slightly smile

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slightly smile" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used to describe a small or subtle smile. Example: She couldn't contain her happiness and a slightly smile lit up her face.

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Make sure to slightly smile.

WikiHow

If your parents try cheering you up, or says something funny, then slightly smile like you are in pain (forced half grin, slightly sad eyes).

WikiHow

It doesn't have to be laugh-out-loud humor (it can be though), but just say a little something here and there to make the teacher slightly smile when reading.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

You can stare into the slightly smiling face of a man from 350BC.

Independent

His soft, courteous, slightly smiling delivery encouraged people to listen, as to a favourite uncle.

The Economist

Muhammad Yusef tilted his head slightly, smiled, and replied to her in a soft voice.

The New Yorker

She wears the same bulging headpiece, but now it tightly encloses her face, coming down to her eyebrows, covering her chin, so that just her mouth, slightly smiling, and her eyes, one focused forward, the other drifting off, are visible.

The New York Times - Arts

The soldier directly below him (third row from front, far left), slightly smiling, eyes narrowed in the sun, is known as "JR" Hartley, after a character in an 80s TV advert.

The Guardian

Catch his gaze, then drop your eyes while slightly smiling.

WikiHow

He smiled his slightly uneven smile.

The New York Times - Magazine

When we arrived in the classroom, my teacher smiled that slightly deranged smile Americans give when faced with another culture's audacious specificity.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "slightly smile" when you want to convey a restrained or subtle expression of happiness or amusement, avoiding overt enthusiasm.

Common error

Avoid using "slightly smile" excessively in formal or professional writing, as it can sometimes come across as understated or lacking in genuine emotion. Opt for more direct expressions of happiness or agreement depending on the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slightly smile" primarily functions as a verb phrase where the adverb 'slightly' modifies the verb 'smile'. It describes the manner in which the action of smiling is performed, indicating a subtle or restrained smile. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "slightly smile" is grammatically sound, according to Ludwig AI, though its usage is relatively rare. It serves to depict a subtle or restrained expression of happiness or amusement. Predominantly found in Wiki and News & Media contexts, its neutral register makes it adaptable to various writing styles. When opting for alternatives, consider phrases that emphasize the subtlety, such as "give a small smile" or "offer a faint smile", to maintain the nuanced meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

offer a faint smile

Emphasizes the gentleness and subtlety of the smile.

give a small smile

Focuses on the size and delicateness of the smile.

manage a weak smile

Suggests the smile is forced or difficult to produce.

wear a subtle smile

Highlights the understated nature of the expression.

turn up the corners of one's mouth

Describes the physical action of a slight smile.

crack a smile

Implies a brief and suppressed smile.

show a hint of a smile

Indicates a barely perceptible smile.

express a subdued smile

Focuses on the restrained nature of the smile.

betray a slight smile

Implies that the smile is involuntary or revealing of hidden feelings.

part lips in a smile

Focuses on the physical action of a slight smile.

FAQs

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

You can use "slightly smile" to describe a subtle or restrained smile, for example: "She couldn't help but "slightly smile" at his joke, even though she tried to remain serious."

What are some alternatives to "slightly smile"?

Alternatives to "slightly smile" include "offer a faint smile", "give a small smile", or "manage a weak smile", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "slightly smile" or "smile slightly"?

"Smile slightly" is a more common and grammatically conventional construction. "Slightly smile" is less frequent but still understandable and grammatically correct according to Ludwig.

What does it mean when someone "slightly smile"?

When someone "slightly smile", it typically indicates a mild expression of happiness, amusement, or politeness. The subtlety suggests the emotion isn't overwhelming or is being intentionally restrained.