glum face

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "glum face" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who looks sad or unhappy, often conveying a sense of gloom or disappointment. Example: "After hearing the bad news, she walked into the room with a glum face, making it clear that something was wrong."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

As if on cue, the tour leader sees my glum face and utters the magic words.

The Guardian - Travel

"Hannah was bubbly, bright, cheerful and never had a glum face, " she told the Mirror.

The Guardian

He finished with 9 points, 6 rebounds, 5 fouls and a glum face.

The New York Times - Sports

He's back to +1, and walked off with a glum face, a huge right-to-left birdie breaker on the last not quite dropping.

The Guardian - Sport

Ashley normally sits through the company's annual meeting in silence and with a glum face, leaving the talking to the other directors.

The Guardian - Business

He watched the glum face of Philadelphia's Dikembe Mutombo on a television monitor and said, "Man, he's got an ugly look on his face".

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

It's a little heavy-handed, these bright young men pulling glum faces.

The New York Times - Arts

The campus was full of glum faces and had an almost funereal quiet.

The New York Times - Sports

Rather glum faces from Prime Minister David Cameron, Samantha Cameron, Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge.

The Guardian - Sport

Looking from one row of glum faces to another, he said, "This ain't a funeral, you know".

The New York Times - Sports

Teachers and professors walking in picket lines were somber, most looking to the ground with glum faces.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "glum face" to succinctly describe someone's visible unhappiness or disappointment. It's particularly effective when contrasting with a previously cheerful demeanor.

Common error

While "glum face" is acceptable, avoid overusing it in formal writing. Opt for more descriptive alternatives like "downcast expression" or "sorrowful countenance" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "glum face" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes a specific physical characteristic indicating a person's emotional state. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "glum face" is a valid and understandable noun phrase used to describe a facial expression indicating sadness or disappointment. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's correct and usable. While "glum face" is most commonly found in news and media contexts, making it generally neutral in register, it's essential to consider the audience and opt for more formal alternatives in professional settings. To enhance your writing, be mindful of common errors like overuse in formal contexts, and remember to use related phrases like "sad expression" or "downcast look" to add nuance to your descriptions. When aiming to capture someone's negative emotional state, "glum face" serves as a concise and effective choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

long face

An idiomatic expression for a sad or disappointed look.

sad expression

Focuses on the outward manifestation of sadness through facial features.

downcast look

Emphasizes the lowered gaze and general dejection.

unhappy countenance

Uses more formal language to describe a face showing unhappiness.

sorrowful features

Highlights the elements of the face that convey sorrow.

depressed visage

A more intense expression of sadness in the face.

melancholy aspect

Indicates a thoughtful sadness visible in one's appearance.

dismal mien

Implies a gloomy and somber demeanor.

crestfallen appearance

Suggests disappointment and loss of spirit.

woebegone expression

Shows extreme sorrow or grief.

FAQs

How can I describe someone with a "glum face"?

You can describe someone with a "glum face" as looking sad, disappointed, or unhappy. The expression conveys a sense of visible dejection.

What are some alternatives to "glum face"?

You can use alternatives like "sad expression", "downcast look", or "long face" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "glum face" a formal or informal expression?

"Glum face" is generally considered an informal expression. In more formal contexts, consider using alternatives such as "sorrowful expression" or "unhappy countenance".

What does it mean when someone has a "glum face"?

A "glum face" indicates that someone is feeling unhappy, disappointed, or dejected. It's a visible sign of sadness or displeasure.