smiling deeply

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "smiling deeply" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a genuine or profound smile that conveys strong emotions, such as happiness or contentment. Example: "As she watched her child take their first steps, she couldn't help but be smiling deeply, overwhelmed with joy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

To the public, Ms. Brewer, 65, is a smiling, deeply tanned, affable "cheerleader type," as one friend described her.

The New York Times

The camera pans to catch an entrance, and suddenly there, amid the shoulder pads and squared-off hairstyles, stands Kurt Cobain, a vision of smiling, deeply shocking beauty.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

While other visitors snapped photographs, he stood reverentially for several minutes, surprised to see the Buddha there, and smiled deeply when asked for his opinion.

The New York Times

But he retorts (and he smiles deeply when he tells me this story), that he is sticking it to the Saudis.

Forbes

Whether it was Seymour Bernstein's influence or pure coincidence, Bernstein smiles deeply at his audience, his hand at his heart, in honor of a great musician.

Huffington Post

I relaxed, closed my eyes and inhaled deeply, smiling, descending into the rich, engulfing aroma to capture a stray iota of what glory might have been.

The New York Times

When she smiled she looked deeply amused although her mouth turned up only slightly to indicate pity rather than laughter.

The Guardian - Books

As Sister Mary of the Incarnation gestured to choose the thorns, her face became visible: deeply flushed and smiling.

The New York Times

Dear Bill, we will deeply miss your smiling face on the sideline, your always positive voice and your obvious love for the boys.

The New York Times

Mrs. Devine, a soft-spoken woman with a ready smile, became deeply involved in the civil rights movement of the early 1960's.

The New York Times

Crimi stands up straight, is comfortable in his body and has that kind of a smile so deeply grounded that he radiates confidence without a shred of cockiness.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "smiling deeply" to convey a strong feeling of happiness or contentment. It's suitable when the smile reflects a profound emotional state.

Common error

While "smiling deeply" is acceptable, using it too frequently can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your descriptions of smiles with alternatives like "smiling warmly" or "smiling genuinely".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "smiling deeply" functions as an adverbial modifier, describing the manner in which someone is smiling. Ludwig AI examples show it used to intensify the description of a smile, indicating a strong emotional connection.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "smiling deeply" is a grammatically correct and usable adverbial phrase that conveys a strong emotion of happiness or contentment. According to Ludwig AI, while the phrase is considered correct and commonly found in News & Media and Wiki sources, it is best used to describe profound emotional states. Related phrases include "smiling warmly" and "smiling genuinely", offering nuanced alternatives. Using the phrase judiciously will improve the quality of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

smiling genuinely

Highlights the sincerity and authenticity of the smile.

smiling sincerely

Similar to "smiling genuinely", emphasizing honesty and heartfelt emotion.

smiling warmly

Focuses on the affectionate and comforting quality of the smile.

smiling contentedly

Implies a smile born from satisfaction and peace.

beaming widely

Emphasizes the breadth and openness of the smile.

smiling serenely

Suggests a calm and peaceful smile, often associated with inner tranquility.

grinning broadly

Suggests a more playful and expansive smile.

smiling radiantly

Focuses on the luminous and joyful quality of the smile.

grinning from ear to ear

Emphasizes the extreme width and exuberance of the smile.

laughing heartily

Implies a full and unrestrained expression of joy, more than just a smile.

FAQs

How can I use "smiling deeply" in a sentence?

You can use "smiling deeply" to describe someone who is expressing a strong feeling of happiness or contentment through their smile. For example: "She was "smiling deeply" as she watched her children play."

What are some alternatives to "smiling deeply"?

Some alternatives to "smiling deeply" include "smiling warmly", "smiling genuinely", or "beaming widely". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "smiling deeply" or "smiled deeply"?

"Smiling deeply" is a present participle phrase, often used in continuous tenses (e.g., "She is smiling deeply"). "Smiled deeply" is the simple past tense (e.g., "She smiled deeply"). The choice depends on the intended tense and context.

What is the difference between "smiling deeply" and "smirking"?

"Smiling deeply" suggests genuine happiness or contentment, while a "smirk" often implies smugness, secret amusement, or sarcasm. The facial expression and the emotion behind it are quite different.