earnest face

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "earnest face" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone whose facial expression conveys sincerity, seriousness, or deep thought. Example: "She approached the podium with an earnest face, ready to deliver her speech on climate change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

You look down into that earnest face.

The New York Times

What connections couldn't accomplish, an earnest face did.

The New York Times

She had clearly thought about this; she delivered it with an earnest face.

Yale University

"He had such an earnest face, so I read on," she recalled.

The New York Times

"This is it, then," he said, an ample grin splitting an earnest face.

The Guardian

"I read it over and over, studying every word," he said, his wavy golden-brown hair framing an earnest face.

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

It's an earnest, sincere face, like a child's, which helps take the sting out of his more juvenile jokes and songs (see Dick In A Box and Jizz In my Pants).

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I suspect Bill is compelled by the potentiality of all teen-agers, or those with particularly eager, earnest faces.

The New Yorker

The earnest faces of the politicians, of bankers and tycoons almost crying, give us the final touch of the surreal.

The New York Times

One might have observed McConaughey's "journey" over recent years from billowing shirt rom-com knicker-loosener through to very serious revered Oscar-nominated puller of earnest faces.

Independent

Then the earnest faces of singers engaged in a startling unanimity of purpose come into focus on dozens of small screens.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "earnest face" when you want to convey sincerity and seriousness in someone's expression, making sure it fits the overall tone of your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "earnest face" excessively in dialogue descriptions. Instead, vary your descriptions with other facial expressions or emotional cues to create more dynamic and engaging characters.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "earnest face" functions primarily as a descriptive element. It's used as an adjective phrase modifying a noun, typically a person, to convey their emotional state or demeanor. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Academia

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "earnest face" is a descriptive term used to convey sincerity, seriousness, and deep thought. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It functions as an adjective phrase and finds frequent use in news, media, and academic writing. While adaptable to various contexts, it leans towards a neutral to slightly formal register. For alternative expressions, consider "sincere expression" or "serious countenance", depending on the specific nuance intended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

earnest gaze

Highlights the sincerity conveyed through the eyes.

sincere expression

Focuses on the genuineness of the facial expression.

serious countenance

Emphasizes the gravity and thoughtfulness of the face.

thoughtful gaze

Highlights the depth of consideration reflected in the eyes.

solemn look

Conveys a sense of seriousness and gravity in the facial expression.

attentive visage

Suggests focused listening and engagement through facial cues.

grave expression

Highlights the serious and somber nature of the facial expression.

intense expression

Focuses on the strong and concentrated nature of the facial expression.

determined look

Emphasizes the firmness and resolve conveyed by the face.

honest demeanor

Shifts focus from the face to the overall impression of sincerity.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "earnest face" in a sentence?

Use "earnest face" to describe a character whose expression conveys sincerity, seriousness, or deep thought. For example, "She approached the podium with an "earnest face", ready to deliver her speech."

What are some alternatives to using "earnest face" in my writing?

You can use alternatives like "sincere expression", "serious countenance", or "thoughtful gaze" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "earnest face" is appropriate for formal writing when describing a character's expression. However, ensure it aligns with the overall tone of the piece and isn't overly descriptive. Consider the other alternatives if ""earnest face"" seems too informal.

What does it mean when someone is described as having an "earnest face"?

An "earnest face" typically indicates that the person is sincere, serious, and possibly deeply thoughtful. It suggests they are genuine and committed to what they are doing or saying.