faces

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'faces' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as a verb meaning "to confront someone or something difficult or unpleasant" or as a plural noun meaning "people's faces". Example sentence: I was determined to face my fears and finally go outside.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It is really important for the party that it is not defensive about the past but is absolutely honest and clear-eyed and faces up to the truth of what people are saying".

The Guardian

Kevin Rudd has been sworn in as prime minister for a second time, three years after being deposed, and now faces the daunting task of reworking policy and replacing more than one-third of the cabinet just months before an election.

The Guardian

El-Maarfi faces two counts of sexual assault and one count of exposure.

The Guardian

There is despair, Mr President, in the faces you don't see, in the places you don't visit in your shining city".

The Economist

McDermott says his squad is too limited and needs January reinforcements – most fans agree, but many of them also detect unexpected limitations in McDermott's approach and are eager to see some new ideas as well as new faces.

The Guardian - Sport

Montgomery, who pleaded guilty in 2012, faces life in prison on a hate crime charge and five years on conspiracy.

The Guardian

Shelbie Brooke Richards, who pleaded guilty in December to conspiracy and concealing the crime by lying to police, faces eight years in prison at sentencing on 16 April.

The Guardian

McConnell, who faces reelection in 2014 and is being challenged for his seat by Democrat Alison Lundergan Grimes, among others, has been criticized in his home state of Kentucky for dealing with Democrats.

The Guardian

On top of his wife battling cancer, Gerry Adams now faces serious accusations from a former comrade over the McConville killing as well as claims that he played a major role in Bloody Friday, a series of bomb blasts across Belfast in July 1972 that left nine dead and dozens injured.

The Guardian

Sometimes they'd even squirt water at those people they didn't like, shooting cold salt water at their faces with their jets.

The Guardian

In Giraldo, he faces a quality Colombian who is at home on the clay, but obviously an opponent against whom he can fancy his chances on any given day.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a group of people, use "faces" to represent their collective expressions and emotions. This adds a personal and relatable element to your writing.

Common error

Be careful not to confuse "faces", which refers to the plural of face, with "phases", which refers to stages in a process. Using the wrong word can significantly alter the meaning of your sentence.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "faces" is as a plural noun, referring to multiple faces. As Ludwig AI notes, it can also function as the third-person singular present tense form of the verb "face".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "faces" is a versatile term primarily used as a plural noun to denote multiple faces, as noted by Ludwig. It is grammatically correct and very common, particularly in news and media contexts. According to Ludwig AI, it can also function as the third-person singular present tense form of the verb "face". When writing, be mindful not to confuse "faces" with "phases" and consider the emotional impact of describing "faces" to enhance your narrative. Alternatives include "facial expressions" and "countenances", each offering subtle differences in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

expressions

Broader term encompassing the emotions and feelings displayed on faces.

facial expressions

Focuses specifically on the expressions conveyed by faces.

facial features

Emphasizes the specific parts of the face.

countenances

A more formal term for faces, often used in literature.

visages

Another formal and somewhat archaic term for faces.

appearances

Refers to the outward look or aspect of faces.

mug shots

Informal term for photos of faces, typically for identification.

profiles

Refers to the side view of faces.

likenesses

Focuses on the resemblance or image of faces.

physiognomies

Relates to the study of facial features and their supposed connection to character.

FAQs

How can I use "faces" in a sentence?

The word "faces" can be used as a plural noun to refer to multiple faces, as in "The faces in the crowd were diverse". It can also be used as the third-person singular present tense form of the verb "face", as in "He faces many challenges".

What are some synonyms for "faces" when referring to facial expressions?

When referring to facial expressions, you can use synonyms like "facial expressions", "countenances", or "expressions". The best choice depends on the specific context and the level of formality you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "face" instead of "faces" when referring to a group of people?

No, it is not correct. "Face" is singular, referring to one person's face. When referring to multiple people, use the plural form "faces". For example, "The faces of the students lit up with excitement".

How does the use of "faces" impact the tone of writing?

Using "faces" can add a human element to writing. Describing the "facial expressions" or "appearances" of people can evoke emotion and create a more vivid and relatable image for the reader.