those grins

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "those grins" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to specific smiles or expressions that have been previously mentioned or are known to the reader. Example: "I couldn't help but smile back at those grins, they were contagious and filled with joy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Some of those grins smacked of botched surgery, skin hoiked too far, too fast.

Independent

When he came back to the table, he was wearing one of those grins that said: "You'll owe me forever and that makes me happy".

The Guardian - Sport

This little one has us saying, '"All hail the flower queen!" This duo is double trouble -- just look at those grins!

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

So do Snap, Crackle and Pop, those grinning scamps on the Rice Krispies box.

The New York Times

Then you have those grin-and-bear-it sacrifices necessary to keep the budgets under control: packing sandwiches for lunch or packing four people into a motel room.

The New York Times

Just seeing a couple of those grinning little babies is worth the trip to the library...they have the most sincere smiles in the world.

The Guardian

Of those grinning down on us, the likes of Ozzy Osbourne, Aerosmith, Slash, Billy Gibbons from ZZ Top and Jeff Beck have all recorded at the hotel's plush NightBird recording studios.

The Guardian - Travel

A thrill ran through my battered body as I watched those grinning young men run from mobs of screaming, delirious girls.

Huffington Post

He was wearing one of those grinning masks favored by people who identify themselves as members of Anonymous, which is either a protest movement or an Internet subculture or something else, depending on whom you ask.

Huffington Post

But if the best-case scenario for the team was always clear imagine a basketball version of Ocean's 11, with all those grinning superstars stealing a championship trophy from Andy Garcia/the Miami Heat while endlessly toasting champagne the worst-case scenario was never fully imagined.

Vice

"I really worked on those," she grins.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "those grins" to specifically refer to smiles that have already been mentioned or are otherwise known to the reader, creating a sense of shared understanding and context. The phrase helps to highlight specific instances of smiling.

Common error

Avoid using "those grins" without a clear reference point. If the reader isn't already aware of the specific smiles you're describing, the phrase can sound vague and confusing. Provide context or use a more descriptive phrase if necessary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "those grins" functions as a determiner + noun, specifically pointing to previously mentioned or contextually understood smiles. Ludwig provides examples where it modifies the noun "grins," specifying which smiles are being referenced. This indicates a deictic or anaphoric function, relying on context for full meaning.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "those grins" is a grammatically correct phrase used to reference specific smiles known to the reader. Ludwig AI validates this with examples primarily from News & Media sources. The phrase functions as a determiner + noun, serving to point back to previously mentioned smiles. While its frequency is uncommon, its usage is straightforward. When writing, it's essential to ensure the context clearly defines which smiles are being referenced to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "those smiles" or "those gleeful expressions" can be used for variation depending on the specific nuance desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

those smiles

Replaces "grins" with a broader term for a happy facial expression, maintaining a similar positive connotation.

those wide smiles

Highlights the breadth and openness of the smiles, suggesting enthusiasm.

those gleeful expressions

Emphasizes the joyfulness conveyed by the facial expressions.

those smirks

Implies a more knowing or mischievous expression, changing the tone slightly.

those delighted looks

Shifts the focus from the physical expression to the underlying emotion of delight.

those beaming faces

Focuses on the overall positive appearance of the faces, highlighting happiness.

the aforementioned grins

Referencing previously mentioned grins, useful for reiterating a detail within a text.

those happy countenances

Uses a more formal term for faces, suggesting a dignified happiness.

those cheerful visages

Employs a somewhat archaic word for face, adding a touch of old-fashioned charm.

those mirthful grimaces

Introduces a hint of playful distortion, implying amusement despite any discomfort.

FAQs

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

"Those grins" can be used to refer back to previously mentioned smiles or grins, for example: "The children's faces lit up, and I couldn't help but smile back at "those grins"."

What are some alternatives to "those grins"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "those smiles", "those gleeful expressions", or "those beaming faces".

When is it appropriate to use "those grins" instead of "the grins"?

"Those grins" implies a reference to specific, already identified smiles, while "the grins" can refer to smiles in a more general or newly introduced context. Use "those grins" when you want to emphasize a shared understanding of the particular smiles.

Is "those grins" considered formal or informal language?

"Those grins" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal writing, although more formal contexts might benefit from more descriptive or precise language depending on the specific intent.