very face

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "very face" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It may be intended to emphasize a specific aspect of someone's face, but without context, it is unclear how to use it appropriately. Example: "She had a look of surprise on her very face when she heard the news."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

In the very face of death you made us laugh.

The New York Times

"It just died a death in front of your own very face".

The New York Times - Sports

Many wondered if they were seeing the very face of death.

The New York Times

Even Catherine Deneuve, the very face of France, got fat when she quit smoking.

The New York Times - Books

"Indiscriminately shooting civilians seems on its very face to be an act of terror," he said.

The New York Times

Her very face, with its rich cheekbones and calm mouth (often in a half-smile), keeps altering.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

She operates her business alongside raising two small children and she works as a mechanical engineer in a very face-paced and challenging, male dominated environment.

The Guardian

Some burned, their very faces caught fire.

The New Yorker

He could communicate very well face to face.

The New York Times

"The I.N.S. is showing a very ugly face here, a very ugly face," he said.

The New York Times

* Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale – 0 = very happy face, 5 = very sad face # Linear visual analogue scale – 0 = no distress, 5 = very distressed $ Student's paired t test § As recorded by study nurse – 0 = no pain, 10 = maximum pain Subjects indicated their distress/discomfort using the Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating scale [ 22] (0 = Very Happy Face, 5= Very Sad Face).

BMC Infectious Diseases

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity, consider using "actual face" or "true face" instead of "very face" to avoid ambiguity and ensure grammatical correctness. This is especially important in formal writing.

Common error

Avoid using "very face" simply to add emphasis without a clear reason. Overusing it can make your writing sound awkward. Ensure the context warrants the specific focus on the face being described.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very face" functions primarily as an intensifier, aiming to emphasize a particular aspect of a face. Although Ludwig AI considers it incorrect, it's used in various contexts to draw attention to the significance or impact of someone's facial features or expression.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "very face" is used across different sources including news and media outlets, Ludwig AI considers it grammatically incorrect. It is used to emphasize an attribute of a face or the impact of a facial expression. For clarity and precision, especially in formal writing, consider alternatives such as "actual face" or "true face". Despite its prevalent use, understanding its limitations is key to effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

actual face

Emphasizes the genuineness or reality of the face being referred to.

the face itself

Highlights the specific face in question, often to distinguish it from something else.

the precise face

Focuses on the exact features or appearance of the face.

distinct face

Highlights the uniqueness or recognizability of the face.

particular face

Refers to a specific, identifiable face, often in a group.

the unmistakable face

Highlights that a face cannot be confused with another. Used to imply fame.

the definite face

Emphasizes a face that has clear, well defined characteristics.

the plain face

Highlights a face not subject to beauty or artifice. More often used in a demeaning way.

the sheer face

Used when something is unbelievable or absurd in the circumstances.

the veritable face

Synonym of "actual face", but used in formal register.

FAQs

Is "very face" grammatically correct?

While the phrase "very face" appears in various publications, including reputable news sources, it is generally considered grammatically "incorrect". Alternative formulations like "actual face" or "true face" may be more appropriate depending on the intended meaning.

What does "very face" mean?

The phrase "very face" is used to emphasize a particular aspect or quality of someone's face. However, its meaning can be ambiguous, so it's best to use alternative expressions for clarity.

What can I say instead of "very face"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "actual face", "the face itself", or "distinct face" to convey a similar meaning with better grammatical accuracy.

When is it appropriate to use "very face"?

While not strictly correct, "very face" might be used in informal contexts or creative writing where emphasis is desired and strict grammatical rules are less critical. However, in formal writing, it's advisable to opt for clearer alternatives.