertainty reflected in one's overall facial presentation.

suspicious demeanor

Shifts the focus to the general behavior, implying distrust visible in the face.

careful expression

Emphasizes the thoughtfulness and deliberation shown on someone's face.

reserved countenance

Highlights the restrained and controlled nature of someone's facial appearance.

anxious look

Focuses on the nervousness and worry displayed through one's facial features.

guarded demeanor

Indicates a cautious or secretive overall impression conveyed through facial expressions and body language.

FAQs

What does "cautious face" mean?

A "cautious face" describes a facial expression that indicates wariness, carefulness, or hesitation, often in response to a potentially risky or uncertain situation.

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

You might say, "She approached the negotiation table with a "cautious face", aware of the potential pitfalls" or "He wore a "cautious face" as he considered the offer, weighing the risks and rewards".

What are some alternatives to "cautious face"?

You can use alternatives like "wary expression", "guarded look", or "apprehensive gaze" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "cautious face" or "cautious expression"?

Both "cautious face" and "cautious expression" are acceptable, but "cautious expression" might be slightly more common and versatile, while "cautious face" directly emphasizes the facial aspect.