grinning widely

USAGE SUMMARY

"grinning widely" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means to smile broadly, showing one's teeth and expressing joy or amusement. Example: The children couldn't help but start grinning widely when they saw the clown entering the room with a huge bouquet of colorful balloons.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

He paused, now grinning widely.

The New York Times

"No," Jackie said, grinning widely.

The New York Times

"We had a great time," Mr. Woods said, grinning widely.

The New York Times

"I wish," Cabrera said, grinning widely after Wednesday's victory.

The New York Times - Sports

Afterward, he retreated on defense while grinning widely.

The New York Times

"I never supported him more," Mr. Bojic said, grinning widely.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

Decked out in his signature wide-brimmed hat – watch out there, Kindness – Gallab grins widely while plucking his guitar over single How We Be.

The Guardian - Music

She grins widely.

The New York Times - Arts

I grinned widely.

Independent

Kadyrov grinned widely.

The Guardian

He grins widely.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "grinning widely" to vividly describe someone's expression of joy, amusement, or satisfaction. It adds a visual element to your writing, making it more engaging for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "grinning widely" in highly formal or professional documents. Opt for more neutral expressions like "smiling" or "looking pleased" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grinning widely" functions as an adverbial modifier, describing the manner in which someone is grinning. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. It vividly enhances the verb "grinning," adding detail about the expression's intensity. As Ludwig examples demonstrate, it describes a facial expression, emphasizing strong positive emotion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "grinning widely" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adverbial phrase that vividly describes a person's expression of joy or amusement. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it functions as an adverbial modifier, adding detail to the verb "grinning." While it's versatile across various contexts, it is more common in News & Media, making it a neutral choice. When writing, use it to add a visual element to your descriptions, but be mindful of overusing it in highly formal settings. Remember that phrases like "smiling broadly" or "beaming" can be suitable alternatives depending on the nuance you want to convey. Lastly, Ludwig examples show this phrase to be well-rooted in contemporary English usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

grinning from ear to ear

Emphasizes the extreme width of the smile, suggesting great happiness.

sporting a wide grin

A more descriptive and literal way of expressing the same idea.

smiling broadly

Focuses on the smile's breadth rather than the intensity or width of the grin.

beaming

Implies a radiant and joyful expression, often conveying warmth and happiness.

grinning like a Cheshire cat

Suggests a broad and enigmatic smile, often implying amusement or hidden knowledge.

glowing with happiness

Highlights the overall radiance and joyfulness of the expression.

smirking

Suggests a more subdued, sometimes mischievous smile, rather than an open grin.

laughing heartily

Indicates audible laughter accompanied by a wide smile.

looking pleased

A more general expression of satisfaction without specifying the type of smile.

simpering

Implies a coy or affected smile, which may not always be genuine.

FAQs

How can I use "grinning widely" in a sentence?

You can use "grinning widely" to describe someone's expression of happiness or amusement. For example, "She was "grinning widely" after receiving the good news."

What are some alternatives to "grinning widely"?

Alternatives include "smiling broadly", "beaming", or "grinning from ear to ear", depending on the context and the intensity of the emotion you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "grinning widely" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "grinning widely" might be too informal for certain formal contexts. Consider using more neutral terms like "smiling" or "expressing satisfaction" in such situations.

What does it mean when someone is "grinning widely"?

It typically indicates that the person is feeling very happy, amused, or pleased. The wide grin signifies a strong positive emotion.