their grins

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "their grins" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the smiles or expressions of a group of people or individuals in a context where their happiness or amusement is being described. Example: "As they entered the room, their grins lit up the entire space, making everyone feel welcome."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

This is a show made for those who enjoy a few winces along with their grins.

The New York Times

Their grins seemed to stretch all the way to the Great Wall.

The New York Times

In their reports sent home, Russian journalists in Washington seemed to have a hard time suppressing their grins.

The New York Times

When Spider-Man leapt through the ether and landed smack on our carriage, their grins stretched from Florida to California.

Independent

This marks the only time they give in to such an ordinary expression, but their grins are almost maniacal.

The New York Times - Arts

When they were marched onto the stage, their grins were sheepish, as if to say: clap if you really want to, but we're just the kids.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

They'd smoosh their grinning faces against the windows to take in the wonder.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The Hokies poured onto the field to swarm their grinning pitcher.

The New York Times - Sports

Think wholesome farmers standing in sunny wheat fields, or well-coiffed moms feeding their grinning toddlers.

The Guardian - Opinion

These goggle-eyed fish have birdlike wings attached to their sides, often by visible screws, and teeth lining their grinning or grimacing mouths.

The New York Times - Arts

Once their grinning clown act is dropped, they slip into an expression of gravitas and angst, their yearning for normalcy glaringly clear.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a group's reaction, use "their grins" to convey a sense of shared joy or amusement. It works well in narrative contexts to show a collective positive emotion.

Common error

While acceptable, "their grins" can sound informal in academic or professional contexts. Consider using more sophisticated alternatives like "their expressions of delight" or "their pleased countenances" in formal writing to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "their grins" functions as a noun phrase where "their" is a possessive pronoun modifying the noun "grins". This phrase typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence, describing the facial expressions of a group. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "their grins" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to depict the happy or amused facial expressions of a group, as validated by Ludwig AI. Predominantly found in News & Media, this phrase serves to convey shared joy or satisfaction. While acceptable, writers should consider the context, opting for more formal alternatives in academic or professional settings. The expression is appropriate in many different scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

their smiles

Replaces "grins" with a more general term for a happy facial expression.

their beaming faces

Emphasizes the radiance and intensity of their happiness.

their cheerful expressions

Focuses on the overall positive aspect of their facial expressions.

their happy countenances

Uses a more formal and somewhat archaic term for facial expression.

their delighted looks

Highlights the feeling of delight reflected in their faces.

the joy on their faces

Shifts the focus to the emotion of joy and its manifestation.

their pleased visages

Uses a more formal and less common word for "face".

their merry looks

Highlights the cheerful and festive nature of their expressions.

their mirthful expressions

Uses a more literary term to describe their joyful expressions.

the amusement in their eyes

Shifts the focus from the mouth to the eyes as the indicator of amusement.

FAQs

How can I use "their grins" in a sentence?

You can use "their grins" to describe the facial expressions of a group of people who are happy or amused. For example, "As they received the award, "their grins" were wide and genuine."

What are some alternatives to using "their grins"?

Some alternatives include "their smiles", "their beaming faces", or "the joy on their faces", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "there grins" instead of "their grins"?

No, "there grins" is incorrect. "Their" is a possessive pronoun indicating ownership or association, while "there" indicates a place or existence. The correct phrase is "their grins", showing that the grins belong to them.

What's the difference between "their grins" and "their smiles"?

While both convey happiness, "grins" often implies a broader, more enthusiastic smile than a simple "smile". "Their grins" might suggest a more expressive or playful joy, while "their smiles" are more general.