Face vs Mouths

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

Face

Top 1,000 (very common)A1noun

Mouths

Top 2,000 (common)
Most common: Face
 FaceMouths
Pronunciation🇬🇧 /["/feɪs/"]/🇺🇸 /["/feɪs/"]/🇬🇧 //maʊθs//🇺🇸 //maʊθs//
MeaningThe front part of your head where your eyes, nose, and mouth are.The openings on a face used for eating and speaking.
ExampleShe has a beautiful face.The children laughed and opened their mouths wide in surprise.
RegisterNeutralNeutral
How commonTop 1,000 (very common)Top 2,000 (common)
CEFR levelA1-
Part of speechnoun
Collocationsfront, rear, North, face down, face downwards/​downward, face up, animated, cheerful, friendly, make, pull, search, look, seem, grow, on somebody’s face, a face like thunder, keep a straight face, an/​the expression on somebody’s face, familiar, old, different, see, front, rear, North, face down, face downwards/​downward, face up, front, rear, North, face down, face downwards/​downward, face up, human, acceptable, unacceptable, human, acceptable, unacceptableopen mouths, full mouths, talking mouths, silent mouths, wide mouths
Antonymsturn away, ignore-
Common mistakesConfused with 'faced' as the past tense of 'face', Using 'face' without an object unintentionally in casual speech, Misusing 'facing' in the wrong tenseConfused with 'mouth' when referring to a single unit., Misused in phrases where a singular version should be applied., Incorrect pluralization when not needing plurality.
Usage notesCommonly used to describe confronting someone, or to express emotions. In formal contexts, may refer to challenges or problems. Avoid in highly casual conversations.Used in both formal and informal contexts to describe the part of the body. Avoid using in overly technical discussions unless defining anatomy.

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Face
Mouths

Frequently asked questions: Face vs Mouths

What's the difference between Face and Mouths?

Face: The front part of your head where your eyes, nose, and mouth are. Mouths: The openings on a face used for eating and speaking.

Which is more common: Face and Mouths?

Face is the most common in everyday English.

Can you show an example of each?

Face: She has a beautiful face. Mouths: The children laughed and opened their mouths wide in surprise.

Can I use Face and Mouths interchangeably?

Not always. Face and Mouths are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.

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