face sank

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "face sank" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a person's facial expression changing to one of disappointment, sadness, or defeat. Example: "When she heard the news, her face sank, revealing her disappointment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

His mother's face sank into shadows.

The New York Times - Magazine

At the mention of their sons, Ms. Nahim tried to speak, but her voice quivered and her face sank slowly toward her chest.

The New York Times

There was something about the image of a misshapen woman in a bright red blouse whose greenish yellow face sank into her chest.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

"I'm so normal!" He laughed, screw ing up his face, sinking into his chair.

The New York Times

Mr. Weiner glanced at the clock above his desk and his face sunk.

The New York Times

You look down upon the tortured, broken corpse, the ashen face sinking in rigor mortis, the poor knees skinned to pulp, the black atrophy of the nail-pierced flesh.

The Guardian - Arts

Rylands, part of a different theatrical tradition, would stand onstage with his back to the cast, his face sunk in a play-text, to be lifted only when he heard a faulty cadence.

The Guardian

It is not just the dark-eyed woman in the portrait who is strange but the light itself, so eerie and otherworldly, electrifying the Corot blue of the ribbon on her dress, catching the heavily sculpted planes of her face, sinking her eyes into blackest shadow.

The Guardian - Arts

Or do we turn away from the deal and face sinking on our own?

TechCrunch

We saw the crumbly, emaciated face, sinking deeply into a fluffy white pillow.

Vice

Equally endangered as the LDCs are the small island states that face sinking into the ocean from climate change.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "face sank" to vividly depict a character's immediate reaction to bad news, disappointment, or a setback in a narrative. It's particularly effective when you want to show, not just tell, the character's emotional state.

Common error

While "face sank" is grammatically sound, avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more neutral or precise language unless you're aiming for a specific emotional effect. Consider alternatives such as "expression shifted" or "demeanor changed" for a more subdued tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "face sank" functions as a descriptive verb phrase, primarily used to visually depict a person's emotional response. Ludwig's examples show its use in narrating reactions to news or events.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "face sank" is a grammatically correct and visually descriptive way to show someone's disappointment or sadness. Ludwig confirms its usability in English writing. Though less common, it's effective in news and narrative contexts. Related phrases like "face fell" or "expression dropped" can be used as alternatives, depending on the desired level of formality. Avoid overusing it in highly formal settings, and leverage it to show rather than tell a character's emotional state.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

face fell

Replaces "sank" with "fell", emphasizing a sudden decline in expression.

expression dropped

Uses "expression" instead of "face" and "dropped" instead of "sank", focusing on the overall change in countenance.

countenance clouded

Employs more formal vocabulary, with "countenance" and "clouded", suggesting a darkening of the face.

features saddened

Highlights the sadness reflected in the facial features.

visage fell

Replaces "face" with the more literary term "visage".

look of disappointment spread across their face

More descriptive, specifying that the expression indicates disappointment.

their face crumpled

Conveys a more dramatic, emotional response.

her spirits fell

Focuses on the emotional state rather than the physical expression.

hope faded from their face

Describes the disappearance of hope as reflected in the face.

a shadow crossed their face

Suggests a fleeting moment of sadness or worry.

FAQs

How can I use the phrase "face sank" in a sentence?

You can use "face sank" to describe a sudden expression of disappointment, sadness, or defeat. For example: "When she heard the news, her face sank, revealing her disappointment."

What's a more formal way to say "face sank"?

For more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "expression shifted", "demeanor changed", or "countenance clouded" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

What are some alternatives to "face sank" that still convey a similar meaning?

Alternatives include "face fell", "expression dropped", or "countenance clouded". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired tone.

Is it grammatically correct to say "face sank"?

Yes, "face sank" is grammatically correct. It uses the noun "face" as the subject and the past tense verb "sank" to describe its action. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.