face in awe

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "face in awe" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a facial expression that conveys amazement or wonder in response to something impressive or surprising. Example: "As the magician performed his final trick, the audience watched with their faces in awe."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

face in awe the resurrection of the dinosaur.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Brother Deserve's listeners sat in awe.

The New Yorker

What I witnessed on his face in that moment awed me to tears.

Huffington Post

"I have to say thank God for giving me the opportunity to watch something that I love... Thanks, thanks, thanks, thank you God!" Watching her face as she stares outside in awe is unbearably sweet on its own, but the video somehow gets even better when Trull goes and grabs his mom a handful of snow.

Vice

As I have met the heroes, hugged the families, and looked into the tired faces of rescuers, I have stood in awe of the American people.

The New York Times

Throughout the handholding, the massages, the hugs, and the look of wonder on my new friends' faces when I spoke, I was in awe.

Vice

Despite being disappointed that the face wasn't quite accurate, she was in awe of it.

The Guardian

His pockmarked face in no way diminishes the awe with which he is regarded by the others.

Huffington Post

Whenever the Yankees faced him, their hitters seemed to be in awe.

The New York Times - Sports

That person is wisest who recoils in awe and humility in the face of something infinitely greater than he or she can fathom.

SEP

I watched the Academy Awards the other evening and was in awe of all the beautiful faces and bodies.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "face in awe" to vividly describe someone's reaction to something truly impressive or unexpected, capturing the emotional impact on their expression.

Common error

Avoid using "face in awe" when the emotion is closer to simple surprise or mild interest. The phrase implies a profound sense of wonder or reverence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "face in awe" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically used to describe a noun (usually a person or group of people) experiencing a feeling of profound respect and wonder. This is supported by Ludwig's identification of the phrase and the examples provided.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "face in awe" is a prepositional phrase used to describe someone's expression when experiencing profound wonder or admiration. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically sound and usable in written English. While not a particularly common phrase, it effectively conveys a strong emotional response. It is found primarily in news and media contexts, and is best used to depict reactions to truly impressive or unexpected events. When using this phrase, ensure that the level of emotion being conveyed matches the depth of the "awe" implied.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gaze in wonder

Replaces "face" with "gaze" and "awe" with "wonder", focusing on the act of looking with amazement.

look upon with wonder

A slightly more formal way of saying "gaze in wonder", emphasizing the act of looking.

look on with amazement

Shifts from a static "face" to a dynamic "look on", highlighting the feeling of amazement.

witness with amazement

Focuses on the act of witnessing something amazing.

stare in admiration

Emphasizes admiration as the primary emotion, rather than general awe.

watch in wonderment

Substitutes "awe" with "wonderment", suggesting a state of being filled with wonder.

view with admiration

Similar to "stare in admiration", but uses "view" for a more general observation.

regard with astonishment

Uses "regard" to indicate a more considered observation, and "astonishment" to amplify the surprise.

behold with fascination

Highlights the captivating nature of what is being viewed.

observe with reverence

Implies a deeper respect and veneration beyond simple awe.

FAQs

How can I use "face in awe" in a sentence?

You can use "face in awe" to describe someone's reaction when they are deeply impressed or amazed by something. For example, "The children watched the fireworks with their faces in awe".

What are some alternatives to "face in awe"?

Alternatives include "gaze in wonder", "look on with amazement", or "stare in admiration", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "faces in awe" instead of "face in awe"?

While "face in awe" typically refers to a single person's expression, "faces in awe" can be used to describe a group of people showing awe simultaneously.

What's the difference between "face in awe" and "expression of awe"?

"Face in awe" is a more direct and visual description of the physical manifestation of awe, while "expression of awe" is a more general term that encompasses various ways of showing awe, not just facial expressions.