sudden smile

USAGE SUMMARY

"sudden smile" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to someone smiling quickly and unexpectedly. For example, "She gave me a sudden smile as she walked past."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

That sudden smile.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Her face lights up, her cheeks turn pink, and she smiles, a beautiful, broad, sudden smile.

The Guardian

And with it you get a smile, a real smile, a genuine, sudden smile.

The Guardian

Fuller broke off and looked from Rosen to me and back, a sudden smile illuminating his face.

The New Yorker

But Bigelow chose an appealing actress to play her: Chastain has a slightly distraught look, a sudden smile, a warm-spirited responsiveness.

The New Yorker

He appears to have been something of a cipher, until his reaction to the attacks — that sudden smile — pierces the shell.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

"Well," a sudden, sardonic smile, "it is, but with enormous amounts of irony.

The Guardian - Film

With a sudden, winning smile, he delegated that task to the headmaster".

The Guardian - Books

We shall remember her: a look, a scene; a line, a stance; that strong presence, or her marvelously wry, understanding, sudden American smile.

The New York Times

Perhaps because she turns out, in person, to have an unexpected sense of mischief, and a sudden, warm smile, the chewed-up, Birmingham-truculent voice and the battle-ready face feel far less dominant than on TV.

The Guardian

In situations where lesser performers required several lines of dialogue to accomplish an effect, Sir Alec used his own facial shorthand -- the faint curling of a lip, a seemingly apologetic furrowing of the brow, the quizzical upturn of an eyebrow, a sudden brief smile that could radiate approval or signify chilly disdain.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sudden smile" to effectively portray a shift in emotion or demeanor, adding depth to character descriptions in narratives or reports. The phrase is particularly useful when depicting unexpected or contrasting emotional states.

Common error

Avoid repeatedly using "sudden smile" when describing characters' reactions in dialogue-heavy scenes. Vary your descriptions with synonyms or focus on other non-verbal cues to maintain reader engagement and avoid monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sudden smile" functions primarily as a noun phrase where "sudden" modifies the noun "smile". It describes a specific type of smile characterized by its abruptness. Ludwig AI validates its proper usage in numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sudden smile" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe an unexpected or quickly appearing smile. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, highlighting its prevalence in news and media contexts. To enrich your writing, consider alternatives like "unexpected smile" or "spontaneous smile", and be mindful of overusing the phrase in dialogue. By understanding its function, purpose, and register, you can effectively incorporate "sudden smile" into your writing to add depth and nuance to your descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unexpected smile

Emphasizes the surprise element of the smile.

spontaneous smile

Highlights the unprompted nature of the smile.

fleeting smile

Focuses on the brief duration of the smile.

quick smile

Indicates the rapidity of the smile.

instant smile

Highlights the immediate appearance of the smile.

brightening smile

Focuses on the illuminating quality of the smile.

illuminating smile

Emphasizes the way the smile lights up the face.

radiant smile

Highlights the glowing or beaming quality of the smile.

warm smile

Focuses on the inviting nature of the smile.

genuine smile

Emphasizes the authenticity and sincerity of the smile.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "sudden smile" in a sentence?

Use "sudden smile" to describe an unexpected or quickly appearing smile, often indicating a shift in mood or a surprising reaction. For instance, "After a moment of serious thought, she offered a "sudden smile", signaling her agreement."

What are some alternatives to "sudden smile"?

You can use alternatives like "unexpected smile", "spontaneous smile", or "fleeting smile" to describe a smile that appears quickly and unexpectedly, depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "sudden smile" and "forced smile"?

Yes, "sudden smile" typically describes a genuine or spontaneous smile that appears quickly, whereas "forced smile" refers to an insincere smile produced intentionally, often to mask true feelings or discomfort.

When is it appropriate to use "sudden smile" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "sudden smile" when you want to emphasize the unexpected or immediate nature of a smile, particularly when it contrasts with a previous mood or situation. This can add depth and intrigue to character descriptions and narrative pacing.