without a smile

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "without a smile" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or action that occurs in a serious or emotionless manner, lacking any expression of happiness. Example: "He delivered the news without a smile, making it clear that the situation was serious."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Arts

Travel

Food

Books

Science

People

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Mourning, however, replied without a smile.

The New York Times - Sports

Never without a smile on his face.

The New York Times

"Never would you see her without a smile," he said.

The New York Times

"I want to strangle them," he says without a smile.

The New York Times

Mr. Ashe tells this story without a smile.

The New Yorker

"No, not at all," he says without a smile.

The Guardian

LH: I love that Pete just wanted to see Bob without a smile for once.

The New York Times

And you will never see him doing it without a smile on his face".

Independent

Dr. Wilczek, whom I've never seen without a smile, was unperturbed.

The New York Times - Science

Though still without a smile, nobody could have sounded more the man of reassurance.

The Economist

I never saw her without a smile and, more often than not, agiggle.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "without a smile" to clearly indicate a serious or emotionless tone in your writing. It effectively conveys a lack of joy or amusement, adding depth to descriptions of characters or situations.

Common error

Avoid using "without a smile" excessively in casual or informal writing, as it can sound overly dramatic or stiff. Opt for simpler alternatives like "seriously" or rephrase to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "without a smile" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe the manner in which an action is performed. As Ludwig AI indicates, this usage is grammatically correct and very common. It adds detail about how an action occurs, specifically highlighting the absence of a smile.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Sports

15%

Arts

8%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "without a smile" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that functions as an adverbial phrase, detailing the manner in which an action occurs. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is suitable across various registers, though it appears most frequently in News & Media. When choosing "without a smile", consider the specific nuance you wish to convey, and feel free to explore alternatives like "with a straight face" or "solemnly" to maintain a natural tone in informal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

with a straight face

Emphasizes a serious or neutral expression, contrasting with a smile.

without any amusement

Directly indicates the absence of amusement or enjoyment.

unsmilingly

Directly describes the lack of a smile in one's expression.

solemnly

Suggests a grave or serious manner, differing from a joyful expression.

lacking a grin

Highlights the absence of a wide, enthusiastic smile.

in a serious manner

Highlights the lack of levity or happiness in the action.

without laughing

Specifies the absence of laughter, a common expression of happiness.

with a somber expression

Indicates a gloomy or serious facial expression, contrasting with a smile.

devoid of joy

Emphasizes the complete absence of joy or happiness.

without a trace of happiness

Emphasizes the complete absence of any visible happiness.

FAQs

How can I use "without a smile" in a sentence?

You can use "without a smile" to describe how someone says something or performs an action, emphasizing the lack of joy or amusement. For example, "He delivered the bad news "without a smile", indicating the seriousness of the situation."

What are some alternatives to "without a smile"?

Alternatives include phrases like "with a straight face", "solemnly", or "in a serious manner", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "without a smile" or "unsmilingly"?

Both "without a smile" and "unsmilingly" are correct, but "without a smile" tends to be more common and versatile. "Unsmilingly" is more direct but can sound somewhat formal. Consider your desired tone and audience when choosing between them.

What does it mean when someone does something "without a smile"?

When someone does something ""without a smile"", it generally indicates a lack of happiness, amusement, or enthusiasm. It often implies seriousness, sadness, or a neutral emotional state.