sea of faces

USAGE SUMMARY

'sea of faces' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It typically conveys the idea of a large crowd of people. Example sentence: As I looked out on the stage, I was overwhelmed by the sea of faces in the audience.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A Wolfli drawing in the library depicts a sea of faces, all of whom avert their eyes from the viewer.

The New York Times

"I remember seeing a roiling sea of faces dotted with a few friends who'd soon be swallowed up," says Houston.

The Guardian - Music

Shielding my eyes from the sun, I peer into the sea of faces gathered on the airstrip.

The Guardian

He scanned the sea of faces in the audience and spotted only a handful of black people.

The Guardian

Mine was one of the many identities Mom had begun to lose in a sea of faces, past and present.

The New York Times

Detecting the angry man in a sea of faces, the authors say, has a survival advantage for both sexes.

The New York Times - Health

I remember the sea of faces and flags in front of us as we stood on the stage.

The Washington Post

Above all, it captures the sheer scale of human suffering with this horribly mesmerising sea of faces.

The Guardian - Opinion

As the course has gotten bigger, I look out at the auditorium and see a sea of faces in the dark.

Cornell University

"You didn't have them last time!" She somehow managed to single out individuals among the sea of faces for a look or a smile.

Independent

Elsewhere in the same university, her colleagues in psychology will face a similar sea of faces dominated by one gender – except this time the exceptions will be male.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sea of faces" to vividly depict a large crowd, particularly when emphasizing the anonymity or overwhelming nature of the group. For instance, a speaker might describe looking out at a "sea of faces" to convey the scale of their audience.

Common error

While "sea of faces" is a descriptive phrase, avoid using it repeatedly in the same piece of writing. Overuse can diminish its impact and make your writing sound uninspired. Consider alternatives like "throng of people" or "mass of individuals" to vary your descriptions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sea of faces" functions as a descriptive noun phrase, used to vividly portray a large gathering of people. Ludwig examples highlight its role in depicting crowds at events, protests, and performances. It adds a layer of visual imagery and emotional impact.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sea of faces" is a common and effective way to describe a large crowd, often emphasizing its overwhelming or anonymous nature. Analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use, especially in news and media. While versatile, avoiding overuse and considering context-appropriate alternatives is key. Ludwig AI confirms that this is a correct and usable phrase in written English, typically conveying the idea of a large crowd of people.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

throng of people

Replaces the metaphorical "sea" with a more straightforward term for a crowd.

mass of people

Focuses on the density and size of the crowd.

crowd of onlookers

Emphasizes the act of watching or observing by the crowd.

gathering of spectators

Highlights the purpose of the gathering as being for viewing an event.

multitude of individuals

A more formal and less evocative way to describe a large group.

host of attendees

Implies a formal event or organized gathering.

audience

Specifies that the group is present to watch or listen to something.

assembly of people

Suggests a more organized or deliberate grouping.

horde of people

Suggests a large, possibly unruly, group.

press of bodies

Conveys a sense of confinement and close proximity within the crowd.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "sea of faces" in a sentence?

Use "sea of faces" to describe a large, often anonymous crowd, emphasizing the visual impact of many faces merging together. For example: "The politician surveyed the "sea of faces" before beginning the speech."

What can I say instead of "sea of faces" to describe a crowd?

You can use alternatives like "throng of people", "mass of people", or "multitude of individuals" depending on the specific context and desired nuance.

Is it appropriate to use "sea of faces" in formal writing?

While "sea of faces" is widely understood, it might be perceived as slightly informal due to its metaphorical nature. In very formal contexts, consider more neutral terms such as "large audience" or "numerous attendees".

What's the difference between "sea of faces" and "ocean of faces"?

"Sea of faces" and "ocean of faces" are very similar. "Ocean of faces" may imply an even larger or more overwhelming crowd than "sea of faces", but the terms are largely interchangeable. The choice often depends on stylistic preference.