make a face

USAGE SUMMARY

"Make a face" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to emphasize a situation or reaction that is humorous, silly, or ridiculous. For example, "I asked my dad if I could borrow the car and he said no. I just rolled my eyes and made a face."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"They would help but still make a face," she says.

The Economist

"What, Andrew Lloyd Webber?" I make a face.

The Guardian - Music

Mention the word "commute," and most people make a face.

The New York Times

Would you like to make a face at Mr. Trump?" April 14, 2016.

The New Yorker

That said, holding tension in one's jaws or brows can make a face appear strained.

The New York Times

You hear all that and you can understand why somebody would make a face.

The New York Times

Picasso's a master in being able to make a face feel like a foot".

The New York Times - Arts

Freud later recalled being mesmerized by Picasso's transformational magic, his ability "to make a face feel like a foot".

The New Yorker

Look into a camera, make a face, and the screen displays pieces from the museum with similar facial expressions.

The New York Times - Arts

Shahla uses henna to strengthen her hair roots and mixes it with yogurt to make a face mask.

The Guardian

Haven had swiped his Gatorade bottle and taken a swig, only to make a face as if he had just been force-fed Brussels sprouts.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's reaction, consider the specific emotion you want to convey. Using "make a face" is suitable for general expressions of distaste or disapproval, but more precise verbs like "grimace" or "scowl" can add depth.

Common error

While "make a face" is widely understood, it can sound informal in professional or academic writing. Opt for more precise and sophisticated vocabulary to convey the intended emotion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make a face" functions as a verb phrase indicating an action. It describes the act of forming a facial expression, typically to convey an emotion or reaction. As Ludwig AI explains, it emphasizes humorous, silly, or ridiculous situations. It can be used intransitively, where the subject performs the action, or transitively, where the subject makes a face.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

30%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "make a face" is a common and versatile way to describe expressing emotions nonverbally through facial expressions. As Ludwig AI points out, its best suited for humorous or silly situations. While grammatically correct and widely understood, its register leans towards neutral to informal. For formal writing, consider more precise alternatives like "grimace" or "show displeasure". The analysis of source data highlights that "make a face" appears most frequently in news and media outlets and WikiHow, indicating a broad and accessible use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pull a face

Uses 'pull' instead of 'make', but retains the same meaning of expressing a negative emotion with one's face.

grimace

A more concise, single-word alternative that implies a facial expression of pain, disgust, or disapproval.

frown

Focuses specifically on a downturned mouth to show displeasure, worry, or concentration.

scowl

Implies a more intense and angry facial expression than "make a face".

express displeasure

A more formal way to describe showing unhappiness or disapproval.

show disapproval

Similar to 'express displeasure', but can be conveyed through means other than just facial expressions.

look displeased

Focuses on the overall appearance of unhappiness rather than the specific action of forming a facial expression.

wear a frown

Similar to 'frown', but suggests a more sustained expression of unhappiness.

contort one's face

Describes a more extreme and unnatural facial expression, often indicating pain or strong emotion.

display disgust

Focuses on conveying the specific emotion of disgust through facial expression or other means.

FAQs

What does it mean to "make a face"?

To "make a face" means to create a facial expression, often to show distaste, disapproval, or amusement. It is a common way to nonverbally communicate feelings.

What are some synonyms for "make a face"?

Alternatives to "make a face" include "pull a face", "grimace", or "frown", depending on the specific emotion you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "make a face" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "make a face" is generally considered informal. In formal contexts, it's better to use more precise and sophisticated language to describe the facial expression, such as "showed displeasure" or "expressed disapproval".

How can I use "make a face" effectively in a sentence?

Use "make a face" to describe a quick, often involuntary, expression of feeling. For example, "He "made a face" when he tasted the spoiled milk" effectively communicates his disgust.