proud face

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "proud face" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone's facial expression that conveys pride or satisfaction, often in response to an achievement or accomplishment. Example: "When she received the award, she wore a proud face that reflected her hard work and dedication."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

When asked about her profession, her proud face stilled.

The Guardian

There's a little grainy picture of me, and I think that face is a proud face".

The New Yorker

"He [Choi] shouldn't have touched us, and I hope he doesn't show his proud face again.

The Guardian - Sport

With the proud face of a woman carved in high relief on the cover and the rest adorned by finely painted hieroglyphics representing texts from the Book of the Dead, it is one of the stars of the show.

The New York Times - Arts

"We're trying to ride the crest of that wave and bring a more open, vocal and proud face of atheism," said Michael Dorian, 49, New York's regional director for the American Atheists.

The New York Times

She quit her job after that, saying: "Oh yes, we dip bread in the sea for our dinner!" Her proud face taught me that defending one's dignity sometimes tastes sweeter than the bread – yes, even when you're hungry.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

When I pass out checks on Fridays, I see happy and proud faces.

The New York Times

Being in the ballroom brought back investiture memories and my parents' beaming proud faces.

The Guardian - Music

The proud faces of the martyrs -- Palestinian gunmen, most of them, who have died in the conflict -- stared down on the wreckage from posters plastered everywhere.

The New York Times

The photographs of rooms with the proud faces centered in them, posing, are immediately sympathetic records of the way that everyone will try, almost shyly, to put themselves forward through their most personable things.

The New York Times

All eyes turned to them and on board there were children dressed as gods, their smiling, proud faces frames in swirls of gold and red braid.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "proud face" when you want to specifically highlight the facial expression as indicative of pride, especially after a specific achievement or event.

Common error

While acceptable, overusing "proud face" can make your writing repetitive. Vary your descriptions by using synonyms like "satisfied expression" or describing the underlying emotion instead of the specific facial feature.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "proud face" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a specific facial expression that conveys the emotion of pride, as demonstrated in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

8%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "proud face" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a facial expression conveying pride, satisfaction, or accomplishment. According to Ludwig, it's most frequently found in news and media sources and carries a neutral tone. While widely accepted, varying your descriptive language by using synonyms like "satisfied expression" or focusing on the underlying emotion, can enrich your writing. Remember that while a "proud face" signifies genuine satisfaction, a "smug look" suggests an excessive sense of superiority.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

satisfied expression

Replaces "proud" with "satisfied", focusing on contentment as the primary emotion.

look of satisfaction

A more general expression showing contentment.

beaming countenance

Uses "beaming" and "countenance" for a more radiant and formal expression of pride.

triumphant gaze

Emphasizes victory and achievement as the source of the facial expression.

self-assured look

Highlights confidence and certainty reflected in the expression.

gratified visage

Uses "gratified" and "visage" for a formal and somewhat archaic tone.

air of accomplishment

Focuses on the feeling of completion and success.

smug look

Suggests a sense of self-satisfaction, potentially bordering on arrogance.

exultant air

Focuses on the overall atmosphere or manner radiating joy and triumph.

pleased demeanor

Shifts from a specific facial feature to overall behavior indicating happiness.

FAQs

How can I describe a facial expression that conveys pride?

Besides "proud face", you can use alternatives like "satisfied expression", "beaming countenance", or "triumphant gaze", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between a "proud face" and a "smug look"?

Yes, while both convey a sense of satisfaction, a "proud face" generally indicates genuine achievement or positive qualities, while a "smug look" suggests excessive self-satisfaction and a sense of superiority over others.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "proud face"?

It's appropriate to use "proud face" when describing someone's expression after they have achieved something significant, overcome a challenge, or witnessed someone else's success. It emphasizes their positive emotional state.

What are some other ways to express pride in writing?

Instead of focusing solely on the facial expression, you can describe the feeling of pride itself by saying someone "felt proud", "took pride in", or "expressed a sense of accomplishment". You can also use phrases like "air of accomplishment" to describe a general feeling around the accomplishment.