mutual smile

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "mutual smile" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a smile that is shared between two or more people, indicating a sense of connection or understanding. Example: "As they exchanged glances across the room, a mutual smile spread across their faces, signaling their shared joy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

A quick, mutual smile that got me hooked.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

As he was talking, our mutual smiles faded as we remembered the random (or perhaps not so random) killings of the best minds of the country, the inability of water and power to coexist, the abuse of a beautiful religion, the transmutation of all Iraqi colors into black or white headdress (Shia vs. Sunni).

The New York Times

As Fanny, the novel's narrator and Mitford's alter ego notes, "it only required an occasional hint of mutual understanding, a smile, a movement of sympathy to make me think I really loved her".

The Guardian - Books

The two men talked about mutual friends, Ruth Rogers listening smiling and interested The Rogers had to go home early because of their youngster.

The New Yorker

One thing has to be made clear right from the start: To the French, seduction is about compliments, smiles and mutual pleasure, not locking someone in a hotel room and trying to force her to have oral sex.

The New York Times - Books

OKLAHOMA CITY — In a crowded corridor, two superstar tandems, representing two N.B.A. generations, crossed paths one last time, with hand clasps and half hugs and mutual admiration, and weary smiles all around.

The New York Times - Sports

I sensed mutual indifference behind polite smiles and had the overwhelming impression that, more and more frequently, I was watching people who didn't really know why they were living".

The New York Times - Arts

Before 9 months: No mutual sharing of sounds, smiles or other expressions.

WikiHow

It is in our mutual interest to get that smile off Vladimir Putin's face.

Huffington Post

Most listened, nodded earnestly and smiled, a flicker of mutual support, before describing their own bowel movements in unnervingly graphic detail.

The Guardian - Travel

We had a big smile, and it was very mutual," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "mutual smile" to describe a shared moment of happiness or understanding between two or more individuals. It effectively conveys a sense of connection and positive interaction.

Common error

While "mutual smile" is generally acceptable, avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise language to describe the specific emotion or interaction if possible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mutual smile" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where the adjective "mutual" modifies the noun "smile". It describes a particular type of smile that is shared or exchanged between two or more individuals. Ludwig provides examples where the phrase is used to describe shared emotions and understanding.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "mutual smile" is a grammatically sound and relatively rare expression used to describe a shared smile between individuals, signifying a connection or understanding. As Ludwig's analysis indicates, it is most commonly found in news and media contexts. While acceptable in general writing, more precise language might be preferred in formal or academic settings. Alternatives such as "shared smile" or "reciprocal smile" can be used to convey similar meanings. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reciprocal smile

Emphasizes the exchange or return of the smile between individuals.

shared grin

Replaces "smile" with "grin", suggesting a broader, more enthusiastic expression.

understanding smile

Highlights that the smile conveys a shared comprehension or empathy.

knowing smile

Suggests the smile indicates shared secret or inside joke.

acknowledging smile

Implies the smile is a way of recognizing or validating another person or situation.

friendly smile

Focuses on the amiable nature of the smile, suggesting warmth and goodwill.

sympathetic smile

Conveys empathy or compassion through the smile.

warm smile

Highlights the sincerity and pleasantness of the smile.

polite smile

Indicates a smile given out of courtesy or social obligation.

complementary smile

Focuses on how the smile adds to a conversation or situation, like a compliment.

FAQs

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

You can use "mutual smile" to describe a shared moment of happiness. For example: "As they exchanged glances, a "mutual smile" spread across their faces".

What are some alternatives to "mutual smile"?

Alternatives include "shared smile", "reciprocal smile", or "understanding smile", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

What does "mutual smile" mean?

"Mutual smile" refers to a smile that is exchanged or shared between two or more people, indicating a shared feeling or understanding.

Is "mutual smile" grammatically correct?

Yes, "mutual smile" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English to describe a shared smile between individuals.