shaking face

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shaking face" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a facial expression that conveys fear, anxiety, or intense emotion, often in a figurative sense. Example: "As the thunder roared, I could see her shaking face, reflecting her fear of the storm."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

To the disbelief of myself and my colleagues, within a couple of hours my shaking face was devouring a carnivorously topped pizza that had been paid for by a total stranger and delivered straight to my doorstep.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

In the video, an assortment of hip-hop royalty gives "the gas face" (a maneuver that involves shaking your face in a slack-jawed manner, while moaning) to Adolf Hitler, the South African President P. W. Botha, and the mainstream rapper MC Hammer.

The New Yorker

"Whoo!" he cried, shaking his face dry as he surfaced.

The New York Times - Travel

Even the once-deadpan Powell came up with a stunt: putting his hip number on his lips and shaking his face for the camera.

The New York Times - Sports

The skin on the back of her arms wobbles as she shakes the air in front of her like she was shaking the face of an invisible child.

Huffington Post

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention: yellow or green discharge, your eyelids sticking together in the morning, a high fever, shaking, chills, face pain, vision loss, severe pain in your eye when looking in a bright light, blurred vision, or double vision[20].

WikiHow

Rio carnival took place earlier in the week, an event which involved the usual ass-shaking, face paint-wearing rumpus of visual delights.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Aversive or negative responses included gapes, head shakes, face washes, forelimb flails, and chin rubs.

Plosone

Other witnesses, though, said that as Sirhan approached, Kennedy was turning to his left shaking hands, facing north and so exposing his right side.

Wikipedia

And people'd laugh and he'd shake his face and jabber so fast.

The New Yorker

You are a woman and will shake your face in another woman's breast, you are perverted.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "shaking face" to vividly describe someone experiencing intense emotions, such as fear, anxiety, or grief. It paints a more evocative picture than simply saying someone is "scared" or "upset".

Common error

Avoid using "shaking face" when describing mild nervousness or slight unease. The phrase implies a strong emotional or physical reaction, so using it inappropriately can lead to exaggeration and a loss of impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shaking face" functions primarily as a descriptive element, modifying a noun. Based on Ludwig AI, it provides vivid detail of a person's emotional state through physical expression. It acts adjectivally to specify the appearance of the face.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

18%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "shaking face" effectively conveys intense emotions like fear or anxiety. According to Ludwig AI, its grammatical correctness and common usage make it a versatile choice in descriptive writing, particularly in news, media, and scientific contexts. While it's not inherently formal, avoiding overuse in neutral settings is advisable. Considering alternatives like "trembling face" or "quivering face" can provide nuanced variations. Ultimately, understanding the phrase's communicative purpose and emotional impact enhances its usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Trembling face

Replaces "shaking" with a synonym, focusing on involuntary movement due to emotion or cold.

Quivering face

Similar to "trembling face", it emphasizes a slight, rapid motion.

Shuddering face

Suggests a more intense shaking, often associated with fear or disgust.

Voice trembling with emotion

Shifts the focus from the face to the voice as a sign of emotion.

Face etched with fear

Moves away from literal shaking, implying that fear is visibly imprinted on the face.

Anxious expression

Focuses on the overall expression rather than the specific physical manifestation of shaking.

Visibly nervous

Indicates that nervousness is apparent in one's appearance, though not necessarily through shaking.

Distorted face

Highlights a disfigured appearance, possibly caused by intense emotion or physical trauma.

Face contorted with pain

Links the facial expression to the experience of pain.

Agitated look

Refers to a state of visible restlessness or unease.

FAQs

How can I use "shaking face" in a sentence?

You can use "shaking face" to describe someone experiencing intense emotion. For example, "When she heard the news, she covered her "shaking face" with her hands and wept."

What are some alternatives to "shaking face"?

Depending on the specific nuance you want to convey, you can use alternatives like "trembling face", "quivering face", or "shuddering face".

Is it appropriate to use "shaking face" in formal writing?

While not strictly informal, "shaking face" is generally more suited to descriptive writing or narrative contexts where conveying emotion is key. More formal writing might call for a less emotive description.

What does it mean when someone has a "shaking face"?

A "shaking face" typically suggests someone is experiencing strong emotions such as fear, anxiety, or distress. The shaking is a physical manifestation of their internal state.