anything but smooth

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "anything but smooth" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation or experience that is difficult, challenging, or problematic, indicating that it was far from easy or straightforward. Example: "The project was anything but smooth, with numerous setbacks and unexpected challenges along the way."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The start-up was anything but smooth.

The Washington Post

Britain's experience has been anything but smooth.

The New York Times

Their landing has been anything but smooth.

The Guardian

The congressional probes also have been anything but smooth sailing.

The Washington Post

But the adoption of standard time was anything but smooth.

The Washington Post

Everyone could see that the process was anything but smooth.

The New York Times

Our work over the months that followed her emergency room visit was anything but smooth.

The New York Times - Health

While the external circumstances favor Clinton, the preparations for her campaign have been anything but smooth.

The New Yorker

RODRIGUEZ OUT AGAIN Alex Rodriguez's reintroduction into the lineup has been anything but smooth.

The New York Times

That's because Mr Birkenfeld's road to riches has been anything but smooth.

The Economist

But despite her undoubted gifts her life was anything but smooth.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "anything but smooth", ensure the context clearly establishes what the expected or desired state was, allowing the phrase to highlight the deviation from that expectation.

Common error

Avoid using "anything but smooth" when you simply mean something is imperfect or has minor flaws. This phrase implies significant difficulty or unexpected problems, not just minor imperfections.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "anything but smooth" functions as an adjectival phrase that modifies a noun, describing its quality or state. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase indicates that a situation, process, or experience was difficult, problematic, or challenging, far from being easy or straightforward. The numerous examples available on Ludwig confirm this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

97%

Academia

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "anything but smooth" is a versatile phrase used to describe situations marked by difficulties and challenges. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, particularly in news and media. While alternatives like "far from easy" or "a bumpy ride" exist, "anything but smooth" effectively conveys a lack of ease or straightforwardness. When employing this phrase, ensure the context clearly indicates the expected state for maximum impact. It's advisable to avoid using it for minor imperfections; reserve it for instances involving significant setbacks or troubles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

far from easy

Indicates a situation is difficult, emphasizing the lack of ease.

not a walk in the park

Emphasizes the difficulty of a task or situation.

filled with obstacles

Highlights the presence of challenges and impediments.

beset with difficulties

Suggests a situation is troubled by numerous problems.

a bumpy ride

Implies instability and challenges during a process.

fraught with challenges

Emphasizes the presence of significant challenges.

an uphill battle

Suggests a situation requires significant effort to overcome obstacles.

rife with problems

Indicates a situation is full of many problems.

a thorny issue

Highlights the complexity and sensitivity of a problem.

complicated process

Describes the process of something in an elaborate and difficult manner.

FAQs

How can I use "anything but smooth" in a sentence?

You can use "anything but smooth" to describe a situation that is difficult and challenging. For example, "The transition to the new system was "anything but smooth", with numerous unexpected errors occurring."

What are some alternatives to "anything but smooth"?

Some alternatives to "anything but smooth" include "far from easy", "not a walk in the park", or "a bumpy ride". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "anything but smooth" an idiom?

Yes, "anything but smooth" can be considered an idiom. It's a common expression where the overall meaning is not immediately obvious from the individual words themselves; it implies difficulty or problems.

Can "anything but smooth" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "anything but smooth" is suitable for formal writing, particularly in news articles, reports, or analytical pieces. However, be mindful of the audience and context; more formal alternatives like "fraught with challenges" might be preferred in highly academic or business settings.