inscrutable expression

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "inscrutable expression" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a facial expression or demeanor that is difficult to interpret or understand. Example: "Despite the tension in the room, she maintained an inscrutable expression that gave nothing away."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

A curious, inscrutable expression.

The New Yorker

Pellegrini replied with an inscrutable expression.

The Guardian - Sport

"Three dates?" she asked, with an inscrutable expression.

The New York Times - Magazine

In the few photographs that circulate, he looks pointedly unglamorous, with an inscrutable expression, a mustache, and mediocre clothes.

The New Yorker

Limone!" My wife, Elaine, appears at the top of the stairs, an inscrutable expression on her face.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

She wears an inscrutable expression, a turban and three elaborate necklaces, and holds what appears to be a book.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Gazing at the pastel "Portrait of Eva Gonzalès" — a true Impressionist artist who is greatly underestimated — some will be reminded of Goya's ladies with prim but inscrutable expressions.

The New York Times - Arts

As the cards fell from the sky, children scrambled to catch them in midflight or retrieve them from the cobblestones while older citizens looked on with benign and sometimes inscrutable expressions.

The New York Times

The reclining goat in the foreground, done by Weenix, likewise gazes at the viewer with an inscrutable human expression full of smiling irony.

The New York Times - Arts

Vincent stood six feet four inches tall, and his broad face wore an inscrutable, often sour expression.

The New Yorker

As we watched him sitting across from Her Fierceness, his face set in an inscrutable, if grim, expression as he revealed his sad truth after so many years of brazen denial, it's difficult to fathom how far down the rabbit hole this guy has fallen.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "inscrutable expression" when you want to emphasize that someone's face is impossible to read, either because they are deliberately hiding their feelings or because they are naturally reserved.

Common error

Avoid using "inscrutable expression" excessively in dialogue descriptions. Over-reliance on this phrase can make characters seem flat or one-dimensional. Instead, try describing specific subtle cues that hint at their underlying emotions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "inscrutable expression" functions as a descriptive element, typically modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate that a person's facial expression is impossible to decipher or understand. This is supported by Ludwig, which confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Arts

15%

Books

10%

Less common in

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "inscrutable expression" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a face that's impossible to read. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's frequently used across various contexts, particularly in news and media, arts, and book. While synonyms like "unreadable face" or "blank stare" exist, "inscrutable expression" specifically emphasizes the difficulty in understanding the underlying emotions or intentions. Remember to avoid overuse and consider the specific nuances you want to convey when describing a character's face.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

expressionless face

A direct synonym emphasizing the absence of any discernible expression.

unreadable face

Focuses on the visual aspect, emphasizing that the face's emotions cannot be deciphered.

blank stare

Highlights the lack of any discernible emotion or thought in the gaze.

impassive countenance

Uses more formal language to describe a face that shows no feeling.

enigmatic look

Suggests a mysterious or puzzling quality in the expression.

deadpan expression

Specifically refers to a deliberately emotionless or humorous face.

poker face

Idiomatic expression referring to a face that reveals nothing, like in a poker game.

vacant expression

Emphasizes a lack of intelligence or awareness in the face.

guarded look

Indicates that the person is consciously hiding their true feelings.

neutral face

Highlights the absence of any strong positive or negative emotions.

FAQs

How can I describe an "inscrutable expression" in more detail?

Instead of just stating that someone has an "inscrutable expression", try to describe the specific features contributing to it. For example, you could mention the set of their jaw, the stillness of their eyes, or the lack of any visible muscle movement.

What's the difference between an "inscrutable expression" and a "blank stare"?

While both suggest a lack of discernible emotion, an "inscrutable expression" implies a deliberate or inherent difficulty in understanding someone's feelings. A "blank stare", on the other hand, often suggests a lack of awareness or engagement.

Is it ever appropriate to use "inscrutable expression" to describe an object or situation?

While primarily used for people, you can metaphorically use "inscrutable" to describe something difficult to understand. However, "inscrutable expression" specifically refers to a facial expression and should generally be reserved for describing people or beings with faces.

What are some synonyms for "inscrutable" in the context of describing a person's face?

Depending on the nuance you want to convey, you could use words like "unreadable", "impassive", "enigmatic", or "expressionless" to describe a face that is difficult to interpret. Or you could use phrases such as "poker face" or "unreadable face".