sorry face

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sorry face" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a facial expression that conveys regret or apology, often in informal contexts. Example: "When he realized he had forgotten her birthday, he made a sorry face that made her laugh."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

My offer included one month's worth of browsing history, posts from Facebook and Twitter accounts, three email addresses in frequent use and 10 photos of my sorry face.

BBC

I ask for people who make that sorry face when they hear I'm not married, to not make that sorry face anymore.

Huffington Post

Biden wants to be real good friends, like a devoted puppy, but Ryan has got his "I gotta take this serious, sorry" face on.

Huffington Post

If it's a no, expect a sadly sorry face, nodding side to side and a "Maybe later, sweetie".

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

He's very glad to see us, he says, once he has spit the flashlight out, his warm smile landing on our sorry faces.

The New Yorker

Number of films: 7. Strength: Now that original star Sigourney Weaver seems to be done with "Alien" movies, the most important element of this franchise is the monster — (sorry, face-hugging xenomorph), -- which means the cast is totally refreshable. .

Los Angeles Times

He looked back at me with an "I'm really sorry" expression on his face as his hands reached out toward my neck.

The New Yorker

I'm sorry the face of your loved one's murderer will likely be more publicized than the face of your loved one.

Huffington Post

But, sorry, your face doesn't fit any longer.

The Guardian - Business

This is the sorry prospect facing many of those Ford workers now, many of whom will have given their working life to the company.

The Guardian - Opinion

P.M.S.: Sorry, sorry, sorry!

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sorry face" to describe a visual expression of regret or apology, especially in informal or descriptive writing. It is often more impactful than simply stating someone apologized.

Common error

Avoid using "sorry face" when a more specific emotion is intended. If the character is experiencing grief, "mournful expression" might be more accurate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sorry face" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a descriptive element within a sentence. It describes a facial expression indicating regret or apology, similar to examples in Ludwig where expressions like 'I'm really sorry' are related to someone's face.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sorry face" is a noun phrase used to describe a facial expression indicating regret or apology. While grammatically correct and understandable, Ludwig shows that it appears most commonly in news and media contexts, with a more neutral to informal register. When a more formal or precise description is needed, alternatives like "apologetic expression" or "regretful look" may be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

apologetic expression

Focuses on the expression being an apology, emphasizing the intent behind the facial display.

regretful look

Highlights the feeling of regret conveyed by the facial expression.

sad countenance

Emphasizes the sadness evident in the person's face, making it more formal.

penitent gaze

Implies a more profound sense of remorse and repentance in the look.

rueful expression

Suggests a mixture of regret and amusement or irony in the facial expression.

contrite look

Conveys deep sorrow and repentance for one's actions.

guilty expression

Highlights the feeling of guilt reflected in the face.

disappointed expression

Signifies a sense of disappointment conveyed through the facial expression.

downcast look

Indicates a general feeling of sadness or dejection, visible in the face.

mournful face

Suggests deep sorrow or grief reflected in the facial expression.

FAQs

How can I describe a "sorry face" in more detail?

To provide a more detailed description, you could specify the exact features contributing to the expression, such as furrowed brows, downturned mouth, or teary eyes. You could also use an adjective before the phrase, like 'a sadly sorry face'.

What are some alternative ways to say "sorry face"?

You can use alternatives like "apologetic expression", "regretful look", or "sad countenance depending on the context".

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

While "sorry face" is understandable, it may be too informal for academic or professional contexts. Consider using a more formal phrase like "an expression of remorse" or "an apologetic demeanor".

What's the difference between a "sad face" and a "sorry face"?

A "sad face" generally conveys feelings of unhappiness or sorrow, while a "sorry face" specifically indicates regret or apology for something done (or not done). Therefore, while a sad face can stem from various causes, a sorry face is usually linked to remorse.