smiling to myself vs smiling by myself

Both phrases are correct, but they have slightly different meanings. 'Smiling to myself' implies that the person is smiling inwardly, perhaps due to a private thought or feeling. On the other hand, 'smiling by myself' suggests that the person is alone while smiling, without anyone else around. The choice between the two depends on the specific context and the intended meaning.

Last updated: April 13, 2024 • 323 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English. It implies that the person is smiling inwardly, perhaps due to a private thought or feeling.

"smiling to myself"

This phrase is used to describe a situation where someone is smiling because of their own thoughts or feelings, without necessarily sharing it with others.

Examples:

As I read the letter, I couldn't help but start smiling to myself.
She was smiling to herself as she remembered the funny incident.
He walked down the street, smiling to himself at the memory of their conversation.

Show examples from the web [+]

Back in my hotel room smiling to myself here after observing how far soca has come even though we have far to go. Years ago as soon as an artiste who...
Jean De Berg — 'I woke up, smiling to myself at this dream with its allegorical aspects but with no real meaning.'

Alternatives:

smiling inwardly
smiling quietly to myself
smiling to oneself
smiling privately
smiling to one's self

This phrase is correct and can be used in English. It suggests that the person is alone while smiling, without anyone else around.

"smiling by myself"

This phrase is used to indicate that someone is smiling while being alone, without the presence of others.

Examples:

I was smiling by myself in the park, enjoying the peaceful surroundings.
She caught me smiling by myself and asked what was amusing me.
He often found himself smiling by himself while lost in thought.

Show examples from the web [+]

smiling by myself. January 11, 2019 Susanne Meyer-Fitzsimmons. IMG_3117.jpg. Do you ever catch yourself smiling spontaneously?
“I was literally smiling by myself for an entire night as my orders auto-populated into ShipStation, and after a few clicks, I was printing a stream of ...
May 22, 2016 ... Smiling as I walk by strangers, which I'm not prone to do usually, but also just smiling by myself. Like when I'm taking the bus, ...
There is no one there - I'm smiling by myself. I saw this · The HA! Came today 45 kgs. Today was a good day to test · 80 kgs. Hell yeah. Gah.
Jan 31, 2012 ... I smiled at the thought of this but quickly put on a straight face because I didn't want to be seen smiling by myself. A guy sat beside me, ...
I'm smiling by myself. Why am I thinking of you on a day like this? You come to me with the rain. The blurry memories become clear. Even your face

Alternatives:

smiling alone
smiling in solitude
smiling when alone
smiling while alone
smiling when by myself

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smiling to myself vs smiling by myself