smile gratefully

USAGE SUMMARY

"smile gratefully" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe something that someone has done when they are feeling thankful or pleased. For example: "When the woman heard that she had been awarded the scholarship, she smiled gratefully."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

However, if in receipt of a compliment, you may naturally smile gratefully and give a humble thank-you before returning it pleasantly.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Orville smiled gratefully.

The New Yorker

So when the dentist asked me, "Would you like an injection?" I smiled gratefully, "No thanks!" "Are you sure?" he asked.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Unselfish and proud, she smiles gratefully at Adam Sandler's John when he treats her gently; they circle around each other, but their attraction is so nuzzling and coy that one wishes the sexual issue had never been raised.

The New Yorker

Her mother smiled, possibly gratefully.

The New York Times - Sports

On Sunday afternoon he came striding onto the platform for his recital, which he gave with the excellently nimble, discreet and caring Russell Ryan accompanying, and he smiled naturally and gratefully at his audience's warm response.

The New York Times - Arts

He manages a weak smile, looking up at his uncle gratefully.

Unicef

He smiled without tension through his show, gratefully accepting flowers from the audience.

The New York Times - Arts

We spoke only for five minutes that day, but I gratefully took a piece of that smile with me when we departed.

Huffington Post

"If given the opportunity to showcase the importance of smiles, laughter and family fun during the Super Bowl or receiving a $4.5 million contribution, I would, without hesitation, gratefully and graciously accept the gift of direct financial support.

Huffington Post

He nodded, gratefully.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context; while suitable for most situations, be mindful of scenarios where a more subdued or elaborate expression of gratitude might be more fitting.

Common error

While "smile gratefully" is generally appropriate, avoid overusing it in highly formal or business contexts. Opt for more nuanced expressions of appreciation or a simple "thank you" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "smile gratefully" functions as a verb phrase indicating an action performed with a specific emotion. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct. It describes the act of smiling while simultaneously conveying a sense of gratitude.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "smile gratefully" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to depict a genuine expression of thankfulness, often in response to a kind act or compliment. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media. While not inherently redundant, consider the setting and audience; overly formal situations might benefit from more nuanced expressions of gratitude. Related phrases like "smile warmly" or "offer a grateful smile" can offer alternatives depending on the specific nuance you aim to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

smile warmly

Emphasizes the sincerity and friendliness of the smile.

smile sincerely

Highlights the genuineness of the smile as an expression of gratitude.

offer a grateful smile

Shifts the focus to the act of offering the smile.

beam with gratitude

Conveys a more radiant and overt display of thankfulness.

grin thankfully

Suggests a broader, more informal smile with a sense of relief and appreciation.

light up gratefully

Focuses on the change in facial expression, implying a sudden burst of happiness and gratitude.

respond with a grateful smile

Highlights the smile as a reaction to something positive.

flash a grateful smile

Implies a quick, fleeting smile expressing thankfulness.

give a thankful smile

Similar to "offer a grateful smile", but emphasizes the act of giving.

show a grateful smile

Broadly describes displaying gratitude through a smile.

FAQs

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

You can use "smile gratefully" to describe someone's reaction to a kind gesture or compliment. For instance, "She "smiled gratefully" after receiving the unexpected gift."

What are some alternatives to "smile gratefully"?

Alternatives include "smile warmly", "smile sincerely", or "offer a grateful smile depending on the context".

Is it redundant to say "smile gratefully"?

While smiling inherently expresses positive emotion, "smile gratefully" emphasizes the feeling of gratitude behind the smile. It isn't necessarily redundant, but the context should warrant the explicit expression of thankfulness.

What's the difference between "smile gratefully" and "grin thankfully"?

"Smile gratefully" suggests a more composed and sincere expression of thankfulness, while "grin thankfully" implies a broader, more informal smile expressing relief and appreciation.