expression on their faces

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "expression on their faces" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the visible emotions or reactions of individuals as conveyed through their facial expressions. Example: "The expression on their faces revealed their surprise and disbelief at the unexpected news."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

"The expression on their faces was one of wonder," said Scotty Morrison, president of the Hall of Fame.

Los Angeles Times

A few simply refuse to believe their eyes, and one or two look at their watches with a bored expression on their faces.

Forbes

Before, there was no expression on their faces, but that's different now.

The New York Times

* * * If I have to tell the truth, it's the expression on their faces that bothers me.

The Guardian - Books

I thought about bursting in the door Wakefield arisen just to see the expression on their faces.

The New Yorker

They have no expression on their faces, and within seconds they turn back to their own concerns.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

"What are they wearing, what is the expression on their face?" she asks.

Independent

When they're not being looked at, you can tell a lot by the expression on their face.

The New York Times

I give about three of them and someone raises their hand after about three lectures and they have kind of a puzzled expression on their face.

Yale University

As Sanchez puts it: "When Golovkin touches his opponents for the first time, you see the expression on their face change".

The Guardian - Sport

And this is one of my favorite advertisements, and it's a couple that's gone to the theatre and they're getting up before the play is over, and they have a terrible expression on their face.

Columbia University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a group's reaction, use "expression on their faces" to convey a shared emotional state or reaction to an event. This helps to create a vivid image for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "expression on their faces" when referring to a single person; instead, use "expression on his/her face" or "their expression" if the individual's gender is unknown or non-binary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "expression on their faces" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the visible emotional state of a group of people. Ludwig examples showcase its use in describing reactions and feelings.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

16%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "expression on their faces" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe the emotions or reactions of a group of people, as seen through their facial expressions. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage. While versatile, it's best used for groups, not individuals, to maintain grammatical accuracy. Consider alternatives like ""look on their faces"" for variety. Predominantly found in news and media, this phrase effectively conveys shared emotional states, enhancing descriptive writing and facilitating clear communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

look on their faces

Replaces "expression" with "look", a synonym in this context. This changes the specific noun used while retaining the overall meaning.

facial expressions they displayed

Shifts the focus to the act of displaying facial expressions, making it more active than the original.

emotions reflected in their faces

Focuses on the emotions being reflected, rather than the expression itself. It emphasizes the emotional aspect.

the way their faces looked

A more descriptive and less formal way of conveying the same idea, using simpler language.

visage they presented

Uses a more formal term, "visage", to refer to their faces, slightly elevating the tone.

countenances they wore

Replaces "faces" with "countenances", another formal synonym, and uses "wore" to describe the expression.

feeling in their faces

Focuses on the underlying feeling conveyed, rather than the specific expression.

manner their faces portrayed

Highlights the manner in which their faces conveyed the expression, adding a layer of interpretation.

air on their faces

Uses "air" to describe the overall impression given by their faces, which is a less direct way of referring to their expressions.

the attitude their faces revealed

Focuses on the attitude being revealed, rather than the specific expression, shifting the emphasis to their underlying state of mind.

FAQs

How can I describe someone's emotions using "expression on their faces"?

The phrase "expression on their faces" is useful to describe the emotions of a group of people. You can say, "The "look on their faces" showed a mix of surprise and joy".

Is it correct to use "expression on their faces" when referring to a single person?

No, it's grammatically incorrect. When referring to a single person, use "expression on his/her face" or simply "their expression".

What are some alternatives to "expression on their faces"?

You can use alternatives such as ""look on their faces"", "facial expressions they displayed", or "emotions reflected in their faces depending on the context.

How does "expression on their faces" differ from "expression on his/her face"?

"Expression on their faces" is used for a group, indicating a shared emotion or reaction. "Expression on his/her face" refers to a single person's emotion. Therefore, "expression on their faces" shows the emotional response of multiple people, while "expression on his/her face" refers to a single individual's emotional state.