recognizing smile

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "recognizing smile" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a smile that indicates acknowledgment or familiarity, often in a social context. Example: "As she walked into the room, he greeted her with a recognizing smile that conveyed warmth and connection."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Yeah, I recognize that smile," she said.

The New Yorker

LOOKING at a three-dimensional model of her teeth, Sara McClure didn't recognize her smile.

The New York Times

All that beauty never got me much; strangers laying claim to what they think they recognize, every smile a promise, and most the kind you hope they won't keep.

The New Yorker

The waiter recognized Gerry, smiled at him.

The New Yorker

"She's talking today to the nurses she recognizes and smiling at them," her mother, Denise Lopez, said on Tuesday.

The New York Times

Future in Question Amar'e Stoudemire did not recognize the smiling man advancing toward him, dressed in oversize clothing to camouflage his ample girth.

The New York Times - Sports

We might not be ready to laugh again yet, but I hope we bring folks at least a weary, self-recognizing smile.

Huffington Post

I smiled, recognizing that nobody had it easy.

The New York Times - Arts

He smiled, recognizing the glow of the converted.

The New York Times

She just smiled, recognizing my addiction and the trouble yet to come, and invited me to her loft in Chelsea, where she showcases the Anne Rubin collection.

The New York Times - Magazine

It's in our cameras, recognizing faces and smiles.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's reaction, use "recognizing smile" to indicate they understand or acknowledge something specific, like a shared joke or a hidden emotion. This adds depth to character interactions.

Common error

Avoid using "recognizing smile" for simple, everyday smiles. Save it for instances where the recognition aspect is crucial to the meaning you want to convey. Instead of saying 'He gave her a recognizing smile as she entered', if he is simply being polite, consider using 'He smiled at her'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "recognizing smile" functions as a noun phrase acting as a direct object or subject complement, describing a smile that conveys recognition or understanding. Based on the available data from Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

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Science

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

Academia

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Encyclopedias

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Wiki

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "recognizing smile" is grammatically correct and describes a smile that conveys understanding or acknowledgment. While not extremely common, it can be effectively used in various writing contexts to add nuance. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. Consider alternatives like "acknowledging smile" or "understanding smile" depending on the context. This phrase is suitable for describing a smile that indicates a specific understanding or a shared moment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

acknowledging smile

Focuses on the smile as a form of acknowledgement or recognition.

identifying smile

Highlights the act of determining what kind of smile it is.

understanding smile

Emphasizes comprehending the emotion or intent behind the smile.

perceiving smile

Stresses the act of becoming aware of the smile.

interpreting smile

Focuses on deciphering the meaning of the smile.

detecting smile

Implies discovering or noticing the smile, often in a subtle context.

realizing smile

Highlights the moment of becoming aware of the smile.

noticing smile

Simply points out the act of observing the smile.

spotting smile

Suggests finding the smile quickly or easily.

sensing smile

Implies an intuitive or emotional awareness of the smile.

FAQs

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

You might say, "She gave him a "recognizing smile" when he mentioned their secret code word," implying she understood the hidden meaning.

What's a good alternative to "recognizing smile"?

Alternatives include "acknowledging smile" or "understanding smile", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "recognizing smile"?

Use it when the smile indicates a specific understanding or acknowledgment of something, rather than just a general expression of happiness.

Is "recognizing smile" formal or informal?

The phrase "recognizing smile" is neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though it's more common in descriptive writing.