serious expression

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "serious expression" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a facial expression that conveys seriousness or a lack of humor, often in contexts where emotions or attitudes are being discussed. Example: "Her serious expression indicated that she was not in the mood for jokes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The serious expression.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A serious expression replaced the winning smile.

The New Yorker

He had a very serious expression on his face.

The New York Times

She puts on a serious expression and droops her head.

The Guardian - Music

His face is fittingly fixed in a nobly serious expression.

The New York Times - Arts

Rodriguez watched the video with a serious expression.

The New Yorker

Serious expression or musically illiterate pandering to the masses?

The New Yorker

Now that's a serious expression of disgust.

The New York Times

Though he looks casual in a leather jacket, he wears a serious expression.

The New York Times

A uniformed police officer stepped toward me with a serious expression.

The New York Times - Travel

Or — " He cupped his hands over his groin, making a serious expression.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "serious expression" to precisely describe a facial appearance that lacks humor or indicates concern, determination, or solemnity. This helps convey the emotional state or intention of the subject effectively.

Common error

Avoid using "serious expression" repetitively without providing context. Instead, vary your descriptions with synonyms like "solemn look" or "grave demeanor" to maintain reader engagement and provide a richer understanding of the subject's emotional state.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "serious expression" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where the adjective "serious" modifies the noun "expression". Ludwig's AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. It is used to describe a particular appearance or aspect of a person's face.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

The New Yorker

5%

The Guardian

4%

Less common in

Science

1%

The New York Times - Arts

1%

BBC

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "serious expression" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase for describing a facial appearance indicative of gravity, concern, or focus. Ludwig confirms the phrase's validity and provides numerous examples of its usage in diverse contexts. It's most frequently found in News & Media sources. While versatile, varying your descriptions with synonyms like "solemn look" or "grave demeanor" can improve your writing. The phrase effectively conveys a subject's emotional state and attitude, making it a valuable tool in descriptive writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

solemn countenance

Replaces "expression" with "countenance" suggesting a more formal and perhaps deeper sense of gravity.

grave look

Substitutes both "serious" and "expression" with simpler terms, conveying a similar sense of gravity but in a more concise way.

earnest mien

Uses "earnest" to emphasize sincerity and replaces "expression" with "mien", indicating a more profound and genuine appearance.

stern visage

Replaces "serious" with "stern", suggesting severity, and "expression" with "visage", referring to the face or facial appearance.

somber demeanor

Replaces "serious expression" with a description of overall behavior or attitude, implying a heavy or gloomy mood.

determined look

Shifts the focus from seriousness to resolve, suggesting a firm intention or purpose.

intense gaze

Concentrates on the eyes and the intensity of the look, rather than a general expression.

concerned face

Highlights worry or anxiety, which can be a reason for a "serious expression".

thoughtful air

Focuses on the impression of deep thinking or contemplation, often associated with seriousness.

pensive mood

Describes an overall state of deep reflection, which might manifest as a "serious expression".

FAQs

How can I describe a "serious expression"?

You can describe a "serious expression" by focusing on specific facial features or the overall impression it creates. For example, you might say the person had a furrowed brow, a tightened jaw, or a direct gaze. Alternatively, you could use phrases like /s/solemn+look, /s/grave+demeanor, or /s/earnest+mien to convey a similar meaning.

What emotions might a "serious expression" indicate?

A "serious expression" can indicate a variety of emotions, including concentration, concern, determination, or sadness. The specific emotion conveyed will depend on the context and other nonverbal cues.

Is "serious expression" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "serious expression" is appropriate for formal writing. It is a clear and professional way to describe a facial expression. However, depending on the context, more formal alternatives like /s/solemn+countenance or /s/grave+demeanor may be more suitable.

How can I avoid clichés when describing facial expressions?

To avoid clichés, focus on specific details of the face and the emotions they convey. Instead of simply saying someone had a "serious expression", describe the set of their jaw, the intensity of their gaze, or the tightness around their lips. Using vivid language and sensory details can help create a more compelling and original description.