Hi Kseniia, I would not recommend using any of these constructions. I will explain why: 1) I think _the_ word "face" doesn't work in your sentence. - While I understand what you mean and hear this type of construction often from those learning English, native speakers do not express this idea this way. We would instead say, "I don't think the word, "face" works in your sentence." 2) I think _the_ noun "face" doesn't work in your sentence. - Same issue as 1), but also, nobody would say noun in normal speech. They'd use "the word" as you've used above. Perhaps this might be heard in a setting where grammar is being discussed. 3) I think "face" doesn't work in your sentence. - This sentence lacks clarity. I understand because you've stated it clearly in this question. Imagine hearing this question spoken aloud? It would not be clear what you mean. It would be best again to say, "the word" before "face" in your sentence. 4) Can we say "I think _a_ "face" doesn't work in your sentence"? Or "I think _the_ "face" doesn't work in your sentence" (without words (or _the_ words??) "noun" or "word")? - Forget both of these. Refer to the answers above. While the second could work in informal speech, ("I don't think the "the" works here" for example) aim for clarity by taking the advice above. JM