vulnerable expression

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "vulnerable expression" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a form of communication that reveals one's feelings or weaknesses, often in a sensitive context. Example: "In her poem, she shared a vulnerable expression of her struggles with mental health, allowing readers to connect with her on a deeper level."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

At the end, as the music frays and the dancing stops, the camera settles on Delgado's sorrowful, vulnerable expression.

The New Yorker

Marceline, in her terrifyingly vulnerable expression of an interior monologue, was publicly confronting a grave psychic trauma even as she wrenched France into a crisis of conscience.

The New Yorker

"Lemonade" gives us a glimpse into a very vulnerable expression of dealing with personal heartbreak.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Uglydolls have soft, unthreatening bodies and wear vulnerable expressions.

The New York Times - Magazine

In the currency of social media, black and white trumped color; pensive, vulnerable expressions won out; content about Hoffman's addiction was more relevant than that without; and a scene from "Almost Famous," in which Hoffman's character dispenses practical wisdom about being "uncool," became the video clip considered the most illustrative of his life.

The New Yorker

It's not quite that Mitsugetsu, in her playful demeanor and vulnerable expressions, appears ageless.

Huffington Post

One may argue that aged yeast cells are more vulnerable to heterologous expression of synphilin-1 and α-Syn because their mechanisms to handle misfolded proteins are already operating at maximal capacity due to elevated levels of damaged endogenous proteins.

Plosone

The proteasome system in aging brains is especially vulnerable to this expression.

Aging Cell

Apart from synovial lining cells, the presence of mast cells makes a joint vulnerable to arthritis expression.

Arthritis Research and Therapy

I'd groan at gossip magazines, furious with the world's asinine obsession with celebrity, disappointed by women gazing doe-eyed at the camera with vulnerable, save-me expressions on their Botoxed faces.

The Guardian - Books

The pictures show various people posing warily, framed by the panes of their windows, one man shirtless, wearing jeans, all of them stiffly staring into the darkness outside their apartments or half-smiling at the camera, skeptical, apprehensive, curious, compliant, vulnerable -- their expressions are hard to fix.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "vulnerable expression" when you want to emphasize the sensitive and potentially exposed nature of a feeling or communication. This phrase is particularly effective in contexts where honesty and openness are valued.

Common error

While "vulnerable expression" can be powerful, avoid overusing it. Too frequent use can dilute its impact and make your writing sound melodramatic. Consider alternatives like "openness" or "sensitivity" when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "vulnerable expression" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective 'vulnerable' modifies the noun 'expression'. It describes a specific quality of an expression, highlighting its unguarded and sensitive nature, as demonstrated in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "vulnerable expression" is a valid and useful phrase for describing the act of revealing sensitive emotions, as confirmed by Ludwig. While grammatically sound, its frequency is uncommon, with usage primarily in News & Media and Science contexts. When writing, remember that it's best to use it when emphasizing the element of emotional exposure. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase carries implications of openness and potential risk, making it suitable for contexts where honesty and depth are valued.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

open display of emotion

Focuses on the outward manifestation of feelings, rather than the inherent vulnerability.

unprotected sentiment

Emphasizes the lack of defenses surrounding the feeling or opinion.

sensitive portrayal

Highlights the delicate and careful way in which something is represented.

raw emotional display

Emphasizes the unfiltered and intense nature of the emotional expression.

exposed feeling

Focuses on the feeling being revealed and open to scrutiny.

heartfelt communication

Highlights the sincerity and depth of the message being conveyed.

unshielded emotion

Emphasizes the lack of protection or barriers around the emotion.

unguarded communication

Highlights a sense of openness and lack of defensiveness in the communication.

sincere revelation

Highlights the honesty and truthfulness of the disclosure.

authentic expression

Highlights the genuineness and truthfulness of the expression.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "vulnerable expression" in a sentence?

To use "vulnerable expression" effectively, ensure the context highlights the act of revealing a sensitive or unguarded emotion. For instance, "Her "vulnerable expression" revealed the depth of her past pain".

What are some alternatives to "vulnerable expression"?

Depending on the context, you might consider alternatives like "open display of emotion", "unprotected sentiment", or "authentic expression".

In what contexts is it most appropriate to use the term "vulnerable expression"?

The term "vulnerable expression" is most appropriate in contexts where individuals are revealing personal feelings, such as in art, therapy, or intimate relationships. It is used to describe the communication of feelings that leave someone open to emotional risk.

How does "vulnerable expression" differ from simply being expressive?

"Vulnerable expression" implies a degree of risk and openness, suggesting the person is sharing something deeply personal and potentially painful. Being merely expressive doesn't necessarily carry the same connotation of emotional exposure.