what a face

USAGE SUMMARY

'what a face' can be used in written English.
It is usually used as an expression of surprise or amazement. For example: "I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw her--what a face!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

What a face!

The New York Times

And what a face.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

What a face that man had.

The Guardian - Arts

Because what a face!" she said.

The Guardian - Film

And what a face it was.

The New Yorker

And what a face — a cross between Ezra Pound and Burl Ives, in rose-tinted specs.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

"This is what a cold call looks like, this is what a warm call looks like, this is what a warm letter looks like, this is what a face-to-face looks like," she continued.

The New York Times

In Chit Chat Roulette, Luepschen explores what a face-shaped wall of blocks, a claymation spotted slug, and a party of balloons might say if they each met a stranger through a Chatroulette-style randomizing chat service. .

Vice

According to her, Fidler then said, "'Oh looky here, what a pretty face,' or 'What a shame about that pretty face.'".

Vice

This is what a brave face looks like.

The Guardian

She just wants to show the country what a funny face she pulls when she listens to music.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "what a face" to express genuine surprise or admiration. It's best suited for informal contexts where a spontaneous, emotional reaction feels appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "what a face" in formal or professional writing. Its informal tone can undermine the seriousness of your message. Opt for more neutral or descriptive language instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what a face" functions primarily as an exclamatory expression. It conveys a strong emotional reaction, such as surprise, admiration, or even shock, upon seeing someone's face. Ludwig shows its use in contexts ranging from simple surprise to deeper aesthetic appreciation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "what a face" is an exclamatory phrase used to express a strong emotional reaction to someone's appearance. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and commonly used in informal contexts like news and media, as well as in wiki entries. While it can be a powerful way to convey surprise or admiration, it's best to avoid using it in formal writing. Alternatives such as "amazing face" or "striking features" may be more appropriate depending on the desired level of formality. Remember to use it judiciously to ensure your message aligns with the context and your intended tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that's quite a face

Retains the exclamatory tone but is more understated, using "quite" to suggest interest without strong emotion.

amazing face

This alternative is a direct descriptor, focusing on the quality of the face as being amazing without the exclamatory tone.

what an interesting face

Shifts the focus to the intriguing or unusual aspects of the face, rather than simply its beauty or expressiveness.

a face to remember

This emphasizes the memorability of the face but lacks the immediate emotional impact of the original phrase.

such a beautiful face

This alternative is a more direct statement of beauty, replacing the exclamation with a descriptive adjective.

remarkable visage

Visage is a more formal word for face, lending a sophisticated tone, and remarkable emphasizes how striking the face is.

an expressive face

This highlights the face's ability to convey emotion, focusing on its communicative qualities.

a captivating face

Captivating emphasizes the face's ability to hold attention and charm the viewer.

striking features

This focuses on the individual components of the face that are particularly noticeable or attractive.

an unforgettable countenance

This alternative uses a more literary term, countenance, for face, and highlights the lasting impression it makes.

FAQs

How can I use "what a face" in a sentence?

"What a face" is typically used as an exclamation. For example, "I saw him in the crowd and thought, "what a face"! I'll never forget it."

What can I say instead of "what a face"?

You can use alternatives like "amazing face", "striking features", or "remarkable visage" depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is "what a face" grammatically correct?

Yes, "what a face" is grammatically correct as an exclamatory phrase. It follows the standard structure for exclamations expressing surprise or admiration.

When is it appropriate to use "what a face"?

It is most appropriate in informal settings, such as casual conversations or personal writing, when you want to express a spontaneous reaction to someone's appearance. Avoid using it in formal or professional contexts where a more neutral tone is required.