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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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unreadable expression

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unreadable expression" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a form of communication or text that cannot be easily read or understood. Example: "The handwriting on the note was so messy that it turned into an unreadable expression."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Listening, Ms. Roll wrote, she understood the origins of Ms. Merkel's famously unreadable expression.

News & Media

The New York Times

Listening to that story, Ms. Roll wrote, she understood the origins of Ms. Merkel's famously unreadable expression.

News & Media

The New York Times

As I lie dying, I can just make out a third guard up on a water tower, his gun pointed at me, staring down with an unreadable expression.

As I run through these explanations, she gazes back with an unreadable expression that could be hiding annoyance, confusion, amusement, or almost anything.

He's looking away from the masses with a dark but unreadable expression on his face: maybe it's exhaustion, or failure, or contempt.

News & Media

The New York Times

Anthony Braxton sat perched on a piano bench one recent afternoon, hands folded in his lap, wearing an intent but unreadable expression.

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Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

A toe-curling pause followed and Achebe's family looked on with unreadable expressions.

The reaction is festive at times, but there are also some slack-jawed, unreadable expressions.

The men sat with unreadable expressions at the back of the hold.

News & Media

Vice

Autumn, Rose, and Dyne, who has fibromyalgia, did several scenes onstage in Oasis's purple backlit ballroom, while a dozen or so people perched on raised leather cushions looked on wearing mostly unreadable expressions.

News & Media

Vice

Autumn, Rose, and Dyne, who has fibromyalgia, did several scenes onstage in Oasis' purple backlit ballroom, while a dozen or so people perched on raised leather cushions looked on wearing mostly unreadable expressions.

News & Media

Vice
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Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "unreadable expression" to describe a face that doesn't reveal any emotion or intention. It's effective when emphasizing a character's secrecy or internal conflict.

Common error

Avoid assuming that an "unreadable expression" means the person is not thinking or feeling anything. It often masks intense emotions or calculations, rather than indicating emptiness.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

92%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unreadable expression" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "unreadable" modifies the noun "expression". This describes a quality of the expression itself. Ludwig AI's examples show it characterizing a person's face or look.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

82%

Science

9%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "unreadable expression" effectively describes a facial appearance that conceals underlying emotions or intentions. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically sound and finds frequent use in diverse contexts, particularly in news and media. Alternatives such as "inscrutable face" and "blank stare" offer nuanced ways to express similar meanings, while understanding the phrase's implications helps avoid misinterpretations. The phrase's versatility makes it valuable in various writing scenarios, demanding mindful consideration of its precise effect.

FAQs

How can I use "unreadable expression" in a sentence?

You can use "unreadable expression" to describe someone whose face doesn't show their thoughts or feelings. For example, "The spy maintained an "unreadable expression" during the interrogation".

What's the difference between "unreadable expression" and "blank expression"?

"Unreadable expression" suggests that there might be thoughts or emotions hidden behind the face, while "blank expression" implies a complete lack of emotion or thought.

Are there situations where "unreadable expression" is not appropriate?

While versatile, "unreadable expression" might not fit when describing someone genuinely confused or surprised. Alternatives like "confused look" or "astonished gaze" may be more accurate in those cases.

What other phrases are similar to "unreadable expression"?

Similar phrases include "inscrutable face", "impassive countenance", and "opaque expression", all suggesting difficulty in discerning someone's true feelings.

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Source & Trust

92%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: