face took

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "face took" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It may be an attempt to describe an action involving a face, but without additional context, it is unclear when it could be used. Example: "As the news broke, a look of shock took over her face."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

Her face took on a warm glow.

The New York Times

His face took on a mask-like expression.

The New York Times - Sports

Her face took on the translucence of fine porcelain.

The New Yorker

As Crittendon watched her, his face took on a stoical, almost sorrowful cast.

The New Yorker

He sipped, and his face took on an expression of great gravity.

The New Yorker

Her face took the brunt, and had almost to be rebuilt by surgeons.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

Hair takes a while, face takes longer.

The New Yorker

His face takes on a guarded look.

The Guardian

PREMINGER (his face taking on a benevolent expression): Speak!

The New Yorker

Wash your face, take a shower and sit down.

The New York Times

So taking that off of your face takes a lot of courage".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a change in facial expression, use stronger verbs like "assumed", "displayed", or "reflected" for better clarity and impact. For instance, instead of saying "his face took on a sad expression", consider "his face displayed sadness".

Common error

Avoid using "took" as a standalone verb to describe facial expressions. This often leads to awkward or unclear phrasing. Instead, use verbs that clearly indicate the change or display of emotion, such as "assumed", "displayed", or "reflected".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "face took" functions as part of a verb phrase, often used to describe a change in facial expression or appearance. However, Ludwig AI flags it as potentially grammatically incorrect when used in isolation. The surrounding context usually determines its meaning and acceptability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "face took" is commonly used but grammatically questionable. Ludwig AI identifies its frequent usage within news and media to describe shifts in facial expressions. While authoritative sources like The New York Times and The New Yorker use the phrase, it's generally advisable to use clearer alternatives like "face displayed" or "expression appeared on face" for improved clarity and grammatical correctness. Overall, exercise caution when using "face took", ensuring the surrounding context justifies its usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

expression appeared on face

This alternative replaces "took" with "appeared on" to convey the emergence of an expression.

face adopted an expression

This alternative uses "adopted" instead of "took" to describe the face assuming a certain expression.

face changed expression

This option uses "changed expression" to indicate a shift in facial expression.

face assumed a look

Using "assumed a look" clarifies that the face is displaying a particular expression.

face displayed emotion

This phrase describes the face showing a specific emotion.

face reflected a feeling

This alternative indicates that the face mirrors a particular emotion.

look crossed face

This phrase indicates the fleeting appearance of a certain look.

features shifted

This alternative describes subtle changes in facial features.

countenance altered

This more formal option describes a change in facial appearance.

face registered emotion

Using "registered emotion" conveys that the face visibly showed emotion.

FAQs

How can I correctly describe a change in someone's facial expression?

Instead of using the phrase "face took", which is often grammatically incorrect, try using alternatives like /s/face+assumed+a+look, /s/face+displayed+emotion, or /s/expression+appeared+on+face. These options provide greater clarity and grammatical accuracy.

What are some alternatives to the phrase "face took on a look of"?

You can replace "face took on a look of" with phrases such as /s/face+assumed+a+look+of, /s/face+displayed+an+expression+of, or /s/a+look+crossed+face. Choose the alternative that best fits the context and the specific emotion or expression you want to convey.

Is "face took" grammatically correct?

The phrase "face took" is generally considered grammatically incorrect when used to describe a change in facial expression. It is better to use more descriptive and grammatically sound alternatives like /s/face+changed+expression or /s/face+reflected+a+feeling.

What is the best way to describe someone's face showing an emotion?

To effectively describe someone's face showing an emotion, use phrases such as /s/face+displayed+emotion, /s/face+reflected+a+feeling, or /s/face+registered+emotion. These options clearly convey the emotion being displayed on the person's face.