smile up into

[Bushwhacker]

Given the sentence:

She smiled up into his face

Is there any nuance to the action, or is it saying "She smiled at him"?

Thank You

 

[bhaisahab]

Given the sentence:

She smiled up into his face

Is there any nuance to the action, or is it saying "She smiled at him"?

Thank You

She was either shorter that him or she was sitting or lying down, so "she smiled up into his face".

 

[Bushwhacker]

She was either shorter that him or she was sitting or lying down, so "she smiled up into his face".

Yes but this "into" is a little odd for me. Why "into", then?

 

[bhaisahab]

Yes but this "into" is a little odd for me. Why "into", then?

What would you suggest in place of "into"?

 

[Bushwhacker]

What would you suggest in place of "into"?

Wouldn't it be better "at"?

 

[bhaisahab]

Wouldn't it be better "at"?

No, "at" would imply that she was amused by his face. I think you'll find that "into" is the only possible choice.

 

[Bushwhacker]

No, "at" would imply that she was amused by his face. I think you'll find that "into" is the only possible choice.

Certainly, but it seems it is correct to say She smiled at him, meaning she addressed a smile at him, isn't it?

So, is there a particular case for the word "face" requiring "into" instead of "at" meaning this "addressing a smile?

Thank You