expression

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "expression" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the way in which a person conveys their feelings, thoughts, or ideas. For example: "Her facial expression revealed that she was feeling very frustrated."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

On World Press Freedom Day, 116 days after the attack at the office of the satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo that left 11 dead and 12 wounded, we, the undersigned, reaffirm our commitment to defending the right to freedom of expression, even when that right is being used to express views that we and others may find difficult, or even offensive.

The Guardian

Beyond anecdote, we know very little about what kind and quantity of information is being delisted from search results, what sources are being delisted and on what scale, what kinds of requests fail and in what proportion, and what are Google's guidelines in striking the balance between individual privacy and freedom of expression interests.

The Guardian - Tech

In response, Karimov launched a far-reaching crackdown on all forms of religious expression not expressly sanctioned by the state.

The Guardian

Japan's claim to commercial whaling as a cultural expression is surely a shaky one, since it only began large-scale whaling in the 20th century – but it was taught to them by European whalers.

The Guardian - Opinion

Selfridges recently announced that it was getting rid of gendered floors and would just have three floors of fashion merchandised together so that customers could shop according to an expression of "self".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Cole, for example, calls himself "a free speech fundamentalist", and Eisenberg believes "freedom of expression must be indivisible".

The Guardian - Books

Now, as the November deadline draws ever nearer, Khamenei's website has published an expression of thanks to the leader from deputy foreign minister Abbas Araghchi, for his "effective and heartwarming" support, and a Twitter account associated with the leader has expressed support for "innovative diplomacy in foreign policy and international affairs".

The Guardian

One small problem: she only has one expression.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Amnesty International alleges that its communications have been intercepted illegally in breach of its rights to privacy and freedom of expression.

The Guardian

Last April the foreign secretary, William Hague, called for Syria to "respect basic and universal human rights to freedoms of expression and assembly".

The Guardian - Opinion

Unfortunately for Allen and everybody else, her music video seems unable to stand in and of itself, representing only her opinions, but is instead being seen as some kind of expression of all feminism – and by extension all women.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In technical contexts, be precise about what kind of "expression" you're referring to, such as a mathematical expression, a gene expression or a facial expression.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "expression" when describing subtle emotional cues. Instead of stating "Her expression was sad", try specifying the exact emotion or physical manifestation, for example, "Her eyes were downcast, and her voice trembled."

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "expression" is typically as a noun, referring to the act of expressing something or the result of that act. As Ludwig AI highlights, it aligns with standard grammar rules and can denote various forms, such as facial, verbal, or mathematical "expression".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "expression" is a versatile and commonly used noun, denoting the act of conveying thoughts, feelings, or ideas. As Ludwig AI confirms, it follows standard grammar rules and is widely accepted in written English. It is particularly prevalent in news and media contexts. While "expression" is generally neutral in tone, its specific nuance can be enhanced by considering related phrases like "articulation" or "manifestation". To avoid overuse, consider more descriptive alternatives that specify the exact emotion or action being conveyed. By varying word choice and being attentive to context, writers can effectively harness the power of "expression" in their communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

articulation

Focuses on the act of clearly and effectively putting thoughts into words.

manifestation

Emphasizes the outward or tangible display of an internal state or idea.

verbalization

Specifically refers to the act of expressing something through speech or writing.

declaration

Suggests a formal or emphatic statement of something.

portrayal

Highlights the way something is represented or depicted, often in art or media.

communication

Refers broadly to the exchange of information or ideas.

utterance

Highlights a specific instance of speaking or making a sound.

formulation

Focuses on the precise way something is expressed or presented.

rendering

Suggests a particular interpretation or performance of something.

delivery

Emphasizes the manner in which something is conveyed or presented.

FAQs

How can I use "expression" in a sentence?

You can use "expression" to describe a way of conveying feelings or thoughts. For example, "His facial expression showed surprise" or "Freedom of expression is a fundamental right".

What are some alternatives to the word "expression"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "articulation", "manifestation", or "verbalization".

What is the difference between "expression" and "statement"?

"Expression" generally refers to conveying thoughts or feelings, while "statement" implies a formal declaration or announcement. Thus you can replace the phrase "freedom of expression" with the phrase "right to make a statement".

Is "expression" formal or informal language?

"Expression" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It's appropriate for academic papers, news articles, and casual conversations.