expression grew

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "expression grew" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the development or increase of a particular feeling, idea, or sentiment over time. Example: "As the discussion progressed, the expression grew more intense, reflecting the participants' deepening emotions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Her expression grew peaceful.

The New York Times

Once uptown, her expression grew a bit worried.

The New York Times - Style

He looked at me, and his expression grew perplexed.

The New Yorker

The group discussed several other ideas before Lerfel's expression grew serious.

The New Yorker

She must have had a look about her, because his expression grew more guarded.

The New Yorker

But his expression grew sullen as he watched an American soldier talking to British army personnel.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

The squared term in the expression grows fast when the SINR in the even slot increases and exceeds that in the odd slot.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

His expression grows even more hangdog than it was before.

Vice

I don't want to…." His voice trails off and his expression grows more intense.

Vice

"The Russian authorities' stranglehold on freedom of expression grows tighter by the day," Denis Krivosheev, the group's deputy director for Europe and Central Asia, said in a statement.

Huffington Post

For RT-qPCR the Ct of each replicate was used in an unpaired t test between samples obtained from bacteria grown to enhance CLC (grown on Glc-CDMA at 32°C), or minimize CLC expression (grown in BHIC broth at 37°C).

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character's emotional state in writing, use "expression grew" to show a gradual development or intensification of their feelings, enhancing the narrative's emotional depth.

Common error

Avoid using "expression grew" when describing sudden, abrupt changes in facial expression. It's more suitable for gradual shifts; for sudden changes, consider "expression flashed" or "expression changed instantly".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "expression grew" functions as a verb phrase, where "expression" acts as the subject and "grew" serves as the main verb indicating a process of development or change. As stated by Ludwig AI, the usage of the phrase is correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "expression grew" is a grammatically correct and functional phrase that describes the gradual development of a facial expression, often reflecting an internal emotional or mental state. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is perfectly valid and usable in written English. While not overly common, it appears in various contexts, including News & Media and scientific writing, suggesting a neutral to formal register. When using the phrase, ensure it accurately reflects a gradual change rather than a sudden shift. For expressing a sudden change, consider alternative phrases such as "expression flashed" or "expression changed instantly". By understanding the subtle nuances of "expression grew", writers can effectively convey emotional depth and character development in their work.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

expression intensified

Similar to "look intensified" but can refer to any kind of expression, not just facial.

look intensified

Highlights an increase in the strength or focus of the gaze or expression.

face changed

Focuses on the physical aspect of the face altering, rather than the emotion behind it.

face developed

Implies a process of change in the facial expression over time.

countenance shifted

More formal and emphasizes a subtle or gradual alteration in appearance.

features hardened

Focuses on a specific change towards a sterner or more unyielding expression.

demeanor evolved

Refers to a broader change in behavior or attitude, not just facial expression.

appearance altered

Broader than just expression; it involves the overall look of a person.

mien deepened

Emphasizes a change in overall bearing or manner, suggesting a more profound shift.

air transformed

Suggests a complete change in the overall atmosphere or impression given off by the person.

FAQs

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

You can use "expression grew" to describe a gradual change in someone's facial expression, like: "As he listened to the story, his "expression grew" more serious."

What's a more formal alternative to "expression grew"?

For a more formal tone, consider using "countenance shifted" or "demeanor evolved", depending on the context.

What does it mean when someone's "expression grew"?

It suggests that their facial expression changed gradually over time, often reflecting a change in their internal state or emotions. It emphasizes the process of change rather than an immediate shift.

How does "expression grew" differ from "expression changed"?

"Expression grew" implies a gradual or developing change, whereas "expression changed" suggests a more immediate or abrupt alteration. The first implies a process; the second, an event.