stern face

USAGE SUMMARY

'stern face' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe someone's facial expression when they are expressing disapproval or dissatisfaction, for example: "The teacher looked at the student with a stern face".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

He had a very stern face.

The Guardian

"I promise you," he said, with a stern face, "the President has a big stick".

The New Yorker

He has a stern face and he simply nods before shooting off into the gathering darkness.

The New Yorker

Maisha charged forward and screeched at Baba until his stern face crumbled into a sheepish grin.

The New Yorker

Her stern face broke into a smile as the price was bid up, and up.

The New York Times - Travel

Mr. White's stern face broke into a broad grin and his wife, Deloris, collapsed into tears.

The New York Times

It has to put on a stern face and say: "Impress me".

The Guardian

A waiter at the stand unrolled a poster of Mr. Hussein's stern face and kissed it.

The New York Times

"His handsome stern face showed few traces of boyhood," the story reads.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

STERN-FACE: So you're telling me that these people, with their pantsuits and matching crockery, took you into their home because of an act of Christian charity?

The Guardian - Film

Ray who was almost six feet tall, and broad with a beautiful, stern face had a glorious, full-throated wail of a voice that didn't fit with the quavering sopranos surrounding her, and she closed her eyes and stomped and swayed when she sang.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "stern face" with action verbs to illustrate the face's effect on others. For instance, 'His stern face silenced the room,' showing how the expression influenced the environment.

Common error

Avoid repeatedly using "stern face" to describe a character's expression. Instead, vary your descriptions with synonyms or focus on the character's actions and dialogue to convey their emotions and intentions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stern face" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "stern" modifies "face". It describes a specific kind of facial expression characterized by seriousness and disapproval. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Science

3%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "stern face" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe a facial expression marked by seriousness and disapproval. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid and usable phrase. Found frequently in news and media, it effectively communicates a nonverbal cue, conveying authority or prompting a change in behavior. While versatile, avoid overuse by varying your descriptions with related phrases like "severe look" or "disapproving look". Understanding its function and context helps enhance the impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disapproving look

Directly indicates disapproval reflected in the face.

serious expression

Focuses on the general seriousness of the facial expression.

set face

Highlights the firmness and determination in the facial expression.

severe look

Highlights the intensity and strictness conveyed in the expression.

unsmiling face

Indicates a lack of amusement or happiness in the expression.

grim countenance

Emphasizes the unpleasant or forbidding nature of the face.

impassive expression

Suggests a lack of emotion or feeling in the face.

forbidding visage

Stresses the discouraging or intimidating aspect of the face.

resolute gaze

Emphasizes the determination and firmness conveyed by the eyes.

hardened features

Focuses on the appearance of being unyielding or tough.

FAQs

How can I describe a face that is more than just serious?

Consider using phrases like "severe look" or "grim countenance" to convey a stronger sense of disapproval or unhappiness than just a serious face.

What's the difference between a "stern face" and a "hardened face"?

A "stern face" usually implies a current expression of disapproval or seriousness. A "hardened face", on the other hand, suggests that someone's face has become that way over time, usually due to difficult experiences.

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

You can say, "The teacher looked at the student with a "stern face"" to show the teacher's disapproval, or "Despite the bad news, she kept a "stern face"" to indicate her resolve.

Are there any phrases with opposite meanings to "stern face"?

Yes, phrases like "smiling face", "joyful expression", or "beaming countenance" would be antonyms, as they convey happiness or amusement rather than seriousness or disapproval.