his features

USAGE SUMMARY

"his features" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It refers to the physical characteristics or attributes of a person, often their facial features. Example: "As the light streamed through the window, she could finally make out his features. His sharp jawline and piercing blue eyes were exactly as she remembered from all those years ago."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Clinical activities are those specific behaviours that are impacted by HIS features.

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

His features relaxed.

The New Yorker

His features rearranged themselves constantly.

The New Yorker

His features are angular.

The New York Times - Magazine

His features harden.

The Guardian

"His features are very masculine," she said.

The New York Times

His features conveyed a disappointed nobility.

The New Yorker

BigBeard has anger etched into his features.

The New Yorker

Has the chrome plating erased his features?

The New York Times

A growth of beard obscures his features.

The New Yorker

Instantly, chagrin altered his features.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "his features" to describe someone's facial appearance, conveying specific details like sharpness, softness, or distinctiveness to enhance character descriptions.

Common error

Avoid repeatedly using "his features" in close succession. Vary your descriptions by focusing on individual elements like eyes, mouth, or overall expression to create a more dynamic and engaging portrayal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "his features" primarily functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to the characteristics of someone's face. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "his features" is a grammatically sound and very common phrase used to describe a person's facial characteristics. According to Ludwig, this phrase is widely accepted and correctly used in various contexts, with a primary focus in News & Media. It serves a descriptive purpose, helping writers paint a clear picture of an individual's appearance. While versatile, it's important to vary descriptions to avoid redundancy. When you're aiming for precision and detail in your writing, use "his features" to bring your characters to life.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

his facial characteristics

Replaces 'features' with a more technical term, 'characteristics', focusing on the face.

the look on his face

Shifts the focus to the overall expression and appearance of his face.

his physical appearance

Broadens the scope to include his entire physical presentation, not just facial details.

his countenance

Uses a more formal and somewhat archaic term for facial appearance.

the lines of his face

Emphasizes the shapes and contours of his facial structure.

his distinctive traits

Highlights unique or memorable aspects of his appearance.

his general aspect

Offers a more detached and observational description of his overall look.

his outward form

Focuses on the external shape and structure of his face and head.

his visual presentation

Emphasizes how he appears to others, including elements beyond just facial features.

the map of his face

A metaphorical description, suggesting that the face reveals history and experience.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "his features" in a sentence?

Use "his features" to depict the specific characteristics of a person's face. For instance, "His features were sharp and angular, reflecting a life of hardship." This phrase effectively conveys details about appearance and can hint at character traits.

What are some alternative ways to describe someone's face instead of using "his features"?

Instead of "his features", you could use phrases like "his facial characteristics", "the look on his face", or "his countenance" depending on the context and the level of formality you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "his features was" instead of "his features were"?

No, it is not grammatically correct. "Features" is plural, so it requires the plural verb "were". The correct phrase is "his features were."

What does it mean when someone says "anger etched into his features"?

This phrase means that someone's face displays a permanent or very noticeable expression of anger. It suggests that the person is often angry or that a particular event has left a lasting mark of anger on their face.