is smiling

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is smiling" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe someone who is currently smiling. Example: She is smiling at the camera. Alternative expressions include "is grinning" and "is beaming."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Georgette is smiling.

The New Yorker

Everyone is smiling.

The Economist

Chiellini is smiling.

Independent

He is smiling.

The New York Times - Food

She is smiling.

The New York Times

The boar is smiling.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

They're smiling, though.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Bryan was smiling.

Stanford University

Price was smiling.

The New Yorker

Wordsworth must be smiling.

The Economist

Neptune should be smiling.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing fiction, use "is smiling" to convey a character's emotional state, adding depth and realism to the narrative.

Common error

Avoid using "is smiling" to describe a habitual action. Instead of "She is smiling every day", use "She smiles every day".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is smiling" functions as the present continuous tense of the verb "to smile". This tense is used to describe an action that is happening at the moment of speaking or writing. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through its examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Academia

6%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is smiling" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase employed to describe someone's current state of happiness or amusement. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, the phrase carries a neutral tone and is considered appropriate for a wide array of situations. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase adheres to standard grammatical rules. For alternative expressions, consider using "is beaming" or "is grinning", depending on the specific nuance you aim to convey. Pay close attention to the tense when using "is smiling", and avoid using it to describe habitual actions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is beaming

Implies a broader, more radiant smile, often conveying strong happiness.

is grinning

Suggests a wider smile, possibly more playful or mischievous.

has a smile on their face

Focuses on the presence of the smile rather than the action of smiling.

is wearing a smile

Similar to "has a smile on their face", emphasizing the smile as an adornment.

is looking cheerful

Shifts the focus to the overall appearance of happiness, not just the smile.

is in good spirits

Indicates a positive mood or attitude, which may or may not be reflected in a smile.

is looking pleased

Expresses satisfaction or contentment, often shown through a smile.

is radiating joy

Conveys intense happiness and positive energy, of which a smile is one manifestation.

is glowing

Suggests happiness and health, often implying an inner sense of well-being.

is laughing

Indicates amusement and mirth, a more active expression of happiness than smiling.

FAQs

How can I use "is smiling" in a sentence?

You can use "is smiling" to describe someone's current facial expression indicating happiness, pleasure, or amusement. For example: "He is smiling at the camera", "She is smiling because she's happy".

What are some alternatives to saying "is smiling"?

Alternatives include "is beaming", "is grinning", or "has a smile on their face". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "is smiling"?

Yes, "is smiling" is grammatically correct. It is the present continuous tense of the verb "to smile", used to describe an action happening now.

What's the difference between "is smiling" and "smiles"?

"Is smiling" describes an action happening at the moment of speaking, while "smiles" describes a habitual action or general truth. For example: "She is smiling" (right now) vs. "She smiles every morning" (habitual action).