dark expression

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dark expression" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the physical face of a person when they are conveying a feeling of sadness, anger, or other negative emotion. For example, "She wore a dark expression when he told her the news."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

He could tell by her dark expression that his clothes were a poor fit for the occasion.

The New Yorker

The image lived with me for many years and found its full and dark expression in the long section I wrote that night in London.

The Guardian - Books

At one point, he turned to look behind him, a dark expression on his face, and the scene became mysterious, sexualized.

The New Yorker

He was the king of the primal howl during his many years with Swans, but since that group's demise Michael Gira has been exploring a wider range of dark expression.

The New York Times

The difference is that dark 82/CD4 larvae have slightly more zygotic dark expression compared to none in dark 1/1 and dark 2/2 larvae, because of hypomorphic nature of the dark CD4 allele.

Biology Open

In summary, the numbers of surviving vCrz-sib cells are inversely proportional to combined amounts of dark expression provided both zygotically and maternally, indicating that dark gene products from both origins act additively for PCD of EW3-sib cells.

Biology Open

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

The usually gregarious Rivera, who had 45 saves in 49 chances last season and held opponents to a.176 batting average, wore a dark blue suit and an even darker expression before the hearing.

The New York Times - Sports

German podiatric concerns also had a darker expression: Sander Gilman, a historian of medicine, has noted that, in anti-Semitic German-language literature of the fin de siècle, a flat, malformed foot was no less a caricature of the Jew than was a hooked nose.

The New Yorker

In some, he sheds his dark suit and dour expression for an open-collar shirt and a smile.

The New York Times

Perhaps the pent-up frustration felt by Japanese who have been battered by soaring bankruptcies and rising unemployment is now giving way to darker expressions of nationalism and insularity.In this section Will the army defend or defeat Indonesia's new democracy?

The Economist

His suits are dark, his expression glum and his sense of humour, although unexpectedly sharp, is deployed only sparingly.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dark expression" to vividly portray a character's inner turmoil or displeasure. The phrase is particularly effective in narrative writing to create atmosphere and reveal emotions without explicitly stating them.

Common error

Avoid using "dark expression" to describe superficial mood changes. The phrase implies a deeper, more profound negativity than a simple frown or moment of irritation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dark expression" functions as a descriptive element, typically modifying a subject (e.g., "He had a dark expression"). It vividly communicates the emotional state through physical appearance. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

41%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "dark expression" serves as a descriptive phrase, most frequently used in News & Media and Science contexts, to communicate negative emotions through facial appearance. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While not overly formal, it is most effective in narrative or descriptive writing where conveying subtle emotional cues is important. Alternatives like "gloomy look" or "grim countenance" may be considered for similar effect, but careful attention to connotative nuance is necessary. The phrase implies depth of emotion, going beyond simple displeasure.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gloomy look

Focuses on the overall appearance being sad or depressed.

grim countenance

Implies a stern and forbidding facial expression.

dour face

Suggests a sullen and unfriendly facial appearance.

forbidding aspect

Highlights the intimidating or unwelcoming nature of the expression.

unhappy visage

Emphasizes the sadness or displeasure visible in the face.

melancholy air

Describes a pervasive sadness or pensiveness in demeanor.

somber mien

Indicates a serious and grave facial expression.

brooding gaze

Focuses on the intense and troubled look in the eyes.

sullen glare

Implies an angry and resentful look.

oppressed spirit

Conveys an intense feeling of being burdened or weighed down.

FAQs

How can I describe a similar emotion to a "dark expression" with different words?

Consider using "gloomy look", "grim countenance", or "dour face" to convey similar negative emotions through facial expressions.

What kind of feeling does the phrase "dark expression" usually convey?

A "dark expression" typically suggests feelings of sadness, anger, disapproval, or general negativity. It implies a depth of emotion beyond simple displeasure.

In what type of writing is the phrase "dark expression" most suitable?

The phrase "dark expression" is well-suited for narrative writing, character descriptions, and situations where conveying subtle emotional cues is important. It's less common in formal or technical writing.

Is it appropriate to use "dark expression" in a positive context?

No, "dark expression" carries strong negative connotations. Using it in a positive context would be contradictory and confusing to the reader.