cruel face

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cruel face" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone's facial expression that conveys harshness or unkindness. Example: "The villain in the story had a cruel face that sent shivers down the spines of those who crossed his path."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

And it certainly does not complete an image, made much of by the dowager early along, that vultures swooping down upon young turtles and devouring them reveal the cruel "face of God".Mr.Mr

The New York Times

Just the cruel face of a volleyball staring back at him with eyes that constantly admit what we all know to be true but rarely say out loud: that we all die alone.

The New York Times - Health

Dogtown is a refuge from a world which presents a cruel face to the vulnerable and unprotected; and its decline represents a series of small tragedies, set off by the characters' own history.

The Guardian - Books

And while the raucous and cruel face of Anzac expresses the sins no society has been able to stamp out entirely, and perhaps never will, its solemn face will always remain the same: that of the war memorials' "pallid delicate fawn-coloured soldier, standing forever, stiff and pathetic".

The Guardian

A man with a cruel face squares up to me.

BBC

Here's Franco's gloss on this: "It came out of his cruel face like a rocky stream".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Occasionally they turn their faces up towards us, their hard, cruel faces, to laugh or sneer, but they never beckon.

The New Yorker

Their squawking, cruel faces and white-streaked bombing runs had me devising a deadly version of the seaside amusement arcade's shooting gallery.

The Guardian - Travel

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Vice

To the Palestinians Sharon represented the cold, cruel, militaristic face of the Zionist occupation.

The Guardian - Opinion

We must strengthen their efforts by ensuring that those who forcibly subject girls and women to this cruel practice face the full force of the law".

Unicef

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character's disposition or intentions, use "cruel face" to immediately convey a sense of menace or lack of empathy. For example, "The guard's cruel face warned the prisoners not to step out of line."

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "cruel face" to define a character's personality. Instead, show their cruelty through actions and dialogue to create a more nuanced and believable portrayal. A character described as having a "cruel face" is only a starting point, not a complete description.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cruel face" functions primarily as a descriptive adjective modifying a noun. As Ludwig AI confirms, it serves to depict a facial expression or appearance that is harsh, unkind, or malevolent. Examples show its use in describing characters, situations, and even abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cruel face" is a grammatically correct and usable expression in English, typically functioning as a descriptive adjective modifying a noun. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage. While not overly frequent, the phrase effectively conveys a sense of harshness, unkindness, or malevolence. It's commonly found in news and media contexts, as well as in wikis. When employing "cruel face" in writing, it is best to use it to highlight the lack of empathy or negative intentions. However, it should be integrated within a nuanced description. Semantically related options are "harsh visage" and "unkind expression".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

harsh visage

Emphasizes the visual aspect of harshness or severity in the face.

unkind expression

Focuses on the lack of kindness conveyed by the facial expression.

callous countenance

Highlights the cold and unfeeling nature reflected in the face.

heartless look

Implies a lack of empathy or compassion in the facial expression.

severe features

Describes the facial features themselves as being stern and unforgiving.

stern gaze

Focuses on the intensity and strictness conveyed by the eyes.

grim expression

Highlights the somber and forbidding nature of the facial expression.

mean-spirited features

Emphasizes the petty and malicious nature reflected in the facial appearance.

vicious look

Suggests an aggressive and malevolent intention conveyed by the facial expression.

cold stare

Implies a lack of warmth or emotion in the way someone is looking.

FAQs

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

You can use "cruel face" to describe someone's expression or appearance that conveys harshness or unkindness. For example, "The villain's "cruel face" sent shivers down the spines of those who crossed his path."

What are some alternatives to "cruel face"?

You can use alternatives like "harsh visage", "unkind expression", or "callous countenance" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Each of these alternatives emphasizes a slightly different aspect of a harsh or unkind appearance.

Is it redundant to say "very cruel face"?

While not grammatically incorrect, using "very" before "cruel face" can be seen as redundant. "Cruel" already implies a high degree of harshness. Consider using a stronger adjective or modifying the noun instead, such as "exceptionally "cruel face"" or "a mask of cruelty".

What does it mean when someone has a ""cruel face"" in literature?

In literature, a ""cruel face"" often serves as a symbolic representation of a character's inner nature, indicating malice, lack of empathy, or a generally unpleasant disposition. It can also foreshadow the character's actions and role in the story.