expected to smile

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "expected to smile" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a situation where someone is anticipated or required to show a smile, often in social or professional contexts. Example: "During the interview, candidates are expected to smile and maintain a positive demeanor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

A woman was expected to smile, and not give speeches.

The New Yorker

Caked in makeup, girls are expected to smile pleasingly throughout their routines.

The Guardian - Opinion

How often can we be expected to smile indulgently at the mere sight of someone in period costume skipping or cycling along to Gary Glitter or Mungo Jerry?

The Guardian

As a parent, I'm expected to smile serenely as I pour the wine and rush the baked rolls to the table, as I sign "Santa" on every package, then join my children in marveling at his generosity.

The New York Times - Magazine

Germany is expected to smile on Britain's bid to apply EU justice and home-affairs rules selectively, for example.The contrast with Peer Steinbrück, her centre-left opponent, only increases Mrs Merkel's appeal.

The Economist

So when one musician explains how women were expected to smile throughout a performance, her comment is followed by a montage of horn and trumpet players hilariously struggling to comply.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

I smiled then too, only not nearly as much as I expect to smile when the next drug-testing person says the same thing.

Huffington Post

She expected to see Linda smiling toothily, holding Lila's little hand and waving it around in a semblance of goodbye.

The New Yorker

He is expected to have a smile and a signature for everyone he meets.

The New York Times - Sports

"It's a card inside an envelope that can change so much," Ronaldo says of the Ballon d'Or, describing what it is like being expected to fake a smile on behalf of his old adversary.

The Guardian - Sport

I attribute this to my bartender past, where you are expected to paste a smile on your face for your 9-hour shift and make the customer feel warm and fuzzy even when they're completely out of line.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "expected to smile", consider the context. Is it a genuine expectation or a forced requirement? Choose language that reflects the true nature of the situation.

Common error

Avoid assuming that someone is genuinely happy simply because they are "expected to smile". Recognize that smiling can be a social expectation rather than a true reflection of feelings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "expected to smile" functions as a descriptive phrase, indicating an anticipation or obligation for someone to display a smile in a given situation. This is supported by Ludwig, which confirms the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Science

7%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "expected to smile" is a grammatically sound expression that describes the anticipation or obligation for someone to display a smile. As indicated by Ludwig, it's commonly used in contexts related to societal norms, professional settings, and social expectations. While grammatically correct, it's crucial to consider the sensitivity of such expectations, as a smile may not always reflect genuine emotions. This analysis, supported by Ludwig's diverse examples, highlights the importance of using language that acknowledges the complexity of human expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

obliged to smile

Highlights the feeling of obligation or duty to smile, rather than anticipation.

supposed to smile

Indicates a societal or circumstantial expectation to smile.

required to smile

Emphasizes a mandatory aspect of smiling, often in professional settings.

anticipated to smile

Focuses on the anticipation of seeing someone smile.

predisposed to smile

Suggests a natural inclination or tendency towards smiling.

demanded to smile

Highlights the coercive aspect of being made to smile.

asked to smile

Involves a direct request or invitation to smile.

encouraged to smile

Implies a positive influence promoting a smile.

wished to smile

Expresses a desire or hope for someone to smile.

inclined to smile

Suggests a slight tendency or willingness to smile.

FAQs

How can I use "expected to smile" in a sentence?

You can use "expected to smile" to describe situations where someone is anticipated or required to show a smile, often in social or professional contexts. For example, "During the interview, candidates are "expected to smile" and maintain a positive demeanor."

What's a more formal alternative to "expected to smile"?

In more formal contexts, you could use phrases like "required to smile" or "obliged to smile" to convey a similar meaning with a stronger sense of duty or regulation.

Is it always appropriate to say someone is "expected to smile"?

No, it's important to consider the context. If the expectation to smile is insensitive or dismissive of someone's genuine emotions, it may be better to use more empathetic language or avoid the phrase altogether.

What's the difference between "expected to smile" and "encouraged to smile"?

"Expected to smile" implies a stronger sense of obligation or anticipation, while "encouraged to smile" suggests a more positive and supportive environment where smiling is promoted but not necessarily required.