smiled slightly

USAGE SUMMARY

'smiled slightly' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe someone's facial expression when they show a small amount of pleasure or amusement. For example, "She smiled slightly when she heard the good news".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

Brassard smiled, slightly embarrassed.

The New York Times - Sports

He smiled slightly.

The New Yorker

Ms. Duffy smiled slightly.

The New Yorker

Mr. Pham smiled slightly.

The New York Times - Style

She smiled, slightly bemused.

The Guardian

Mr. King smiled slightly.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

In Miami, Murray smiles slightly.

The Guardian - Sport

Then he smiles slightly and corrects himself.

The New York Times - Magazine

"Rossini," Mr. Carroll said, smiling slightly.

The New York Times

"Still do," she said, smiling slightly.

The New York Times - Style

Woods answered, smiling slightly, "They talked, yeah, absolutely".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "smiled slightly" to subtly indicate a character's reaction or emotion without overstating it. It's especially effective when portraying characters who are reserved, thoughtful, or trying to conceal their true feelings.

Common error

Avoid using "smiled slightly" excessively in dialogue tags. Over-reliance can make the writing feel repetitive and less engaging. Instead, vary your descriptions or use actions to convey the character's emotions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "smiled slightly" functions as a verb phrase that describes a specific manner of smiling. It is used to add detail about how someone smiled, indicating a subtle or restrained expression. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

97%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "smiled slightly" is a versatile descriptor, adding subtlety to emotional expression in writing. Ludwig AI validates it as grammatically sound, with abundant usage across diverse media. Predominantly found in news and media, it signifies a restrained smile, useful for portraying characters with understated reactions. When writing, be mindful of overuse, striving for varied emotional descriptions. Alternatives such as "smiled faintly" or "gave a faint smile" can offer similar nuances. Ultimately, "smiled slightly" is a valuable tool for writers aiming to depict nuanced emotional states with precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

smiled faintly

Similar to the original but replaces "slightly" with a synonym, "faintly", emphasizing subtlety.

smiled subtly

Focuses on the inconspicuous nature of the smile.

gave a faint smile

Emphasizes the subtlety and lack of intensity of the smile.

offered a small smile

Focuses on the size and limited extent of the smile.

managed a weak smile

Suggests the smile was produced with some effort or lack of genuine emotion.

barely smiled

Highlights the minimal nature of the smile, almost to the point of non-existence.

a hint of a smile

Indicates that the smile was barely perceptible.

a trace of a smile

Similar to "a hint of a smile" but emphasizes the fleeting nature of the smile.

smiled with reservation

Highlights a smile tinged with hesitation or restraint.

showed a restrained smile

Emphasizes the controlled nature of the smile.

FAQs

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

"Smiled slightly" is typically used to describe a facial expression. For example, "She "smiled slightly" at his joke, but didn't laugh out loud".

What are some alternatives to "smiled slightly"?

Alternatives include "smiled faintly", "gave a faint smile", or "offered a small smile", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it ever incorrect to use "smiled slightly"?

No, it's grammatically correct. However, overuse in a single passage can become repetitive. Aim for varied descriptions of emotion.

What's the difference between "smiled slightly" and "smiled broadly"?

"Smiled slightly" indicates a small, restrained smile, while "smiled broadly" suggests a wide, open, and often genuine or enthusiastic smile. They represent opposite ends of the smiling spectrum.