smiled widely

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "smiled widely" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is smiling in a broad and expressive manner, often indicating happiness or joy. Example: "When she heard the good news, she smiled widely, her eyes sparkling with excitement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Magazine

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

He smiled widely.

The New York Times - Arts

Mr. Dowding smiled widely.

The New York Times

He smiled widely, and started to play.

The New Yorker

Davis smiled widely as he stood on first base.

The New York Times - Sports

Reminded of that conversation last week, Tomlinson smiled widely.

The New York Times - Sports

He smiled widely when pressed on his response.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

Miranda smiles widely.

The Guardian

She smiles widely and often.

The New York Times

Verna smiles widely to disguise her shock.

The New Yorker

"I love it," he answered, smiling widely.

The New Yorker

She is smiling widely, and I smile, too.

The New York Times - Style

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "smiled widely" when you want to emphasize the breadth and expressiveness of a smile, indicating genuine happiness or pleasure. It is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid overusing "smiled widely" in your writing. While effective, repeated use can become monotonous. Vary your descriptions of smiles by using synonyms or describing the smile's impact on the face, such as "her eyes crinkled with amusement" or "a grin spread across his face."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "smiled widely" functions as a verb phrase modifying a subject, indicating an action performed by that subject. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, supported by numerous examples from diverse sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Sports

15%

Magazine

9%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "smiled widely" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe a broad, expressive smile that often signifies happiness or pleasure. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and widespread use across various contexts. Predominantly found in news and media, sports, and magazine sources, it maintains a neutral register suitable for diverse writing styles. While synonyms such as "grinned broadly" or "beamed with joy" offer alternatives, "smiled widely" effectively conveys genuine positive emotion. To avoid redundancy, vary smile descriptions, but recognize its enduring value in expressing heartfelt joy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

grinned broadly

Focuses on a wide smile, possibly more teeth showing.

beamed with joy

Emphasizes the feeling of joy radiating through the smile.

wore a wide smile

Highlights the physical act of displaying a broad smile.

sported a wide grin

Similar to 'grinned broadly', but slightly more casual.

smiled ear to ear

Indicates an extremely wide smile, reaching the ears.

gave a broad smile

Focuses on the action of giving a smile.

grinned from ear to ear

Similar to 'smiled ear to ear', emphasizing the extent of the grin.

looked pleased

Implies happiness through facial expression but is less specific than smiling.

appeared delighted

Focuses on the feeling of delight reflected in the expression.

was all smiles

A general expression indicating happiness and positivity.

FAQs

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

You can use "smiled widely" to describe someone showing a broad, expressive smile indicating happiness. For example, "She "smiled widely" upon receiving the award".

What's a good alternative to "smiled widely"?

Alternatives include "grinned broadly", "beamed with joy", or "wore a wide smile". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to use "smiled widely" or "smiled broadly"?

"Smiled widely" and "smiled broadly" are very similar and often interchangeable. "Widely" emphasizes the breadth of the smile, while "broadly" focuses on the overall expanse of the expression. Both are correct.

What does it mean when someone "smiled widely"?

When someone "smiled widely", it typically indicates genuine happiness, pleasure, or contentment. It suggests a sincere and expressive smile.