thin face

USAGE SUMMARY

'thin face' is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to someone's facial features—for example, "He has a long, thin face, which is balanced out by his broad shoulders."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

He sort of had a thin face.

The New Yorker

The man in the picture has a thin face.

The New Yorker

"Pat a thin face gently," the instructions read, "a plump face firmly".

The New York Times

Kevork Khatchadourian had a thin face, a long nose, big eyes.

The New Yorker

In the first, he is recognisably himself, although his thin face has an anxious, watchful expression.

The Guardian

He looks younger, with his boyish haircut and long thin face.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

Thin face-centered cubic metal films on substrates often have mixed (1 1 1)/(1 0 0) fiber texture.

Acta Materialia

Thin faces act as membranes and carry no shear.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

Women leaned over babies with thin faces and wide-open eyes.

The New York Times

What do these A-listers have in common besides their long, thin faces?

The New Yorker

The core of the sandwich panel is approximated by finite prisms and the thin faces are modelled by finite strips.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character, use "thin face" in conjunction with other facial features to create a more vivid and complete image.

Common error

Avoid using "thin face" as the sole descriptor. Instead, complement it with details about the eyes, nose, or overall expression to create a more nuanced portrait of the individual.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "thin face" functions primarily as a descriptive adjective phrase modifying the noun 'face'. It provides a specific physical attribute, detailing the facial structure and appearance. Ludwig AI validates this through numerous examples of its use in descriptive contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "thin face" is a common and grammatically sound descriptive phrase primarily used to characterize an individual's facial appearance. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it functions as an adjective phrase modifying the noun 'face', serving to paint a visual image for the audience. Although primarily seen in news and media, with secondary usage in science and wiki, it maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for a wide range of contexts. When using this phrase, remember to provide additional details to create a fuller, more nuanced description, and consider synonyms like "gaunt face" or "lean visage" depending on the specific context you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gaunt face

Emphasizes a more severe thinness, often associated with illness or deprivation.

haggard face

Implies a thin and worn face, often due to hardship or age.

drawn face

Suggests thinness due to stress, fatigue, or illness.

lean visage

A more formal and somewhat literary way to describe a thin face.

slender face

A more delicate and refined way of saying thin face.

angular face

Focuses on the sharp angles and prominent bone structure of a thin face.

narrow face

Highlights the lack of width rather than overall thinness.

long face

Describes a face that is elongated and may appear thin as a result.

sharp features

Highlights the pointed or well-defined aspects of a face, often associated with thinness.

delicate features

A softer and more aesthetic way to describe the characteristics of a thin face.

FAQs

How can I describe someone with a "thin face" in a more vivid way?

Instead of just saying "thin face", try adding details such as "a long, thin face with high cheekbones" or "a normally thin face that looked gaunt from illness".

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

You can use alternatives like "gaunt face", "lean visage", or "angular face" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to describe someone as having a "thin face"?

Yes, it is generally acceptable, but consider the context and your audience. If you're unsure, using a more descriptive phrase like "a face with delicate features" might be a safer option.

How does a "thin face" differ from a "narrow face"?

A "thin face" generally refers to a face lacking fat or plumpness, while a "narrow face" describes a face that is not wide. The two descriptions can overlap, but they emphasize different aspects of facial structure.