Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
strip of expression
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "strip of expression" is not commonly used in written English and may not convey a clear meaning.
It could potentially be used in a context discussing the removal or reduction of emotional or artistic expression, but clarity would depend on surrounding text. Example: "The artist's latest work felt like a strip of expression, lacking the depth and emotion of their previous pieces."
Science
News & Media
Wiki
Alternative expressions(4)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
1 human-written examples
In these ptch1 ptch2 double mutants, the expression of disc1 increased from a thin strip of expression in the midline seen in controls (Fig. 2A) to prominent strips of expression on either side of the midline in double mutants (Fig. 2C), with both the number of cells labelled and intensity of cell labelling appearing to be increased in the hindbrain.
Science
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
58 human-written examples
Famously, the great French director Robert Bresson often shot enormous numbers of takes of his actors — who, in his later films, are almost all nonactors — reportedly, as many as fifty takes, in order to strip them of expression, in order, in effect, to remove their habits of theatrical will and render their performances as neutral as possible.
News & Media
Astley writes: "In politics, television, newspapers and advertising, language is often negative, reductive, stripped of full expression to put across a message – it's spun or twisted out of recognition … Instead of being used to communicate, it is used to control thinking, as a tool of power".
News & Media
By now, several hundred literary masterpieces and curriculum perennials have been stripped of needless verbiage, distracting fillips of expression and confusing complication and pared down to breezy chapter-by-chapter plot outlines, lists of characters and succinct considerations of major themes.
News & Media
In 2001, Cory Thompson also known as the "strip club crusader" for flouting the province's stripping laws attempted to challenge the ban of stripping in bars at the Supreme Court, arguing it was a violation of freedom of expression.
News & Media
In 2001, Cory Thompson – also known as the "strip club crusader" for flouting the province's stripping laws – attempted to challenge the ban of stripping in bars at the Supreme Court, arguing it was a violation of freedom of expression.
News & Media
Each strip shows the expression of eve in a narrow lateral band (10 μm either side of the lateral midline) along the anteroposterior (A-P) axis for each time point (1 6) in the Virtual Embryo.
Science
Freedom of expression?
News & Media
First, freedom of expression.
News & Media
The evolution of expression domains encompassed one or more segments and led to the establishments of specific patterns in various insect lineages (Fig. 5A, stripped boxes).
Science
Likewise, the caudal and rostral limits of high expression each lined up to form a strip of activation across the three brain subdivisions: St, N, and MV.
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "strip of expression", ensure the context clarifies whether you mean a removal, reduction, or specific band of expression to avoid ambiguity.
Common error
Avoid using "strip of expression" in contexts where a more common phrase like "lack of expression" or "emotional restraint" would be clearer and more readily understood by your audience.
Source & Trust
78%
Authority and reliability
3.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "strip of expression" functions as a noun phrase, potentially acting as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. It describes a specific instance or degree of expressiveness, although, according to Ludwig, its meaning requires contextual clarity.
Frequent in
Science
33%
News & Media
33%
Wiki
33%
Less common in
Formal & Business
0%
Social Media
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "strip of expression" is grammatically sound but lacks widespread usage. Ludwig highlights that the meaning is context-dependent, generally referring to a partial or reduced form of emotional or artistic display. While suitable for more formal settings requiring precise language, writers should aim for clarity by considering more common alternatives like "lack of expression" or "emotional restraint" to avoid ambiguity. Given its relative rarity, ensure the context clearly signals the intended meaning.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
lack of expressiveness
Focuses on the absence of expression rather than a partial reduction.
absence of emotion
Highlights the emotional aspect that is missing.
reduction of sentiment
Emphasizes a decrease in emotional feeling or sentiment.
devoid of feeling
Indicates a complete lack of any emotional content.
blank expression
Refers to a facial expression that shows no emotion.
neutral countenance
Describes a face that does not reveal any particular emotion or feeling.
emotional restraint
Focuses on the act of holding back or suppressing emotions.
subdued affect
Implies a toned-down or restrained emotional display.
controlled display of emotion
Highlights the deliberate attempt to manage emotional expression.
minimal expressiveness
Stresses the small amount of expression that is present.
FAQs
What does "strip of expression" mean?
The phrase "strip of expression" is not commonly used, so its meaning can vary depending on context. It can refer to a removal or reduction of emotional or artistic expression, or it can describe a specific area where expression is evident.
What can I say instead of "strip of expression"?
Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "lack of expressiveness", "absence of emotion", or "emotional restraint".
Is "strip of expression" grammatically correct?
Yes, the phrase is grammatically correct, but it is not a common or widely recognized idiom. Therefore, it's essential to ensure clarity in its usage.
How can I use "strip of expression" in a sentence?
You might say, "The artist's latest work felt like a "strip of expression", lacking the depth and emotion of their previous pieces." Be sure that the context clarifies your intended meaning.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
78%
Authority and reliability
3.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested