a passing smile

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a passing smile" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a brief or fleeting smile that someone gives, often in a casual or non-committal manner. Example: "As she walked by, he caught her eye and offered a passing smile, acknowledging her presence without stopping to chat."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"Perhaps," she said with a passing smile.

The New Yorker

Such complaints were still commonplace nearly 20 years later; in The Book of Days (1864), author Robert Chambers wrote about a case of wife selling in 1832, and noted that "the occasional instances of wife-sale, while remarked by ourselves with little beyond a passing smile, have made a deep impression on our continental neighbours, [who] constantly cite it as an evidence of our low civilisation".

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The pursed, passing smile of a young woman in what looks like Union Square is made, by force, to correspond to the recent death of her sister.

The New Yorker

He faces his questioner at close quarters, his eyes holding yours, and lights up the gravitas with passing smiles of extraordinary sweetness.

The New Yorker

Together, thousands applauded and at times even chanted her name as she passed, smiling and waving.

The New York Times

The crackle of gunfire across the lagoon prompted a smile from a passing Polish soldier.

Independent

That's the place that turns a chipped teacup and a wild flower into a tender comfort, a feather found on the pavement into a sign of hope, a smile from a passing stranger into an unexpected joy.

Huffington Post

Wave a hi/bye or pass a smile just don't look needy.

WikiHow

Make a passing comment and smile to a girl walking by.

WikiHow

"I'm happy that they make people passing by smile," the pensioner told VICE News with a kind grin.

Vice

Find any one of the following reasons to smile and give it a go: A stranger passed you and smiled.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance the meaning of "a passing smile", consider describing the context or the circumstances surrounding the smile to provide insight into the character's feelings or intentions.

Common error

Avoid using "a passing smile" in situations where a more profound emotional expression is expected. Overusing it can diminish the impact of the scene and make characters seem detached or unemotional.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a passing smile" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the object of a verb or the subject of a sentence. It describes a specific type of smile, emphasizing its transient nature, as seen in the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a passing smile" is a noun phrase used to describe a brief or fleeting smile. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and applicable in diverse contexts, predominantly in News & Media and Wiki sources. It serves to convey a subtle expression of happiness, politeness, or acknowledgment. When writing, it's best to use this phrase to subtly indicate a character's reaction, while avoiding overuse in emotionally charged scenes. Alternatives include "a fleeting smile" or "a brief smile".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a fleeting smile

Focuses on the brief duration of the smile, similar to "passing".

a momentary smile

Stresses the temporary nature of the smile.

a brief smile

Emphasizes the short duration of the smile.

a quick smile

Highlights the speed and brevity of the smile.

a transient smile

Highlights the ephemeral quality of the smile.

a faint smile

Indicates a subtle or barely noticeable smile.

a subtle smile

Suggests a smile that is not obvious or pronounced.

a slight smile

Implies a small and understated smile.

a gentle smile

Focuses on the soft and kind nature of the smile.

a wistful smile

Suggests a smile tinged with melancholy or longing.

FAQs

How can I use "a passing smile" in a sentence?

"A passing smile" is used to describe a brief or fleeting smile. For example, "She gave him "a passing smile" as she walked by, not wanting to engage in conversation".

What are some alternatives to "a passing smile"?

Alternatives include "a fleeting smile", "a brief smile", or "a quick smile". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a passing smile" formal or informal?

"A passing smile" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its neutrality allows it to fit diverse writing styles.

What does "a passing smile" imply about the person smiling?

It typically suggests a brief acknowledgment or a mild, often non-committal, expression of friendliness or amusement. The person might be preoccupied, uninterested in prolonged interaction, or simply polite.