generous smile

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'generous smile' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a person's smile when it is particularly pleasant and warm. For example, "Sally greeted me with a generous smile that instantly made me feel welcome."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

With a generous smile, he would tell me this: "I understand you have to write.

The New York Times - Magazine

Her work was always carried out with a generous smile and giving nature.

The Guardian

The driver (a friend of the resort owner) greeted us with a generous smile as we climbed aboard.

The New York Times - Travel

Kenny, 37, the brother with the most generous smile and biggest laugh, was considered the long shot.

The New York Times - Sports

Toriko is played by the incomparable Setsuko Hara, a key Ozu player, whose desperately polite and urgently generous smile suppresses a quiver of heartbreak.

The Guardian - Film

When his portly son-in-law tries to prostrate himself for Islamic prayers, "he falls all over everyone," Mr. Madjid said, a generous smile creasing his broad face.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

A local group of model engineers (generally older men with flat caps and generous smiles) open their track to the public who can ride on special carriages for a small fee (usually 50p a time).

The Guardian - Travel

Nelson Mandela's iconic smile -- that broad, generous grin is forever embedded in my mind, a memory I can pluck like a familiar hand-on-your-shoulder, offering comfort during this tremendous loss.

Huffington Post

When he died, she released a statement saying that: "As sad as it makes me that I will never walk into a room again and see his generous, infectious smile or hear him say, 'Oh Zeldina, you are here,' I have come to terms with the fact that Madiba's legacy is not dependent on his presence," adding: "Thank you for believing in me, Khulu, making me a better person, a better South African".

The Guardian - Books

He was an Indian with strong features, straight glossy black hair that hung to his shoulders, and a generous, powerful smile.

Vice

Sharon Duncan-Brewster is a beautiful, utterly persuasive Stella: generous, widely smiling and limber, sliced open by love of her husband.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "generous smile" to describe a smile that conveys warmth, kindness, and a giving spirit. This phrase is particularly effective when you want to emphasize the positive impact of someone's expression.

Common error

Avoid using "generous smile" in situations where the smile is insincere or sarcastic. The phrase implies genuine warmth and goodwill, so using it inappropriately can create an unintended and jarring effect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "generous smile" functions as a noun phrase, where "generous" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "smile". According to Ludwig AI, it is used to describe a smile that is particularly pleasant and warm, often conveying kindness or goodwill.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Wiki

5%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "generous smile" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression that describes a warm and kind smile. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English, particularly when aiming to convey a sense of warmth and goodwill. Predominantly found in news and media sources, the phrase evokes positive emotions and characterizes an individual's expression as genuinely pleasant. While alternatives like "warm smile" or "kind smile" exist, "generous smile" uniquely captures the essence of a smile that gives and radiates positivity, making it a valuable addition to one's descriptive vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

warm smile

Focuses on the warmth and friendliness of the smile.

broad smile

Emphasizes the width and openness of the smile.

kind smile

Highlights the kindness conveyed by the smile.

friendly smile

Underscores the approachable and amicable nature of the smile.

infectious smile

Focuses on the smile's ability to spread joy to others.

heartfelt smile

Highlights the sincerity and genuineness of the smile.

welcoming smile

Emphasizes the smile's invitational and receptive quality.

beaming smile

Highlights the radiant and joyful nature of the smile.

good-natured smile

Indicates a pleasant and agreeable disposition reflected in the smile.

amiable smile

Stresses the pleasant and agreeable nature of the smile.

FAQs

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

You can use "generous smile" to describe someone whose smile is warm, kind, and inviting. For example, "She greeted us with a "generous smile" that immediately put us at ease".

What are some alternatives to "generous smile"?

Alternatives include "warm smile", "kind smile", or "friendly smile", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a generous smile" or should it be "generously smiling"?

"A generous smile" is the correct and more common phrasing. "Generously smiling" is grammatically correct but less idiomatic; it describes the act of smiling generously rather than the quality of the smile itself.

What's the difference between a "generous smile" and a "broad smile"?

A "broad smile" emphasizes the width of the smile, while a "generous smile" emphasizes the warmth and kindness it conveys. You can have a broad smile that isn't necessarily generous, and vice-versa.