distinctive face

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'distinctive face' is correct and can be used in written English.
You might use it to describe an individual's facial features that make them stand out, like an actor's defining moles or wrinkles. Example: He had a distinctive face, with two moles above his lip.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

"I have a distinctive face, but then it's also a flexible face, a rubber face".

The New York Times

They have the same long, distinctive face, although one brother has a better chin.

The Guardian

Beautiful and dark-skinned, Zuleika is a doubly distinctive face in the crowd.

The New York Times - Books

Its unusual trapezoidal headlamps gave it a distinctive face that influenced the Peugeot look for the next 30 years.

Independent

In his autobiography, A Spectacle of Dust, he cheerfully recalls various attempts to describe his distinctive face.

The Guardian - Film

Ms. Jencks said she was initially reluctant to do another public sculpture but was attracted to the idea of tackling Copland because of his distinctive face.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

— James Wood When I think of my three children it is not only their distinctive faces that appear before me but also the quite distinct feeling they radiate.

The New Yorker

Their distinctive faces reveal some of the characteristic acromegalic changes: Their brows are prominent, and they have wide, square chins and large noses.

The New York Times

Despite their various body types and distinctive faces, the performers gradually come to seem undifferentiated, alike in their sometimes overly cute or coy playfulness.

The New York Times

Mr. Twist painstakingly constructed his new characters out of wire, foam, wood, flexible tubing hoses and hinges, using felt to create their distinctive faces.

The New York Times - Arts

The five female performer-choreographers of Yummy, founded in 1999 and based in Matsuyama, Japan, have wonderfully distinctive faces and bodies, and each looked capable of breaking into total anarchy at any moment.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing characters in fiction, use "distinctive face" to quickly establish a memorable visual impression for the reader.

Common error

Avoid pairing "distinctive face" with overused descriptions like "a face you never forget" or "a face that tells a story". Opt for specific details instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "distinctive face" functions as a noun phrase, where "distinctive" modifies the noun "face". Ludwig AI validates its appropriate use in descriptive contexts, highlighting individuals or features that are easily recognized or remembered.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "distinctive face" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase, as validated by Ludwig AI. It functions as a noun phrase emphasizing the unique or easily recognizable features of a person's face. Predominantly found in News & Media sources, it maintains a neutral register suitable for various contexts. When employing the phrase, ensure to avoid clichés and opt for specific details to enhance descriptiveness. Related terms include "unique facial features" and "memorable countenance", all contributing to vividly portraying a subject's appearance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unique facial features

Focuses on the uniqueness of facial characteristics.

memorable countenance

Emphasizes the memorability of the face.

recognizable visage

Highlights the ease of recognition.

notable facial appearance

Stresses the noteworthiness of the face.

characteristic facial features

Focuses on the typical or defining aspects of the face.

singular facial aspect

Highlights the unique and individual nature of the face.

individual facial traits

Emphasizes the unique characteristics of the face.

remarkable facial features

Stresses the striking or attention-grabbing nature of the face.

uncommon facial attributes

Highlights the unusual or rare qualities of the face.

identifiable facial mark

Focuses on a specific, easily recognizable feature.

FAQs

How can I use the phrase "distinctive face" in a sentence?

You can use "distinctive face" to describe someone whose facial features are easily recognizable or stand out in some way. For example, "The actor's success was partly due to his "distinctive face", which made him perfect for character roles."

What are some synonyms for "distinctive face"?

Alternatives to "distinctive face" include "unique facial features", "memorable countenance", or "recognizable visage". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "distinct face" or "distinctive face"?

"Distinctive face" is the more commonly used and generally preferred phrasing. While "distinct face" isn't incorrect, it lacks the emphasis on unique recognition that "distinctive face" provides.

What's the difference between "distinctive face" and "characteristic face"?

A "characteristic face" refers to features typical of a certain group or condition, while a "distinctive face" refers to features that make an individual stand out. Therefore, "characteristic face" points to representative trait. "Distinctive face" points to unique trait.