a wide grin

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a wide grin" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a broad, cheerful smile, often indicating happiness or amusement. Example: "When she heard the good news, a wide grin spread across her face."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

To that, Hardin flashed a wide grin.

The New York Times - Sports

Then he broke into a wide grin.

The New York Times

It's not that complicated,' " Weatherford said with a wide grin.

The New York Times - Sports

Then, with a wide grin, he broke into jumping jacks.

The New York Times

Sad and intimate revelations might finish with a wide grin.

The Guardian

"Just joking," he said with a wide grin.

The New York Times

"It was interesting," Mr. Pratt said with a wide grin.

The New York Times

Mr. Love's face broke into a wide grin.

The New York Times

She navigated the packed room person by person, flashing a wide grin to all, radiating ease.

The New York Times

She has to take a deep breath to stop herself from breaking into a wide grin.

The New Yorker

Mr. Moynihan, delighted, proclaimed, "Casey is the man!" The worker broke into a wide grin.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a wide grin" to effectively convey a sense of joy, amusement, or satisfaction in your writing. It is particularly effective when describing a character's reaction to positive news or a funny situation.

Common error

Avoid using "a wide grin" when describing somber or tragic scenes. The expression typically denotes happiness and can feel inappropriate or insensitive in more serious contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a wide grin" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or the subject complement. It describes a physical expression indicating happiness or amusement, as seen in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a wide grin" is a common and generally neutral expression used to depict happiness or amusement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used, primarily in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, consider the context to ensure it aligns with the overall tone, avoiding overuse in serious situations. Alternative phrases such as "a broad smile" or "a beaming smile" can provide nuanced variations of the same sentiment. This analysis provides a comprehensive guide to understanding and effectively using the phrase "a wide grin" in various writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a broad smile

Emphasizes the expansive nature of the smile, similar to "a wide grin".

a big smile

Focuses on the size and intensity of the smile.

a beaming smile

Highlights the radiant and joyful quality of the smile.

a cheerful grin

Stresses the positive and happy sentiment behind the grin.

a pleased smile

Indicates satisfaction and contentment.

a satisfied smile

Highlights the feeling of fulfillment associated with the smile.

a happy smile

Simple and direct expression of joy through a smile.

an ear-to-ear grin

Exaggerates the width of the grin, implying great happiness.

a knowing grin

Suggests the smile is accompanied by an understanding or awareness that others may not share.

a mischievous grin

Implies the smile is playful or hinting at a secret.

FAQs

How can I use "a wide grin" in a sentence?

You can use "a wide grin" to describe someone's expression when they are happy or amused. For example: "He flashed "a wide grin" when he heard the news."

What's the difference between "a wide grin" and "a small smile"?

"A wide grin" suggests a large, expressive smile indicating strong happiness or amusement, while "a small smile" implies a more subtle, perhaps polite or reserved, expression.

What can I say instead of "a wide grin"?

Alternatives include "a broad smile", "a big smile", or "a beaming smile" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a wide grin" formal or informal?

"A wide grin" is generally considered a neutral to informal expression suitable for most writing contexts. It is less formal than, for example, "a countenance of delight."