a smoothly functioning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a smoothly functioning" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that something is working without any issues or delays. For example: "The automated assembly line was a smoothly functioning system, producing high-quality products efficiently."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

What once described the smoothly functioning factory now describes a smoothly functioning market.

The New Yorker

To be sure, Thai democracy was never exactly a smoothly functioning, entirely stable thing.

The New York Times

However, a smoothly functioning social security system is precisely what constitutes the difference between formality and informality.

Harvard Business Review

Obama, by contrast, combined an uplifting speaking style with a smoothly functioning campaign that became known as "no-drama Obama".

Encyclopedia Britannica

However, a smoothly functioning Taiwan ISO will bring benefits to the industry and the country in general.

Energy Policy

After Udayan's untimely death, Subhash returns to India and marries his brother's pregnant widow, Gauri, but theirs is far from a smoothly functioning family.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

It was not automatic that an administration led by a 47-year-old man with little Washington experience would run a professional, smoothly functioning operation.

The New York Times

IF YOU want a big, smoothly functioning market for capital, you have to protect investors from mischief.

The Economist

Although it is thought unlikely to suffer in any Assembly elections it would prefer to avert them, since republicans are seeking a more smoothly functioning administration.

Independent

That would mean a lot of pain for a lot of folks — especially both companies' stockholders and the broader community of people depending on a secure, smoothly functioning mortgage market.

The New York Times

Mr. Laurence, in his book "Dawn Over Zero" (Knopf, 1946), described how the nine men of the crew and the plane's maze of instruments had melded into a single smoothly functioning unit.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing complex systems or processes, use "a smoothly functioning" to convey efficiency and lack of disruptions. This highlights reliability and ease of use.

Common error

Avoid using "a smoothly functioning" for very simple or mundane actions. It's more appropriate for complex systems or processes where smooth operation is notable. For instance, avoid saying "a smoothly functioning pen"; instead, use "a reliable pen".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a smoothly functioning" primarily functions as an adjectival modifier, describing a noun. It indicates that the noun it modifies (e.g., system, organization, machine) operates efficiently and without significant issues. This is supported by Ludwig AI, which confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a smoothly functioning" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to describe something that operates efficiently and without problems. According to Ludwig AI, it’s appropriate for describing systems, organizations, or processes and appears frequently in "News & Media", "Academia", and "Science" contexts. While commonly used, avoid overusing it with simple actions. Alternatives such as "an efficiently operating" or "a well-organized" can provide nuanced variations in meaning. By understanding its function and appropriate contexts, you can effectively use "a smoothly functioning" to enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an efficiently operating

Replaces 'functioning' with 'operating' and 'smoothly' with 'efficiently', focusing on the efficiency of the operation.

a seamlessly working

Substitutes 'functioning' with 'working' and 'smoothly' with 'seamlessly', highlighting the integration.

a reliably operating

Highlights the reliability of the operation, ensuring consistent functionality.

a flawlessly running

Replaces 'functioning' with 'running' and 'smoothly' with 'flawlessly', emphasizing error-free operation.

an optimally performing

Emphasizes that the functionality is at its peak performance.

a well-organized

Replaces the entire phrase with a more general term focusing on organization and structure.

a trouble-free operation

Focuses on the absence of problems or issues in the operation.

an effectively managed

Focuses on the management aspect rather than the operational smoothness.

a streamlined process

Implies that the process is efficient and without unnecessary steps.

a properly maintained

Shifts the focus to maintenance and upkeep for optimal functioning.

FAQs

How can I use "a smoothly functioning" in a sentence?

You can use "a smoothly functioning" to describe systems, organizations, or processes that operate efficiently and without problems. For example, "The key to success is "a smoothly functioning" supply chain."

What are some alternatives to "a smoothly functioning"?

Some alternatives to "a smoothly functioning" include "an efficiently operating", "a seamlessly working", or "a well-organized".

Which is more appropriate, "a smoothly functioning" or "a well-functioning"?

"A smoothly functioning" emphasizes the ease and lack of disruption in the operation, while "a well-functioning" simply indicates that it works correctly. The choice depends on whether you want to highlight the ease or just the functionality.

What does it mean when something is described as "a smoothly functioning" system?

When a system is described as "a smoothly functioning" system, it means that all its components work together efficiently and without any significant problems or delays. It indicates a high level of operational effectiveness.