make an expression

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make an expression" is correct and can be used in written English.
It means to create or form a facial expression, gesture, or verbal communication to convey a feeling or thought. Example: When the teacher asked a difficult question, the student's face made an expression of confusion.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

In it, I make an expression like that young boy star Justin Bieber, but, rest assured, I am a man.

The New Yorker

Whether you want to defiantly put up the same structure it's something that I personally wouldn't do, but I'd find some other way to make an expression that represented something there.

The New Yorker

If your occupation is on the list you can make an expression of interest after which the Australian government (or a specific state or territory) may allow you to move permanently.

The Guardian

Whether you want to defiantly put up the same structure — it's something that I personally wouldn't do, but I'd find some other way to make an expression that represented something there.

The New Yorker

He added: "So all this gubbins about the Natalie Bennett brain fade, it won't matter a bit to people who are motivated like that because they are thinking, I want to send a message, make an expression about what sort of person I am.

The Guardian

There's no way to make a person do something or make an expression that's too far from what they do on camera, though.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

He made an expression of intense disgust.

The New Yorker

He made an expression of bliss.

The New York Times - Food

It's like making an expression of order in the middle of chaos.

The New York Times - Arts

He made an expression as if he had just downed some sour milk.

The New York Times

He makes an expression, wrinkling his nose, jutting his chin forward, like a small boy, left out.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "make an expression" when you want to describe the act of forming a facial expression or gesture to communicate a feeling or thought. Be mindful of the context to ensure it fits the tone and level of formality.

Common error

Avoid using "make an expression" excessively in highly formal or academic writing. More precise verbs like 'display', 'convey', or 'manifest' may be more appropriate to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make an expression" primarily functions as a verb phrase, where 'make' acts as a light verb followed by the noun phrase 'an expression'. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, and examples show its use in describing the act of forming a facial gesture.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "make an expression" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe the act of forming a facial expression or gesture to communicate a feeling or thought. Ludwig AI validates its correctness, and examples show its common usage across diverse contexts like news, science, and general writing. While versatile, it's best to be mindful of the context's formality, opting for more precise verbs in academic or formal settings. Alternatives like "show an emotion" or "convey a feeling" can be more appropriate depending on the nuance you want to express.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make a face

More casual and often refers to negative or exaggerated expressions.

show an emotion

Focuses specifically on conveying emotional states through expressions.

convey a feeling

Highlights the communication of feelings rather than just a physical expression.

register an emotion

Similar to showing an emotion but implies a more subtle or involuntary display.

display a reaction

Emphasizes the response or reaction shown through an expression.

manifest a mood

Highlights the external display of an internal mood or state.

put on a face

Suggests a deliberate or perhaps artificial expression.

give an indication

Broadens the scope to include any kind of indication, not just facial.

adopt a demeanor

Refers to a broader behavior and attitude, not just a momentary expression.

express oneself

Encompasses a wider range of communication, not limited to facial cues.

FAQs

How can I use "make an expression" in a sentence?

You can use "make an expression" to describe someone's facial reaction, for example: "She "made an expression" of surprise when she heard the news."

What is a more formal alternative to "make an expression"?

In more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "display an emotion", "convey a feeling", or "manifest a mood" instead of "make an expression".

Is it better to say "make a face" or "make an expression"?

"Make a face" is more informal and often implies a negative or exaggerated expression. "Make an expression" is more neutral and can refer to any facial display of emotion or thought.

What's the difference between "make an expression" and "show an emotion"?

"Make an expression" refers to the act of forming a facial cue, while "show an emotion" emphasizes the communication of an internal feeling. You "make an expression" to "show an emotion".