frightened expression

USAGE SUMMARY

"frightened expression" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it when you want to describe a look on somebody's face, or to talk generally about the emotions of fear or anxiety. Example: She had a frightened expression on her face when she heard the loud noise coming from the other room.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

An adult standing back by the pizza truck surveys the dissolution with a frightened expression.

The New York Times

While being scanned, subjects saw a picture of a face with either an angry or frightened expression and then had to choose which of two other faces showed the same emotion.

Science Magazine

Last seen at auction in May 1997 at Christie's New York, where it fetched $3.57 million, this close-up view of a young woman at a table, staring with a slightly frightened expression, was grossly underestimated at £1.5 million to £2.5 million.

The New York Times - Arts

This is similar to the situation reported for attachment styles, in which a particular parent's frightened expression has been considered as possibly responsible for disorganized/disoriented reunion behavior during the Strange Situation Procedure.

Wikipedia

Afterwards, the video monkey either displays a frightened expression or a neutral one.

eLife

"I don't want to go back to Tura as I'm sure my uncle will not be there," he says with a frightened expression on his face.

Unicef

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

They had ghostly, frightened expressions.

The New York Times

But four horseback riders camping in the Frank, as it is known to locals, noticed the odd couple with the new camping equipment, inappropriate clothes, and frightened expressions.

The New Yorker

It's got a lot of gaping vaginas, frightened expressions, and dramatic splatters of liquid.

Vice

"Ah!" Allmon made a frightened face.

The New Yorker

Next, a curtain closed to conceal the second agent followed by a Response period of 3 s with the vM showing either a frightened (R f ), or neutral expression (R n ).

eLife

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "frightened expression" to vividly depict someone's immediate reaction to a startling or threatening situation. It's more impactful than simply stating they were frightened.

Common error

Avoid repetitive use of "frightened expression" to describe a character's fear. Instead, vary your descriptions with synonyms or focus on physical reactions like trembling or wide eyes to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "frightened expression" functions primarily as a descriptive element, serving to characterize a subject's emotional state through their facial features. It is used to convey the presence of fear or anxiety. This aligns with the examples Ludwig provides, which demonstrate its use in describing reactions to various situations.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

13%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "frightened expression" effectively conveys fear or anxiety through facial cues, as affirmed by Ludwig. Grammatically sound and neutral in register, it frequently appears in news, media, and scientific contexts. While its usage is relatively common, varying descriptions and synonyms can enhance narrative depth. The analyzed examples from Ludwig show its versatility in describing reactions to diverse scenarios, reinforcing its role in evoking empathy and setting the tone. Consider alternatives like "worried expression" or "fearful expression" for nuances in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fearful expression

A direct synonym, emphasizing the presence of fear.

frightened face

Replaces "expression" with "face", slightly altering the focus to a specific facial feature.

terrified expression

Indicates a more extreme and intense level of fear than "frightened".

worried expression

Focuses more on anxiety and concern than pure fear.

panicked expression

Emphasizes a sudden and overwhelming sense of fear and loss of control.

anxious expression

Similar to worried, but can also suggest anticipation of something negative.

nervous expression

Highlights unease and apprehension, often less intense than fear.

startled expression

Describes a reaction to a sudden shock or surprise, often involving a brief moment of fear.

horrified expression

Indicates a strong feeling of shock and disgust combined with fear.

apprehensive look

Emphasizes a feeling of anxiety about a future event or possibility.

FAQs

How can I describe a "frightened expression" in more detail?

To add more detail, focus on specific features: "eyes wide with fear", "trembling lips", or "pale face with a "worried expression"". Describing these aspects provides a richer image of the person's fear.

What's the difference between a "frightened expression" and a "terrified expression"?

A "frightened expression" indicates a moderate level of fear, while a "terrified expression" suggests an extreme level of fear, bordering on panic. The choice depends on the intensity you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "frightened expression" in formal writing?

Yes, "frightened expression" is appropriate in formal writing. It's a clear and professional way to describe someone's emotional state, suitable for news reports, academic papers, or business documents. Just be mindful of the context and your audience.

What are some subtle ways to hint at a "frightened expression" without explicitly stating it?

You can imply a "frightened expression" by describing indirect signs of fear, such as "darting eyes", "hesitant movements", or "a voice that trembled slightly". This approach allows the reader to infer the character's emotion, creating a more immersive experience.