stern faced

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stern faced" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a descriptive phrase to describe someone who looks serious or angry. For example: The administrator glared at the students with a stern faced expression.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Arms folded, stern faced, lecturing: "We're not angry, just disappointed".

The Guardian - Sport

"Maybe I come across as a bit stern faced, quite focused.

The Guardian - Sport

He is described as a "thin and stern faced man of about 50 [years of age]", despite being much older.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

He stands stern-faced against an inferno-like red backdrop.

The Guardian - Travel

Luckily, black-caped-stern-faced-spectacle-wearing-fairies, are somewhat of a rare commodity in my neighborhood.

Huffington Post

It's hard to say in hindsight whether those encounters seemed 'off', he says it's not necessarily unusual for people to leave a bathroom stern-faced.

Vice

Standing right behind him, Hahn/Cock makes stern-faced old Nelson look, well, a little silly.

The Guardian - Arts

More stern-faced men had gathered in the street in front of the gates.

The New Yorker

Stern-faced citizens object.

The New York Times

Stern-faced masseurs from Bulgaria to the Ukraine have pummelled my knotted muscles.

Independent

Old Yang is in his sixties, a tall, stern-faced man with a shaved head.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "stern faced" when you want to emphasize a serious, often disapproving, expression. It suggests a sense of authority or disapproval.

Common error

Avoid using "stern faced" in overly casual situations. Simpler words like "serious" or "unsmiling" may be more appropriate depending on the level of formality required.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stern faced" primarily functions as a descriptive adjective, modifying a noun (usually a person) to indicate their facial expression. Ludwig AI identifies its use in describing someone's appearance or demeanor.

Expression frequency: Rare

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 "stern faced" effectively describes a serious or disapproving expression. While grammatically sound and understandable, Ludwig AI finds that its usage is relatively rare. It is most frequently found in news media and is suitable for neutral to slightly formal contexts. When writing, consider whether simpler alternatives like "serious looking" or "unsmiling" might be more appropriate, especially in informal situations. Remember to reserve the phrase for situations where you want to convey a sense of authority or disapproval.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

grim faced

This alternative conveys a sense of foreboding or unhappiness in addition to seriousness.

serious looking

This alternative is more general, simply indicating a lack of levity.

severe looking

This alternative suggests a stricter or harsher appearance.

somber faced

This implies a sadness or melancholy reflected in the face.

unsmiling

This alternative focuses solely on the absence of a smile.

frowning

This is a more active expression of displeasure or worry.

glum faced

This conveys a sense of dejection or unhappiness.

austere looking

This suggests a plain or simple appearance, often implying seriousness.

stone faced

This implies a complete lack of emotion or expression.

determined looking

This suggests resolve and focus.

FAQs

What does "stern faced" mean?

The phrase "stern faced" describes someone with a serious, often severe or disapproving expression.

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

You might say, "The teacher gave the students a "stern faced" look after they misbehaved."

What are some synonyms for "stern faced"?

Alternatives include "grim faced", "serious looking", or "severe looking", each with slightly different connotations.

When is it appropriate to use "stern faced"?

It's suitable when describing someone who is displaying a serious or authoritative demeanor, especially in response to something negative.