hollow expression

USAGE SUMMARY

"hollow expression" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where someone's words or actions seem to lack sincerity or emotion. For example, "She said she was sorry, but it was a hollow expression with no real emotion behind it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Twombly spends his free time playing video games and wearing a hollow expression; Samantha composes music.

The New Yorker

The only thing this hollow expression conveys is that you're focusing on how we appear.

The New York Times

She then hikes up her dress, spreads her legs and leans against it with a hollow expression; it looks like menstrual blood.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

They wore hollow expressions yesterday.

The New York Times

Alex Rodriguez, standing some three hundred feet away back near home plate, put his hand to his head and mouthed the words "Oh, my God" with a hollow, blank expression.

The New Yorker

Smith and Carlos climbed the medal stand purposefully, hollow, cold expressions on their faces.

The New York Times - Sports

Everyone else who was smoking thru the filter bore the same hollow-cheeked expression.

The New Yorker

To hear her now resort to weird mimesis, echoing hollow, boring expressions of lust — "Mmm" — feels like a collapse of imagination, and of honesty.

The New Yorker

By Amanda Petrusich September 5, 2017 The new single echoes hollow, boring expressions of lust, feeling like a collapse of imagination and honesty.

The New Yorker

WIMBLEDON, England — By the final points of his fifth Wimbledon final, Rafael Nadal had the same hollow-eyed expression he usually sees in his opponents.

The New York Times - Sports

Cameras are present in the bedroom when Frankel's water breaks, and in her sessions with her therapist when she discusses her relationship problems with Jason Hoppy a man with a hollow-eyed expression and an unsettling habit of calling her Mama.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hollow expression" to describe a lack of genuine emotion or sincerity, especially when referring to facial expressions or statements that seem empty or artificial.

Common error

Avoid using "hollow expression" repeatedly in close proximity. Vary your descriptions with synonyms like "vacant look" or "insincere remark" to maintain reader engagement and avoid monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hollow expression" functions primarily as a descriptive term, modifying a noun to indicate a lack of genuine emotion or sincerity. Ludwig confirms its correct usage. The phrase suggests that the expression is empty or artificial, lacking depth or real feeling.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "hollow expression" is a grammatically correct and usable term that describes a lack of genuine emotion or sincerity in someone's face or words. As Ludwig AI confirms, its primary function is descriptive, aiming to convey emptiness or artificiality. While the phrase appears across various contexts, it's most frequently found in news and media. For alternative phrasing, consider using "vacant look" or "insincere remark" to add nuance to your descriptions. To avoid overuse, vary your word choices to maintain reader engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

expressionless face

Describes a face devoid of any discernible emotion.

vacant look

Highlights the absence of thought or feeling in one's facial expression.

empty gaze

Focuses on the eyes specifically, implying a lack of emotion or understanding.

feigned emotion

Emphasizes that the emotion displayed is not genuine but deliberately simulated.

blank stare

Indicates a lack of comprehension or engagement, often associated with confusion or shock.

artificial smile

Specifically refers to a smile that is not genuine or heartfelt.

shallow words

Focuses on the superficial nature of the spoken words, lacking depth or sincerity.

insincere remark

Shifts the focus to the statement itself, suggesting it lacks genuine feeling.

unconvincing statement

Highlights the lack of believability in a declaration or assertion.

meaningless gesture

Emphasizes the lack of substance behind an action or movement.

FAQs

What does "hollow expression" mean?

A "hollow expression" refers to a facial expression or statement that lacks genuine emotion, sincerity, or depth. It suggests emptiness or artificiality.

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

You can use "hollow expression" to describe someone's face or words, such as, "His eyes held a "hollow expression" as he delivered the news".

What are some synonyms for "hollow expression"?

Alternatives include "vacant look", "expressionless face", or "insincere remark", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say someone has a "hollow-eyed expression"?

Yes, "hollow-eyed expression" is a valid variation that specifically describes the appearance of the eyes, implying exhaustion or emotional emptiness.