clean shaven

USAGE SUMMARY

"clean shaven" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone who has recently shaved their facial hair (e.g. beard, mustache), so they appear smooth-faced and clean. Example: The security guard at the mall was a clean-shaven young man.

✓ Grammatically correct

Describing personal appearance

Workplace dress code

Character portrayal in media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

Clean shaven.

The New Yorker

(Ged is clean shaven).

The New York Times

His face is clean shaven.

The New York Times - Sports

'Clean shaven and hair braided.'" 1883.

Princeton University

They should all be clean shaven".

Independent

When we married, I was clean shaven.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

Ted is clean-shaven.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Show up clean-shaven.

The New York Times

Men were generally clean-shaven.

Encyclopedia Britannica

About every third day, he's clean-shaven.

The New Yorker

He was a tall, clean-shaven Arab.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing characters or individuals, consider "clean shaven" as an efficient way to communicate a specific aspect of their appearance quickly and effectively.

Common error

While "clean shaven" is a useful descriptor, avoid using it repetitively in your writing. Vary your descriptions by using alternatives like "smooth-faced" or "freshly shaved" to maintain reader interest.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clean shaven" functions primarily as an adjective phrase modifying a noun (usually a person). It describes the state of having no beard or mustache due to recent shaving. As Ludwig indicates, this phrase is widely recognized and accepted in standard English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Wiki

21%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Academia

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "clean shaven" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe someone who has recently shaved off their facial hair. As Ludwig confirms, it is widely accepted in standard English. Its primary function is to describe a physical appearance, conveying neatness. It maintains a neutral tone, suitable for various contexts, though more frequent in News & Media. When writing, remember to vary your descriptions using synonyms like "smooth-faced" or "freshly shaved" to avoid repetition. Examples of this expression can be found in various online sources such as The New York Times, The Guardian or even WikiHow.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

freshly shaved

Emphasizes the recent action of shaving, highlighting the current state.

smooth-faced

Focuses on the texture and appearance of the skin after shaving.

shaved

A shorter, more direct way of saying someone has shaved.

without a beard

Specifies the absence of a beard, implying a clean-shaven look.

beardless

A succinct adjective indicating the lack of a beard.

razor smooth

Highlights the smoothness achieved through shaving.

baby-faced

Suggests a youthful appearance due to the absence of facial hair.

newly shorn

Emphasizes the newness of the shaved state.

barefaced

Focuses on the lack of any facial covering, including hair.

devoid of facial hair

A formal way to state the absence of facial hair.

FAQs

How do I use "clean shaven" in a sentence?

You can use "clean shaven" to describe someone's appearance, such as: "The actor looked "clean shaven" for his new role."

What's the difference between "clean shaven" and "shaved"?

"Shaved" simply indicates that someone has removed hair, while ""clean shaven"" implies a smooth, hairless face, specifically referring to the removal of facial hair.

Are there contexts where "clean shaven" is expected?

Yes, certain professions or organizations may require members to be "clean shaven" as part of their dress code.

What are some alternative ways to describe a "clean shaven" look?

You could use phrases like "smooth-faced", "freshly shaved", or simply "without a beard".