she is smiling

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "she is smiling" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is currently showing a smile on their face. Example: "I walked into the room and saw her sitting at the table, she was smiling at something on her phone."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

She is smiling.

The New York Times

First she is smiling.

The New York Times - Science

She is smiling at Genya.

The New York Times - Arts

Now she is smiling, giggling even.

The New York Times

She is smiling, huddling against him.

The New York Times - Arts

"She is smiling because Sergei turned up with no costumes.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

And she was smiling.

The New York Times - Magazine

She's smiling.

The New Yorker

She was smiling.

The New Yorker

But she's smiling.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"But she was smiling, too".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "she is smiling" to describe a present action. For past actions, use "she was smiling".

Common error

Avoid using "she smiles" when describing an action happening in the present moment. "She smiles" is for habitual actions or general truths.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "she is smiling" functions as a present continuous verb phrase. It describes an action, smiling, that is currently in progress. Ludwig provides numerous examples of this usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "she is smiling" is a grammatically correct and very common present continuous verb phrase used to describe a person's current expression of happiness or contentment. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely accepted and used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. When using this phrase, ensure you're describing a present action and not a habitual one. Consider alternatives like "she is beaming" or "she is grinning" to add nuance. The phrase maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for both formal and informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

she's got a smile on her face

Rephrases the action to focus on the presence of a smile on her face.

she is grinning widely

Highlights the breadth and intensity of her smile.

she's beaming

Uses a more intense verb to describe a very wide and joyful smile.

she is looking pleased

Indicates that her smile reflects satisfaction or contentment.

a smile lit up her face

Emphasizes the radiant effect of her smile.

a smile graces her features

More poetic and emphasizes the beauty of her smile.

she cracks a smile

Describes the sudden appearance of a smile.

she appears happy

Shifts focus from the action of smiling to the state of being happy, implied by the smile.

she is cheerful

Focuses on the emotional state conveyed by her smile.

she is smirking

Implies a knowing or mischievous smile.

FAQs

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

You can use "she is smiling" to describe a woman who is currently expressing happiness or amusement with a smile. Example: "I saw her at the park, "she is smiling" at the children playing".

What are some alternatives to "she is smiling"?

Some alternatives include "she is beaming", "she is grinning", or "she looks pleased". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "she smiles" instead of "she is smiling"?

While "she smiles" is grammatically correct, it implies a habitual action. "She is smiling" describes an action happening right now.

What's the difference between "she is smiling" and "she was smiling"?

"She is smiling" describes an action happening in the present, while "she was smiling" describes an action that happened in the past.