a smooth stone

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a smooth stone" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a stone that has a smooth surface, often in contexts related to nature, art, or metaphorical expressions. Example: "As I walked along the riverbank, I picked up a smooth stone and admired its polished surface."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

It sounded like a smooth stone being dropped into a tranquil pond.

The New York Times

I picked up a smooth stone and sent it sailing, a blossom bursting as it was kissed by a bee.

The New Yorker

Heaped on a forward edge of a smooth stone slab, it all seems to spill forth into the viewer's space in startling trompe-l'oeil style.

The New York Times - Arts

Over the last 15 years of traveling, I've had talismans and touchstones and all manner of lucky charms: a smooth stone from Somalia; a Buddhist pendant from Bangkok.

The New York Times - Travel

The "metal" (molten glass having the consistency of molasses) is gathered on the end of a hollow pipe, inflated to a bubble, and formed into a vessel by blowing, swinging, or rolling on a smooth stone or iron surface (marver).

Encyclopedia Britannica

But underneath this plain narrative surface — or rather, resting on it the way a smooth stone rests in your palm — is a lucid and melancholy inquiry into the current state of American society.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

As Ms. Birsel conceived it, each scent would be contained in a large, smooth stone that would symbolize that moment in life.

The New York Times

The procedure, carried on juvenile animals with horns that have already grown to a length of 10 to 15 cm, is done by repeatedly pounding around the base of the horn with a round smooth stone to weaken the bone core base and subsequently pulling and wresting the horn manually until the horn bone core at the base is fractured.

Pastoralism

The motions were similar to rock climbing anywhere, and Point Dume's face — a wall of smooth stone, polished with sea spray and grit — made for a fun medium to practice the sport.

The New York Times - Travel

However, the world record holder for rock skipping admits that a perfectly round and smooth stone is too slippery to hold; he prefers a stone with a chip or a bump that he can grip so that he can get the most spin.[4].

WikiHow

The water took hold, and I was free, a fish rocketing downriver, skipping off smooth stone, then dropping into a pool.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a smooth stone" metaphorically, ensure the context clearly links the stone's physical attributes (smoothness, simplicity) to the intended abstract concept.

Common error

Avoid using "a smooth stone" in every situation where simplicity or calmness is required. Vary your descriptions to maintain reader interest.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a smooth stone" primarily functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. Ludwig examples show its usage in both literal and metaphorical contexts. Ludwig AI states the phrase is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Wiki

20%

Science

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a smooth stone" is a common noun phrase used both literally and metaphorically. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely accepted. Predominantly found in News & Media, Wiki, and Science contexts, the phrase evokes calmness and simplicity. When employing this phrase, writers should ensure that the image of a smooth, simple stone aligns with their intended meaning. While versatile, overuse should be avoided to prevent clichés. Several alternatives exist, such as "a polished rock" or "a sleek pebble", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a polished rock

Focuses on the visual aspect of being polished.

a sleek pebble

Highlights the small size and elegant shape.

a rounded stone

Emphasizes the shape of the stone.

a river stone

Specifies the origin and smoothness due to water erosion.

a sea-worn stone

Indicates smoothness caused by the sea.

a water-smoothed rock

Highlights the process of smoothing by water.

a polished gem

Conveys the idea of a smooth stone with precious or visually appealing characteristics.

a ground stone

Focuses on the smoothness achieved by grinding.

a tumbled stone

Suggests a stone that has been smoothed by tumbling processes.

a well-worn stone

Indicates smoothness achieved over a long period through wear and tear.

FAQs

How can I use "a smooth stone" in a sentence?

You can use "a smooth stone" to describe a literal object found in nature or as a metaphor for something simple, calming, or easily handled. For example: "She held "a smooth stone" in her hand to calm her nerves."

What can I say instead of "a smooth stone"?

You can use alternatives like "a polished rock", "a sleek pebble", or "a rounded stone" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "a smooth stone" as a metaphor?

It's appropriate when you want to convey the idea of something being uncomplicated, easy to manage, or naturally calming. Consider whether the imagery of a stone aligns with your intended message.

What's the difference between "a smooth stone" and "a rough stone"?

While "a smooth stone" suggests ease and simplicity, "a rough stone" implies difficulty, challenge, or something unrefined. The choice depends on the qualities you wish to emphasize.