flat expression

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "flat expression" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a facial expression that lacks emotion or enthusiasm, often indicating boredom or disinterest. Example: "Despite the exciting news, she maintained a flat expression, giving no indication of her feelings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

First we searched for well-expressed genes (>3 FPKM) with a flat expression profile over the set of all available brain regions.

BMC Genomics

Last week, President Obama became the latest to fail to put on what people in the television business call "neutral face," a warm but flat expression that betrays no hint of whatever feelings might be simmering inside.

The New York Times

She leaned up against her bike with a flat expression on her face.

Huffington Post

The MdP was distinguished by a dramatic increase in the expression levels of Thbs4 (GeneID: 21828) compared with the other prominences, but relatively flat expression of Sdc2 (GeneID: 15529).

Plosone

The resulting PIRS was minimized for genes that exhibit both flat expression as a function of time and low variance in observed expression at each time point.

G3: Genes, Genomes, Genetics

In all cases, the genes selected by our metric show flat expression with low variation, whereas genes that rank poorly show high variation both within and between time points (compare Figure 1, Figure 2, and Figure 3 to Figure S4).

G3: Genes, Genomes, Genetics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

With their flat expressions, the figures do not engage with or acknowledge the viewer.

Britannica

They commonly include flat expressions or little emotion, poverty of speech, inability to experience pleasure, lack of desire to form relationships, and lack of motivation.

Wikipedia

He had reason to rejoice, of course, and yet, in the image, he wears a flat, uneasy expression — a fitting reflection of a moment that opens an uncertain new chapter.

The New Yorker

With her gaze fixed on an empty corner, Karen adopted the flat facial expression of someone reading, though she had nothing to look at.

The New Yorker

When he was small he used to make a little face to indicate that he was taking the piss out of me, but now his gaze is flat, his expression unreadable.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character's emotional state, use "flat expression" to indicate a lack of discernible emotion, often suggesting apathy, boredom, or a deliberate attempt to conceal feelings. Ensure the context supports this interpretation.

Common error

While a "flat expression" can be a symptom of depression or other mental health conditions, avoid automatically equating the two. A "flat expression" can also be a temporary reaction to a specific situation or a conscious choice.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "flat expression" functions as a descriptive term, typically an adjective modifying a noun (e.g., "his flat expression"). It characterizes the lack of visible emotion or affect in someone's facial appearance, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "flat expression" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a lack of emotion or affect in someone's facial appearance. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is usable in many contexts. While a "flat expression" can sometimes be a symptom of underlying conditions, it often simply indicates a temporary emotional state or a deliberate attempt to conceal feelings. Be mindful of this when using the phrase and consider alternatives like "emotionless face" or "blank stare" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

emotionless face

Focuses on the absence of emotion in the facial appearance.

blank stare

Emphasizes the emptiness and lack of focus in the gaze.

deadpan look

Highlights the deliberate suppression of emotion for comedic or ironic effect.

expressionless countenance

A more formal and literary way to describe a face lacking expression.

impassive face

Stresses the inability to read any feelings or reactions on the face.

vacant expression

Suggests a lack of thought or awareness in the facial appearance.

wooden face

Implies a stiffness and unnatural quality in the lack of expression.

neutral face

Indicates an absence of strong emotions, suggesting impartiality.

unreadable face

Highlights the difficulty in discerning any emotions or thoughts.

poker face

Specifically refers to concealing emotions in gambling or situations requiring secrecy.

FAQs

How can I use "flat expression" in a sentence?

You can use "flat expression" to describe someone's face when they are showing no emotion. For example: "Despite the exciting news, she maintained a flat expression."

What's the difference between a "flat expression" and an "emotionless face"?

While both describe a lack of emotion, "flat expression" can also imply a deliberate attempt to conceal feelings, whereas "emotionless face" more strongly suggests a complete absence of feeling.

What are some synonyms for "flat expression"?

Alternatives to "flat expression" include "blank stare", "deadpan look", or "neutral face", each carrying slightly different nuances.

Is "flat expression" a symptom of a medical condition?

A "flat expression" can be a symptom of conditions like schizophrenia or depression, but it can also be a normal reaction to certain situations. It's important not to self-diagnose and to consult with a healthcare professional if you're concerned.