his countenance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "his countenance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing someone's facial expression or appearance, often in a literary or formal context. Example: "Despite the chaos around him, his countenance remained calm and composed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Half a century ago, R.H. Tawney likened Labour governments to those nice bachelors who stray into her novels of whom Jane Austen can find nothing more interesting to say than that "his countenance was pleasing and his manners gentleman-like".

The Economist

Writing after the events of 1604 1606, the Jesuit priest Father Tesimond's description of his friend was favourable: "his countenance was exceedingly noble and expressive ... his conversation and manners were peculiarly attractive and imposing, and that by the dignity of his character he exercised an irresistible influence over the minds of those who associated with him".

Wikipedia

His countenance quickly changed.

The New York Times

Recoiling quickly, his countenance stiffens.

The Guardian - Sport

A smile creased his countenance.

The New York Times

His manners and his countenance are kind and prepossessing.

The New York Times

His countenance appears gloomy no matter his mood.

The New York Times - Magazine

His countenance is like the Lebanon, excellent as the cedars.

The New York Times

The problem is that it underscored what has too often been his countenance in office.

The New York Times

"If you judge by his countenance, that showed he meant it," Mr. Sarr said.

The New York Times

His hair and beard were white, and his countenance was haunted.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context. "His countenance" is best suited for describing a person's face in a way that reveals their inner state or character. Think about what you want to convey about the person.

Common error

Avoid using "his countenance" in casual or informal settings. It can sound stilted or unnatural in everyday conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "his face" or "his expression" in those contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "his countenance" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes a person's face or facial expression, offering a descriptive detail about their appearance or emotional state. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "his countenance" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase that denotes a person's face or facial expression. As indicated by Ludwig, this expression is most suitable for formal, literary, or descriptive contexts, adding a touch of sophistication to your writing. While widely accepted, it's essential to reserve its usage for appropriate settings, avoiding overuse in casual conversations. Ludwig's examples showcase its versatility across different news sources, wikis, and encyclopedias, solidifying its place in refined English prose.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

his facial expression

This is a direct and common substitute focusing on the expression shown on the face.

his expression

A simpler synonym emphasizing the emotion or thought conveyed.

his visage

A more archaic and literary term for face, similar in tone to "countenance".

the look on his face

This alternative is more conversational, emphasizing the visible emotion or thought.

his facial aspect

A more formal way to refer to the general appearance of his face.

the set of his features

Focuses on the arrangement and expression conveyed by facial features.

his mien

This refers to a person's appearance and manner, especially as indicative of their mood or character.

his demeanor

This refers to overall behavior and appearance, including facial expression.

his air

Refers to his general manner and appearance, including his facial expression.

his appearance

This is a broader term encompassing overall looks, not just the face.

FAQs

What does "his countenance" mean?

"His countenance" refers to a person's face or facial expression, often used in a formal or literary context. It is a way of describing someone's appearance, especially as it reveals their character or feelings.

How can I use "his countenance" in a sentence?

You can use "his countenance" to describe someone's facial expression in a formal setting. For example, "his countenance was pleasing" or "his countenance shifted from sorrow to fury".

What can I say instead of "his countenance"?

You can use alternatives like "his facial expression", "the look on his face", or "his demeanor" depending on the context.

Is "his countenance" formal or informal?

"His countenance" is considered a formal term. In informal contexts, it's better to use phrases like "his face" or "how he looked".