face of a man

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "face of a man" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the physical appearance or expression of a male individual. Example: "The face of a man can reveal much about his emotions and experiences."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was the face of a man much photographed.

The New Yorker

He plays with the face of a man in pain.

The New York Times - Sports

That was the face of a man looking good, looking happy, looking forward to tomorrow.

The New Yorker

It's the face of a man contemplating a future in movies like this.

The New York Times

The face of a man looking forward to the next kill".

The New Yorker

Behind the screen, he had the face of a man in church.

The New Yorker

You can stare into the slightly smiling face of a man from 350BC.

Independent

It's the face of a man who has, to understate the case, seen a few things.

The New Yorker

He had the face of a man who has just realized his own mortality.

The Washington Post

This is the face of a man with an abdomen rock-hard and fishing rods numerous.

The New Yorker

The face of a man I met just once, 15 years ago, still haunts me.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "face of a man", consider the specific emotion or characteristic you want to convey. Details can make the description more vivid and impactful.

Common error

Avoid generic descriptions like "the tired face of a man". Instead, focus on unique details or expressions to create a more compelling image for the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "face of a man" functions primarily as a noun phrase. Ludwig AI shows it's used to describe or characterize a male individual's appearance or expression. This description can serve as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence, providing detail about the person being discussed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "face of a man" is a versatile and common noun phrase used to describe the appearance or expression of a male individual. As shown by Ludwig, its function extends to evoking emotions and setting scenes. The register is neutral, making it suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media. While grammatically sound and widely used, writers should avoid clichés and focus on specific details to make their descriptions more impactful. Based on the analysis, the phrase is correct and quite usable in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a male face

Simplifies the phrase to specify a face belonging to a male individual.

man's visage

Replaces "face" with "visage", offering a more formal and literary tone.

countenance of a man

Substitutes "face" with "countenance", providing a more archaic and dignified expression.

man's facial expression

Focuses specifically on the expressions conveyed by the man's face.

features of a man

Highlights the individual components that make up the man's face.

likeness of a man

Emphasizes the resemblance or representation of a man's face, often in art.

aspect of a man

Focuses on a particular view or appearance of the man's face, implying a specific impression.

image of a man's face

Highlights the image that the man's face represents.

man's physiognomy

Replaces "face" with "physiognomy", referring to the assessment of character from facial features.

the man's mug

Offers a more slang and casual term for a man's face.

FAQs

How can I describe the "face of a man" in more detail?

You can add descriptive adjectives to specify the features or emotions displayed, such as "the weathered face of a man", "the joyful face of a man", or "the determined face of a man".

What are some alternatives to "face of a man"?

Consider using terms like "man's visage" or "countenance of a man" for a more formal tone, or simply "a male face" for simplicity.

Is it appropriate to use "face of a man" in formal writing?

Yes, the phrase "face of a man" is appropriate for formal writing. However, ensure that the surrounding language is also formal to maintain consistency in tone. You can also use more formal alternatives such as "man's visage".

How does the context affect the meaning of "face of a man"?

The context provides crucial information about the man's situation, emotions, and character. Describing the “face of a man” in different situations can convey various meanings, from joy to sorrow, determination to despair. For example, "the face of a man in love" implies happiness and affection.