distinctive smile

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "distinctive smile" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a smile that is unique or easily recognizable, often in a positive context. Example: "Her distinctive smile lit up the room and made everyone feel welcome."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"No bed like your own bed," she told me in parting, smiling her pointed, distinctive smile.

The New York Times - Magazine

Not only does Jordan have Grant's distinctive smile but he also, Coogler said at Sundance, can convey the particular combination of "warmth and an edge" that makes us feel we are experiencing the man as he must have been.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

He gestures me into a waiting cab; backs away, walking down the street, with his distinctive, Cheshire-Cat smile on his face and his arms briefly fully outstretched.

Independent

These qualities are evident, for example, in softly modeled Buddha statues in relaxed poses, with their distinctive and expressive "Paekche smile".

Encyclopedia Britannica

His distinctive characteristics are a smile that swallows up his face in a rather unusual way, a high-pitched laugh, and an ability to extract punch lines from unpromising material.

The New Yorker

Long before I was even vaguely aware of the magical world of rasam, sambal and pandan, I met Ramael Scully (or just Scully, as everybody calls him) on an ordinary trial shift on an ordinary day: a big man with a congenial smile and distinctive, shuffling gait.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Just as predicted, Eddie Murphy will be bringing his distinctive laugh and bright smile to The Kodak Theater this year.

Huffington Post

Thanks to a combination of funny photo galleries, scantily clad women, and random other stuff from the Internet, theChive has developed a pretty distinctive style — BusinessWeek memorably described it as "smut with a smile".

TechCrunch

A naturally likeable presence, Williams nonetheless developed a distinctive side-line in smiling villains, most notably in two psychological thrillers from 2002: One Hour Photo and Christopher Nolan's Insomnia.

Independent

Germaine Dulac, a French filmmaker best known for the surrealistic effusions of "The Seashell and the Clergyman," reveals a more distinctive sensibility in "The Smiling Madame Beudet," from 1923.

The New Yorker

Cartoonist Nina Paley has a distinctive style in her strips, whether she's drawing couples or cats: round, expressive faces with easy, honest smiles and occasionally painful comeuppances.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character, use "distinctive smile" to immediately create a memorable impression. For example, instead of just saying someone smiled, highlighting their "distinctive smile" adds depth to the description.

Common error

Avoid using "distinctive smile" in overly sentimental or clichéd descriptions. Overusing it can make your writing sound generic. Instead, focus on specific details that make the smile unique, such as the shape of the lips or the crinkling of the eyes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "distinctive smile" functions primarily as a descriptive element. It modifies the noun "smile", providing detail that makes it more specific and memorable. This phrase is used to highlight a particular quality of a smile, making it stand out.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "distinctive smile" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase that serves to vividly describe a smile that stands out. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and effective way to depict a memorable or unique smile. While not exceedingly common, it is utilized across diverse sources like news media and encyclopedias, making it suitable for various writing contexts. For alternatives, consider using "unique smile" or "characteristic smile" to add nuance to your descriptions. When writing, remember to avoid clichés and focus on the specific qualities that make the smile truly "distinctive".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unique smile

Replaces "distinctive" with "unique", emphasizing the one-of-a-kind nature of the smile.

characteristic smile

Substitutes "distinctive" with "characteristic", highlighting a smile that is typical of someone.

recognizable smile

Replaces "distinctive" with "recognizable", focusing on how easily the smile can be identified.

unmistakable smile

Uses "unmistakable" instead of "distinctive", stressing that the smile cannot be confused with any other.

signature smile

Employs "signature" to suggest that the smile is a trademark or defining feature.

memorable smile

Focuses on the lasting impression created by the smile.

peculiar smile

Indicates that the smile is unusual or strange in a way that attracts attention.

particular smile

Highlights that the smile is specific to a person or situation.

noticeable smile

Emphasizes that the smile is easy to see or observe.

individual smile

Stresses the uniqueness of the smile to a particular person.

FAQs

How can I describe a smile that stands out without using "distinctive smile"?

You can use alternatives such as "unique smile", "characteristic smile", or "memorable smile" depending on the context.

What makes a smile "distinctive"?

A "distinctive smile" stands out due to its unique features, such as the shape of the lips, the way the eyes crinkle, or the overall expression it conveys. It's easily recognizable and memorable.

Is it appropriate to use "distinctive smile" in formal writing?

Yes, "distinctive smile" is appropriate for both formal and informal writing. Its use depends more on the context and the specific image you want to evoke.

How does a "distinctive smile" differ from a regular smile?

A regular smile is a common expression of happiness. A "distinctive smile", on the other hand, has unique features that make it easily recognizable and memorable. It's not just any smile; it's a smile that stands out.