thin smile

USAGE SUMMARY

"thin smile" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a smile that is forced or insincere. For example, "When she heard the news, she offered a thin smile and walked away."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Another thin smile.

The Guardian - Books

He smiles his thin smile.

The New York Times - Magazine

He gives a thin smile.

The Guardian - Music

His face often bore a thin smile.

The New Yorker

Her husband cracked a thin smile.

The Guardian

"The flipside of death?" A thin smile.

The Guardian - Books

With a thin smile, he turned away.

The New York Times - Sports

Again, Ms. Duffy gave her a thin smile.

The New Yorker

A thin smile finally flickers across his lips.

The Guardian - Sport

This quip earned me only a thin smile.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

It is hard for ordinary mortals to fathom what goes on behind the cold eyes and razor-thin smile of Simon Philip Cowell.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "thin smile" to effectively portray a character's emotions, especially when conveying insincerity, discomfort, or suppressed feelings.

Common error

Avoid using "thin smile" to describe genuine happiness; it typically implies a lack of warmth or authenticity. Instead, use adjectives like 'bright', 'warm', or 'genuine' to describe a happy smile.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "thin smile" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where the adjective "thin" modifies the noun "smile". Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable form, enhancing descriptive writing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "thin smile" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a smile lacking warmth or sincerity, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it serves to portray characters' emotions with subtlety. While offering valuable nuance, writers should be mindful of its negative connotation and avoid its use in genuinely positive scenarios. Alternatives like "faint smile" or "forced smile" can provide similar but slightly different shades of meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

small smile

Simple description of the smile's size.

faint smile

Emphasizes the subtlety and lack of intensity of the smile.

brief smile

Highlights the short duration of the smile.

slight smile

Focuses on the smallness and brevity of the smile.

subtle smile

Underscores the delicate and understated nature of the smile.

forced smile

Highlights the insincerity and effort behind the smile.

tight smile

Conveys the restrained and possibly tense nature of the smile.

hesitant smile

Suggests uncertainty or reluctance in the expression of the smile.

wry smile

Indicates a smile expressing irony or resignation.

insincere smile

Directly indicates the lack of genuine emotion behind the smile.

FAQs

How can I use "thin smile" in a sentence?

You can use "thin smile" to describe a smile that lacks warmth or sincerity. For example, "He offered a "thin smile" when he received the disappointing news".

What does it mean when someone gives a "thin smile"?

A "thin smile" often suggests the person is not genuinely happy or amused. It can indicate politeness, skepticism, or even concealed anger.

What are some synonyms for "thin smile"?

Alternatives to "thin smile" include "faint smile", "forced smile", or "wry smile", each conveying a slightly different nuance of insincerity or reservation.

Is "thin smile" a negative expression?

Yes, "thin smile" generally carries a negative connotation, implying the smile is not genuine and may be masking other emotions or intentions.