smile through

USAGE SUMMARY

"smile through" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that someone is forcing themselves to remain positive in difficult or trying circumstances. For example, "Sara tried to smile through the pain as she finished her long run."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

President Pérez will smile through it.

The New York Times - Sports

Petkovic managed to smile through her postmatch analysis.

The New York Times - Sports

Marvin's humor and fun loving nature will make us smile through eternity.

The New York Times

You may either smile through your teeth, or join Match.com immediately.

The New York Times

"You can see his smile through the tongue of the dog," Mr. Balilty said.

The New York Times

Willis tried to smile through the debacle but he spent more and more time composing poetry.

The Guardian

Where the Romantics used to smile through tears, Ligeti cries through smiles.

The New Yorker

Then came a rumour that sent a smile through everyone in the opinion room.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

McCain: (Smiling through clenched teeth).

The New Yorker

Cink smiles through thin lips.

The Guardian - Sport

Clancy smiled through gritted teeth.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "smile through" to convey a sense of resilience and forced positivity in the face of adversity. It's particularly effective when describing someone actively trying to maintain a cheerful demeanor despite inner turmoil.

Common error

Avoid using "smile through" excessively in your writing. While it's a valid expression, overusing it can make characters seem inauthentic or one-dimensional. Explore other ways to express their emotions, such as subtle changes in body language or tone of voice.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "smile through" primarily functions as a verb phrase. It typically describes an action—the act of smiling—performed in the context of difficult or unpleasant circumstances. The phrase indicates an attempt to maintain a cheerful facade despite underlying negative feelings or experiences, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Wiki

12%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "smile through" is a common and correct expression used to describe the act of maintaining a positive facade despite underlying difficulties. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely applicable. The phrase finds its primary use in News & Media, suggesting its utility in describing reactions to challenging situations. When using "smile through", consider the context and whether a more nuanced synonym might be appropriate, but overall, it's a reliable and effective way to convey resilience and emotional control. This linguistic analysis has revealed its versatile function and provided guidance for effective integration into your written work.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

grin through the pain

Replaces "smile" with "grin", maintaining a similar meaning but with a slightly different nuance.

grin and bear it

This idiom suggests enduring hardship with forced cheerfulness; more idiomatic than the original phrase.

persevere with a smile

Emphasizes the act of continuing despite difficulty, adding the element of a smile to signify resilience.

put on a brave face

This phrase focuses on projecting courage and happiness in the face of adversity; emphasizes appearance.

keep smiling

This is a general encouragement to maintain a positive attitude, less specific about masking pain.

face adversity cheerfully

Highlights the act of facing problems in a happy mood and positive attitude.

force a smile

This highlights the act of faking a smile, emphasizing the lack of genuine happiness.

plaster on a smile

Implies a forced and exaggerated smile, often to conceal true feelings.

bite the bullet

This idiom means to face a difficult situation with courage and stoicism; less focused on smiling.

weather the storm

Focuses on enduring a difficult period, without specific mention of smiling or emotional masking.

FAQs

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

You can use "smile through" to describe someone who is trying to maintain a positive attitude despite facing difficulties. For example: "She tried to smile through the pain of the injury".

What's a similar phrase to "smile through"?

A similar phrase to "smile through" is "put on a brave face", which also implies concealing negative emotions.

Is it always appropriate to "smile through" difficult times?

While "smiling through" can be a coping mechanism, it's not always healthy to suppress emotions. Acknowledging and processing feelings is also important.

Can "smile through" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "smile through" can be used in formal writing, especially when describing someone's behavior or reaction to a challenging situation. However, consider if a more formal alternative like "persevere with a smile" might be more suitable.