expressions

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "expressions" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the way that someone expresses themselves, or to refer to a phrase or saying. For example, "John's facial expressions indicated that he was enjoying himself."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He also denied that Obeid was called in to help when NSW Maritime, the landowner, moved to seek expressions of interest from potential new lessees without giving existing retailers preference.

The Guardian

"The magazine seems to be entirely sincere in its anarchic expressions of disdain toward organized religion.

The Guardian - Books

In the 1970s, Peter was one of a group who began a pioneering study of regional differences in body language, and visited 25 countries to record local gestures and facial expressions.

The Guardian

Ian Flintoff Oxford This election is becoming increasingly blurred as the facial expressions and gestures of the combatants become magnified under the unforgiving eye of the TV cameras and the spin doctors regurgitate the views of their representatives and add their own snide remarks.

The Guardian

And that is why Benedict's pastoral letter, for all its expressions of "shame and remorse", is unable to deal with the central issue.

The Guardian

Not only must we be able to choose with whom we discuss politics, we must also be able to protect ourselves against retaliation for our expressions of political ideas.

The Guardian - Tech

Moscow rewarded Jaruzelski with high praise and expressions of confidence.

The Guardian

He looks so different from the man I'm used to seeing on TV, the one with the unfortunate facial expressions.

The Guardian

"She wanted to also look like she was really singing and wanted to be using the same muscles and the same stretches you do in expressions".

The Guardian - Film

Such expressions of goodwill after an Old Firm game?

The Guardian - Sport

Cracking down on expressions of discontent is necessary to force through neoliberal reforms of the higher education sector.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "expressions" when referring to outward displays of feelings, thoughts, or ideas. Be specific about the type of expression if relevant (e.g., facial expressions, verbal expressions).

Common error

Avoid using "expressions" as a catch-all term when more specific language is available. For example, instead of "His expressions were unclear", consider "His statements were ambiguous" or "His feelings were hidden".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "expressions" is as a noun, often used as the plural form to denote multiple instances or types of conveying thoughts, emotions, or ideas. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage in varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "expressions" functions as a plural noun used to denote multiple ways of conveying thoughts, emotions, or ideas, as validated by Ludwig. Its versatility allows for use across various registers, from formal academic papers to informal news articles. Common contexts include News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science. Related terms include "utterances", "statements", and "formulations", each with slightly different semantic nuances. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is considered grammatically correct, with many real world examples found in Ludwig's database.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

formulations

Refers to the way something is expressed or presented.

manifestations

Focuses on outward signs or displays.

utterances

Focuses on the act of speaking or vocalizing thoughts.

statements

Highlights the act of declaring something explicitly.

declarations

Highlights formal or official announcements.

remarks

Emphasizes casual or brief comments.

sentiments

Refers to expressions of feelings or opinions.

verbalizations

Highlights the act of putting thoughts into words.

indications

Emphasizes indirect or subtle signs.

articulations

Suggests a clear and distinct expression.

FAQs

How can I use "expressions" in a sentence?

You can use "expressions" to refer to outward displays of emotion, such as "facial expressions", or to ways of phrasing something, such as "common idioms and expressions".

What are some alternatives to the word "expressions"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "expressions" include "utterances", "statements", "remarks", and "formulations".

Is there a difference between "expressions" and "utterances"?

"Expressions" can refer to both verbal and non-verbal communication, whereas "utterances" specifically refer to spoken words or sounds.

Which is the better word, "expressions" or "statements"?

The choice between "expressions" and "statements" depends on the context. Use "expressions" when referring to the general act of conveying something, and use "statements" when referring to explicit declarations.