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CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
unreadable expression
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE 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
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
12 human-written examples
Listening, Ms. Roll wrote, she understood the origins of Ms. Merkel's famously unreadable expression.
News & Media
Listening to that story, Ms. Roll wrote, she understood the origins of Ms. Merkel's famously unreadable expression.
News & Media
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.
News & Media
As I run through these explanations, she gazes back with an unreadable expression that could be hiding annoyance, confusion, amusement, or almost anything.
News & Media
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
Anthony Braxton sat perched on a piano bench one recent afternoon, hands folded in his lap, wearing an intent but unreadable expression.
News & Media
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.
News & Media
The reaction is festive at times, but there are also some slack-jawed, unreadable expressions.
News & Media
The men sat with unreadable expressions at the back of the hold.
News & Media
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
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
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.
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.
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.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
inscrutable face
Focuses specifically on the face being impossible to interpret.
blank stare
Implies a lack of emotion or comprehension in the gaze.
expressionless look
Highlights the absence of any discernible emotion.
impassive countenance
More formal, suggesting a calm and controlled demeanor.
opaque expression
Emphasizes the difficulty in seeing through the surface.
indecipherable look
Highlights the impossibility of understanding the look.
illegible handwriting
Focuses on written text that is impossible to read due to poor writing quality.
unfathomable gaze
Emphasizes the depth of meaning behind the eyes that is impossible to discern.
cryptic message
Focuses on the message that is difficult to decipher.
unclear communication
General term for any communication that is difficult to understand.
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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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
92%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested