curious face

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "curious face" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone's facial expression that shows interest or inquisitiveness. Example: "When she heard the strange noise, she turned around with a curious face, eager to find out what it was."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Though the official emblem of the story is the family's hunting dog, Sounder, Kevin Hooks's open, curious face embodied one of the movie's themes: education as the hope for African-American families mired in poverty and racial oppression.

The New York Times

As he opened the ladder near the curtain where the bat clung, I grabbed his rolled-up sleeve and said to him in a low voice, "Please don't kill it!" He looked at me — he was no taller than I was — and I realized what a curious face he had, with a pointed chin and slanted high cheekbones like a cat, and something of a cat's complacency in the set of his jaw.

The New Yorker

As he opened the ladder near the curtain where the bat clung, I grabbed his rolled-up sleeve and said to him in a low voice, "Please don't kill it!" He looked at me he was no taller than I was—and I realized what a curious face he had, with a pointed chin and slanted high cheekbones like a cat, and something of a cat's complacency in the set of his jaw.

The New Yorker

His concerned and curious face is something like paternal.

Vice

Everyone touched by a foreign visitor has the chance to see an alternative, to take measure of a friendly, curious face, and to question the status quo.

Huffington Post

We see the lemur's curious face peering out from the forest, and we can wonder at the physiological adaptations that enable it to survive and flourish in this particular ecosystem.

BMC Ecology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Outside, determined buyers and the curious faced two-hour waits just to enter the building.

The New York Times

I hope we see their smiling curious faces on our TV screens.

The Guardian - Opinion

Later, I sneaked into the woods for a private moment, only to discover curious faces inches from my backside.

The New York Times - Travel

There was a small crowd there, made up mostly of teen-age girls and a few boys with curious faces.

The New Yorker

With their babies strapped to their backs and the elder children held by the hand, the women watch and listen, curious faces peering through the crowd.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "curious face" to vividly portray a character's inquisitiveness or interest in a situation. It adds a subtle layer of emotional depth to your writing.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "curious face" as a descriptor. Vary your language by using synonyms or elaborating on the specific emotion conveyed through the character's expression.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "curious face" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "curious" modifies the noun "face". It describes a facial expression that indicates interest or inquisitiveness. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

17%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "curious face" is a grammatically sound and acceptably common phrase used to describe a facial expression indicating interest or inquisitiveness. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While suitable for various contexts, including news and media, it's advisable to vary your language and consider synonyms like "inquiring face" or "interested expression" to avoid repetition. The phrase primarily serves to describe appearance and convey a character's emotional state, holding a neutral formality register. Be mindful of potential subtle connotations such as nosiness, adjusting your word choice accordingly.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inquiring face

Replaces "curious" with "inquiring", emphasizing the act of seeking information.

interested expression

Shifts from describing a feature to describing a displayed emotion.

intrigued look

Focuses on the appearance of being fascinated or deeply interested.

puzzled countenance

Uses more formal vocabulary to suggest confusion or uncertainty alongside curiosity.

thoughtful gaze

Implies a deeper level of contemplation and interest, moving beyond simple curiosity.

searching eyes

Highlights the active seeking of information through visual observation.

attentive look

Emphasizes paying close attention, rather than active curiosity.

open expression

Suggests receptiveness and a willingness to learn or understand.

wondering face

Focuses on the aspect of being in a state of wonderment or surprise.

fascinated visage

Highlights the aspect of being captivated or greatly interested.

FAQs

How can I describe a facial expression showing interest?

Besides "curious face", you might use "inquiring face", "interested expression", or "intrigued look", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "curious face" in formal writing?

While "curious face" is generally acceptable, in very formal contexts, consider alternatives like "thoughtful gaze" or "puzzled countenance" for a more sophisticated tone.

What does a "curious face" typically imply?

A "curious face" suggests that someone is interested in learning more about something, often implying a sense of wonder or intrigue.

Are there any negative connotations associated with describing someone as having a "curious face"?

Generally, no. However, depending on the context, it could subtly suggest nosiness or intrusiveness. Alternatives like "attentive look" might be more appropriate in such cases.