shield her face

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shield her face" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing an action taken to protect or cover someone's face from something, such as an object, light, or weather. Example: "As the storm approached, she raised her arm to shield her face from the driving rain."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Lohan was caught using hers to shield her face from photographers.

Forbes

Outside the court today, Ms. Lawal hid behind her lawyer, holding her baby up to shield her face from photographers.

The New York Times

She put her hand up to shield her face, trying to hide the tears that slipped off the tip of her nose.

The New York Times

He was so sheepish from his errand that he did not notice how Beth held her book to shield her face — did not see her apprehension, he was himself so apprehensive.

The New Yorker

After breaking her nose in training last summer, Ms. Cruz had started to shield her face, and Mr. Suarez worried that she had lost some of her raw fight.

The New York Times

There were especially awkward photographs taken the night before our lunch, Twigs pictured getting out of a cab with one hand in Pattinson's and the other trying to shield her face from flashbulbs.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Amy Fisher got tired of being gaped at and shielded her face with her long hair.

The New York Times

To the surgeon's left is a cowering woman shielding her face.

The New York Times - Health

The passenger seat shielded her face and right hand from the blast.

The New York Times

At one point, describing the painting "Bandit Stripping a Woman," he notes that she is shielding her face -- but from whom?

The New York Times - Books

Also amusing is a bronze nude by Jean Alexandre Joseph Falguière, who shields her face as if disgusted by the subject of Théodule Augustin Ribot's small oil painting "Smoker".

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's reaction to unwanted attention, use "shield her face" to convey a sense of privacy and defense against intrusion. For example, "She used her hand to "shield her face" from the paparazzi."

Common error

Avoid using "shield her face" when describing situations where the face needs substantial protection, such as in a physical fight. Instead, opt for phrases like "defend her face" or "guard her face" to better convey the intensity of the protective action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shield her face" functions as a verbal phrase, where "shield" acts as a transitive verb taking "her face" as its direct object. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is usable in written English. The phrase typically describes an action taken to protect or conceal one's face.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "shield her face" is a grammatically sound and relatively common expression used to describe the act of protecting or concealing one's face. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and suitable for written English. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it conveys a sense of defense against unwanted attention or potential harm. Alternatives like "cover her face", "hide her face", and "protect her face" offer nuanced variations, each appropriate in different scenarios. When using the phrase, consider the intensity of the protective action and choose it accordingly. Ensure not to replace it with another term when you are referring to a real action of shielding like from bright sunlight.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cover her face

Focuses on the action of covering the face, without necessarily implying protection.

hide her face

Emphasizes concealment or avoidance of being seen.

protect her face

Directly highlights the protective aspect, suitable when physical danger is involved.

screen her face

Suggests a more deliberate act of using something as a barrier.

veil her face

Implies covering the face with a veil or similar material.

mask her face

Involves using a mask to conceal or protect the face.

shade her face

Specifically refers to protecting the face from light or sun.

defend her face

Suggests actively guarding the face from harm.

guard her face

Similar to 'defend,' but implies a more constant state of protection.

obscure her face

Focuses on making the face less visible or clear.

FAQs

How can I use "shield her face" in a sentence?

You can use "shield her face" to describe the act of protecting one's face from something, such as light, cameras, or debris. For example, "She used a scarf to "shield her face" from the dust."

What does it mean to "shield her face"?

To "shield her face" means to protect or cover her face, often to avoid being seen, photographed, or harmed by something.

Are there alternative phrases to "shield her face"?

Yes, alternatives include "cover her face", "hide her face", or "protect her face", depending on the specific context and intended meaning.

In what situations would I use "shield her face" versus "hide her face"?

"Shield her face" is used more when the action is in reaction to something, like a camera flash or bright light. "Hide her face"/s/hide+her+face is more appropriate when trying to avoid being recognized or seen altogether.