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Preposition before noun

“With smile” or “of smile”?

With a smile is a common expression. Of smile alone is not standard, but smile of plus another noun is natural.

Quick answer

Which phrase is correct?

Use with a smile to describe manner. Of smile is not a standard phrase by itself. English does use expressions such as a smile of relief or a smile of approval.

She greeted us with a smile.
He gave a smile of relief.

Choose the pattern by meaning

These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.

1
with a smile

Describing manner or expression

With a smile explains how someone speaks or acts.

She answered with a smile.
2
smile of + emotion

Showing the meaning of a smile

Smile of is followed by a feeling or quality.

He gave a smile of satisfaction.
3
smile at + person

Showing the target of a smile

Smile at introduces the person receiving the smile.

She smiled at her friend warmly.

See the difference in context

The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.

Construction
Example
Meaning
with a smile
He welcomed us with a smile.
Describes manner or expression.
of smile
The phrase “of smile” alone is not standard.
Not an idiomatic English combination.
smile of relief
A smile of relief appeared on her face.
A smile expressing an emotion.
smile at someone
She smiled at the child.
Verb pattern showing direction.

Common mistakes

Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.

Leaving out the article after with

English normally uses a before smile in this expression.

✕ She spoke with smile. ✓ She spoke with a smile.

Using of smile alone

Smile of must be followed by a feeling or quality.

✕ He had an expression of smile. ✓ He had a smile of amusement.

Using smile instead of smiled

Use the verb form in sentences about actions.

✕ She smile at me. ✓ She smiled at me.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. She greeted the guests ___ a smile.
2. He gave a smile ___ relief.
3. She smiled ___ her colleague.

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Frequently asked questions

Is “with smile” correct?

Usually English uses “with a smile.”

Can I say “smile of happiness”?

Yes. Smile of plus an emotion or quality is natural English.

Is “of smile” ever used alone?

No. It is not a standard standalone expression.

with, dignity, of, dignity "with disability" or "of disability"? "with distinction" or "of distinction"? "with emphasis" or "of emphasis"? "with friend" or "of friend"? with, of, to, between or for husband? with, of, under, for or in load? "without exception", "of exception" or "with exception"? "without notice" or "of notice"? "without warning" or "of warning"? without, with, of, in or as regard? "with partner" or "of partner"?

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