a thin smile

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a thin smile" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to describe a polite but strained facial expression that is not a genuine smile. For example, "He put on a thin smile as he asked the stranger how he was doing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

He gives a thin smile.

The Guardian - Music

His face often bore a thin smile.

The New Yorker

Her husband cracked a thin smile.

The Guardian

"The flipside of death?" A thin smile.

The Guardian - Books

With a thin smile, he turned away.

The New York Times - Sports

Again, Ms. Duffy gave her a thin smile.

The New Yorker

A thin smile finally flickers across his lips.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

The former, says Ms. Shakur, a thin, smiling woman with loads of charm and a towering presence.

The New York Times

"Allen Dow smiled a thin sardonic smile".

The New Yorker

"I am an anxious man," Mr. De la Rua said in his monotone, displaying a thin, stern smile during a recent interview at the Casa Rosada presidential palace.

The New York Times

An old-fashioned Bentley purrs up, and from out of the back steps BIG MAL, played by MARK RYLANCE, with a thin, menacing smile: "All right, Dave?

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a thin smile" to subtly convey a character's discomfort, insincerity, or restrained emotion. It adds depth by suggesting underlying feelings not openly expressed.

Common error

Avoid using "a thin smile" repeatedly in close proximity within your writing. Vary your descriptions of smiles with alternatives like "a forced smile" or "a wry smile" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a thin smile" functions as a descriptive noun phrase. It modifies an action or state of being, adding detail about the nature of the smile. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a thin smile" is a versatile descriptive term used to portray a smile that lacks genuine warmth or sincerity. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, predominantly found in news and media sources. Its purpose is to communicate subtle emotional cues, suggesting discomfort, insincerity, or reservation. When using "a thin smile", consider its impact on conveying a character's true feelings and be mindful of overusing it. Alternatives like "a forced smile" or "a strained smile" can provide variety and nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a forced smile

Indicates a smile that is not genuine and requires effort.

a strained smile

Suggests a smile that is produced under pressure or discomfort.

a weak smile

Implies a smile that lacks strength or sincerity.

a faint smile

Describes a smile that is barely perceptible.

a wry smile

Conveys a smile that is ironic or mocking.

a sardonic smile

Suggests a cynical or scornful smile.

a tight-lipped smile

Implies a smile that is restrained or guarded.

a fleeting smile

Describes a smile that appears briefly and disappears quickly.

a knowing smile

Conveys a smile that indicates shared understanding or secret knowledge.

a polite smile

Indicates a smile that is performed out of courtesy rather than genuine feeling.

FAQs

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

You can use "a thin smile" to describe a smile that lacks genuine warmth or enthusiasm. For example, "He offered "a thin smile" as he accepted the award, clearly disappointed it wasn't the top prize."

What does "a thin smile" imply?

"A thin smile" often implies that the person is not genuinely happy or amused, and may be feeling uncomfortable, sarcastic, or reserved. It's a smile that doesn't quite reach the eyes.

What are some alternatives to "a thin smile"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "a forced smile", "a strained smile", or "a polite smile" to convey similar meanings.

Is "a thin smile" a common expression?

Yes, "a thin smile" is a relatively common expression in English, particularly in descriptive writing and narratives. As Ludwig AI confirms, many examples appear in reputable sources.