knowing smiles

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "knowing smiles" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe smiles that convey understanding or shared knowledge between individuals. Example: "As they exchanged knowing smiles, it was clear they both understood the unspoken agreement between them."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

But "Fräulein Maria" is no insidery toss-off, cobbled in an effort to garner knowing smiles from those in the know.

The New York Times - Arts

His remarks brought knowing smiles around the table.

The New York Times - Magazine

All Sunday, everyone in the cottage wore knowing smiles.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A big event scheduled for the evening might get knowing smiles from the town's old-timers.

The New York Times - Magazine

Mr. Jones sang them all with knowing smiles and rakish aplomb.

The New York Times - Arts

Early on January 24th, Boone Isaacs's staff greeted her with knowing smiles.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

I want to share a knowing smile across a room with someone who knows me that well.

Huffington Post

A knowing smile.

The New Yorker

She smiles a knowing smile.

The New Yorker

Jarrett offered a knowing smile.

The New York Times

He flashed a knowing smile.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "knowing smiles" to subtly indicate a shared understanding or inside joke between individuals, enhancing the narrative without explicitly stating the shared information.

Common error

Avoid using "knowing smiles" excessively in your writing. Overuse can make the narrative predictable and diminish the impact of the shared understanding being conveyed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "knowing smiles" functions as a noun phrase, where "knowing" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "smiles". It describes a specific type of smile that communicates shared awareness or understanding, as supported by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "knowing smiles" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe smiles that communicate a shared understanding or inside joke. Ludwig confirms its usability across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While versatile, overuse should be avoided to maintain its impact. Alternatives such as "understanding smiles" or "knowing looks" can offer subtle variations in meaning. The phrase's neutral register and frequency of occurrence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscore its widespread recognition and acceptance. Ludwig AI has assessed its proper usage, making it a reliable choice for writers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

knowing grins

Replaces "smiles" with "grins", suggesting a broader, perhaps more playful expression of shared knowledge.

knowing looks

Substitutes "smiles" with "looks", focusing on the visual exchange of understanding rather than the expression itself.

knowing glances

Similar to "knowing looks", but implies a quicker, more subtle exchange of understanding.

understanding smiles

Replaces "knowing" with "understanding", emphasizing the comprehension aspect of the smiles.

knowing winks

Changes "smiles" to "winks", implying a more secretive or conspiratorial shared understanding.

knowing nods

Replaces the expression with a physical gesture that shows approval or acknowledgement in silence.

knowing expressions

A more general term that encompasses various facial cues conveying shared understanding.

knowing exchanges

Focuses on the act of sharing an understanding through any means of communication.

knowing reactions

Broader term referring to responses that display mutual awareness or comprehension.

knowing acknowledgment

Replaces the physical expression of a smile with the explicit act of recognizing something together.

FAQs

How to use "knowing smiles" in a sentence?

You can use "knowing smiles" to describe a shared understanding between people. For example, "They exchanged knowing smiles, indicating they both understood the situation".

What can I say instead of "knowing smiles"?

You can use alternatives like "understanding smiles", "knowing looks", or "knowing glances" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "knowing smiles" or "knew smiles"?

"Knowing smiles" is the correct and commonly used phrase. "Knew smiles" is grammatically incorrect in this context.

What's the difference between "knowing smiles" and "friendly smiles"?

"Knowing smiles" imply a shared understanding or inside joke, while "friendly smiles" simply convey warmth or goodwill.