sleeping face

USAGE SUMMARY

"sleeping face" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the face of someone who is asleep. For example, "The children all had a contented sleeping face after their long day of play."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

He stood for minutes, gazing down on her sleeping face.

The New Yorker

So she lay motionless in the bed, breathing gently through a sleeping face.

The New York Times - Sports

He looked down at the sleeping face that illness was taking from him, a little more each day.

The New Yorker

The sight of the baby Prince, in his mother's arms, his sleeping face peeping through the swaddling clothes, was an epiphany: a triumph of hope, renewal and joy.

Independent

In Adam's case, though, the video camera was hooked up to the Internet, broadcasting his sleeping face to friends and family around the world.

The New York Times - Tech

I watch her sleeping face with its slight smile and imagine she dreams of new recipes for cooking small puffy cumulus clouds.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

Guards walking the tier outside their cells saw them at 9 30 and checked on them periodically all night, looking in at the sleeping faces, hearing nothing strange.

The New York Times

Ebrahimi, who shot dead her husband while he was sleeping, faces imminent execution, despite international laws prohibiting execution for crimes committed by juveniles.

The Guardian

But as an audience we don't know what to make of it: the adults' power over the children is as sinister as it is protective, and the children's angelically blank sleeping faces look terrifyingly vulnerable.

The Guardian

And while it can be a quick fix to lessen snoring, most experts agree that the cons of sleeping face-in-the-sheets outweigh that pro.

HuffPost

We can find silence in the sleeping faces of our children or partner.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sleeping face" to create a visual image for the reader, evoking feelings of peace, vulnerability, or observation.

Common error

While "sleeping face" is a valid phrase, avoid using it repetitively in close proximity. Vary your descriptions with alternatives like "peaceful slumber" or "resting expression" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sleeping face" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the object of a verb or preposition. It denotes the facial expression of a person or creature while sleeping. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sleeping face" is a common and acceptable noun phrase used to describe the appearance of someone's face while they are asleep. As Ludwig AI states, it is correct and usable in written English, particularly in news and media, and general descriptive contexts. While generally neutral in tone, it can evoke different feelings based on the surrounding context. For stylistic variation, alternatives like "peaceful slumber" or "resting countenance" can be employed. Remember to consider the ethical implications when describing someone’s "sleeping face", especially if it could be seen as intrusive.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

face of slumber

A poetic variation of "sleeping face".

sleeping countenance

A more formal or literary way to say "sleeping face".

sleeping visage

Similar to countenance, but slightly more archaic.

dreaming face

Highlights the potential for dreams during sleep.

peaceful slumber

Emphasizes the tranquility and serenity of sleep.

face in repose

Highlights the relaxed state of the facial muscles during sleep.

resting expression

Focuses on the facial expression during rest, not specifically sleep.

face at rest

A general term for a face that is relaxed and not actively engaged.

unconscious face

Focuses on the lack of awareness during sleep.

relaxed facial expression

Broader than just sleep; encompasses any relaxed facial state.

FAQs

How can I describe a "sleeping face" in a more evocative way?

Consider using alternatives such as "peaceful slumber", "face in repose", or "face of slumber" to add depth and imagery to your writing.

Is it always appropriate to use the phrase "sleeping face"?

While generally acceptable, consider your audience and the tone of your writing. In more formal contexts, a phrase like "resting countenance" may be more suitable.

What does it mean when someone says they are studying a "sleeping face"?

It typically means they are observing someone who is asleep, often focusing on their facial expression. This could be out of affection, concern, or even scientific interest.

Are there any negative connotations associated with the phrase "sleeping face"?

Not inherently, but context matters. Describing someone's "sleeping face" could be seen as intrusive if done without permission or in a disrespectful manner. Always consider the ethical implications.