wide grin

USAGE SUMMARY

"wide grin" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe a smile that is large and stretched from ear to ear. Example: Sally's face broke into a wide grin as she saw her friends waiting for her at the airport.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

To that, Hardin flashed a wide grin.

The New York Times - Sports

His shy, wide grin said plenty.

The New York Times - Sports

Then he broke into a wide grin.

The New York Times

She had a fixed wide grin.

The New York Times

It's not that complicated,' " Weatherford said with a wide grin.

The New York Times - Sports

Jared grinned, a tooth missing in his wide grin.

The New York Times - Sports

Then, with a wide grin, he broke into jumping jacks.

The New York Times

Sad and intimate revelations might finish with a wide grin.

The Guardian

It was then that his wide grin faded.

The New York Times - Style

"Just joking," he said with a wide grin.

The New York Times

"It was interesting," Mr. Pratt said with a wide grin.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair "wide grin" with action verbs to create dynamic images. For example, instead of "He had a wide grin", try "He flashed a wide grin" or "A wide grin spread across his face".

Common error

Avoid using "wide grin" in contexts where a more subtle or nuanced expression is appropriate. Overusing it can dilute its impact and make characters seem one-dimensional. Be mindful about the tone of the sentence where you plan to use "wide grin".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wide grin" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where the adjective "wide" modifies the noun "grin". Ludwig AI confirms the phrase as correct and usable. It vividly describes a facial expression, typically indicating happiness, amusement, or satisfaction, as seen in examples like "He flashed a wide grin".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Sports

20%

Arts

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Science

6%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "wide grin" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to vividly depict happiness or amusement, as validated by Ludwig AI. Predominantly found in news, sports, and arts contexts, its function is to convey the intensity of positive emotions. While generally neutral in register, it's essential to use it judiciously, avoiding inappropriate contexts where a more subdued expression is warranted. Alternatives like "broad smile" or "ear-to-ear smile" offer nuanced variations. Remember, using "wide grin" effectively enhances the emotional depth and imagery of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

broad smile

Indicates a smile that stretches across the face, similar to a wide grin but perhaps more gentle.

ear-to-ear smile

Emphasizes the extent of the smile, stretching from one ear to the other.

beaming smile

Focuses on the radiant and joyful quality of the smile.

contented smile

Shows satisfaction with a given situation.

sheepish grin

Suggests a shy or slightly embarrassed smile, still wide but with a different emotional connotation.

knowing smile

Implies a smile that suggests shared understanding or secret knowledge.

smug smile

Conveys a smile that suggests self-satisfaction or superiority.

pleased expression

A general term indicating satisfaction or happiness, not necessarily a grin.

joyful look

Highlights the emotion of joy reflected in one's face.

happy face

Simple expression for showing happiness.

FAQs

How can I use "wide grin" in a sentence?

"Wide grin" typically describes someone's facial expression. For instance, "She gave a "wide grin" when she heard the good news" or "He had a "wide grin" on his face after winning the game".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "wide grin"?

Alternatives include "broad smile", "ear-to-ear smile", or "beaming smile depending on the context".

Is it ever inappropriate to use the phrase "wide grin"?

Yes, it can be inappropriate in serious or somber situations where such an expression would be out of place. For example, a "wide grin" might seem insensitive during a funeral or a discussion of a tragedy.

What does it mean when someone has a "wide grin"?

A "wide grin" generally indicates happiness, amusement, or satisfaction. The width of the grin suggests a strong, positive emotion. The person may feel great joy or excitement.