downcast expression

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "downcast expression" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone's facial expression that shows sadness, disappointment, or dejection. Example: "After hearing the bad news, she wore a downcast expression that reflected her sorrow."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"I've been here over an hour and a half," says an elderly woman with a downcast expression near the front of the queue.

The Economist

The eponymous hat frames the young woman's face with its downcast expression, but equally important is her hand and arm drawn sketchily to look as if she is waving vigorously at someone outside the drawing.

The New York Times

The obsession with smooth, youthful, unspoiled flesh has its inevitable offshoot in pictures of children, like William Stott's "Wild Flower," of a naked girl with a downcast expression on a white fur carpet, a few fallen rose petals beside her, intimating innocence lost.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Concern in Middle England has been mounting in recent days over the threat to the nation's youth posed by emo, a not-so-new fangled musical fashion that has spawned a loyal and growing tribe of followers, one instantly recognisable to even the most casual of observers for its shared attachment to skinny jeans, long black fringes and apparently permanently downcast expressions.

Independent

Her downcast face.

The New York Times

Scott's downcast face was telling after the game.

The New York Times - Sports

His eyes are downcast but expressive, shaded with anxiety or exhaustion.

The New York Times - Arts

Federer's eyes were downcast, his face glum.

The New York Times - Sports

The identity of the meek young woman in the blue dress, with the dreamy expression and downcast eyes was forgotten for more than half a century.

The Guardian - Arts

In images released by the federal attorney general's office, Pineda is seen in a red sweater with eyes downcast and a blank expression, as masked police in Mexico City move her to a small aircraft.

Vice

In moments where they were away from the action, their baseline expressions were downcast.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "downcast expression" when you want to specifically describe someone's facial expression that conveys sadness, disappointment, or dejection. It's more specific than simply saying someone is "sad".

Common error

Avoid using "downcast expression" when a neutral or slightly disappointed expression is more appropriate. Reserve it for situations where genuine sadness or dejection is evident.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "downcast expression" functions as a descriptive noun phrase. It's used to modify a subject, specifying their emotional state through their facial appearance. The use of this phrase can provide more depth and emotional color to a narrative, which Ludwig AI corroborates.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Arts

15%

Books

10%

Less common in

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "downcast expression" is a grammatically sound and understandable way to convey sadness, disappointment, or dejection through facial cues. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and correctness in written English. While considered uncommon in frequency, it is widely used and accepted in journalistic and literary contexts. When using this phrase, be mindful of the intensity of emotion you wish to portray, and consider alternatives like "dejected look" or "dismal expression" for different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dismal expression

Replaces "downcast" with a similar adjective, highlighting the dreariness.

dejected look

Replaces "expression" with a synonym, focusing on the visual aspect of dejection.

crestfallen appearance

Highlights the disappointment and loss of spirit in one's look.

sad countenance

Uses more formal vocabulary to describe a sad facial appearance.

dispirited visage

Emphasizes a lack of enthusiasm or energy in the face.

somber mien

Replaces expression with a more formal term indicating a grave or serious demeanor.

melancholy air

Shifts from a specific facial expression to an overall atmosphere of sadness.

oppressed look

Conveys a sense of being weighed down by sadness or hardship.

gloomy aspect

Focuses on the overall dark and pessimistic impression conveyed.

depressed demeanor

Broadens the scope from facial expression to overall behavior.

FAQs

How can I use "downcast expression" in a sentence?

You can use "downcast expression" to describe someone's facial expression that conveys sadness or disappointment. For example, "After failing the exam, he had a "downcast expression"".

What's the difference between "downcast expression" and "sad expression"?

"Downcast expression" specifically implies a lowering of the eyes or face, indicating dejection or shame, while "sad expression" is a more general term for conveying sorrow.

What are some alternatives to "downcast expression"?

Alternatives include "dejected look", "melancholy air", or "dismal expression", depending on the nuance you want to convey. See a full list in the related phrases section.

Is "downcast expression" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "downcast expression" is suitable for formal writing as it is grammatically correct and widely used in news and media sources.