as smooth as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as smooth as" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you are wanting to indicate that something is very smooth, or smoother than other things. For example: "The surface of the lake was as smooth as glass."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

She's as smooth as Bernard Lagat.

The New Yorker

Her smile was as smooth as paint.

The New Yorker

As smooth as his beer.

The New York Times

The texture was as smooth as satin.

The New York Times - Food

It went as smooth as glass".

The Guardian - Film

His jacket is as smooth as leather.

The New York Times - Arts

The roads were as smooth as any in the States.

The New York Times - Travel

My knuckles were as smooth as a baby's.

The New Yorker

But is the tölt really as smooth as I've heard?

The Guardian - Travel

Its west face is as smooth as a tombstone.

The Guardian - Travel

How can you make the transition as smooth as possible?

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as smooth as", consider the specific object or process you are comparing to, ensuring it resonates with your audience. For instance, comparing skin to silk implies luxury, while comparing it to a baby's bottom suggests gentleness.

Common error

Avoid using overused comparisons like "as smooth as butter" in every context. Strive for originality by finding fresh and more descriptive comparisons that better suit your subject.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as smooth as" functions as a comparative simile, used to describe something by comparing its smoothness to something else. It amplifies the quality of smoothness, making it more vivid and relatable. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Wiki

21%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as smooth as" is a commonly used simile to describe something exhibiting a high degree of smoothness. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and versatile application. Examples from various sources, including news outlets like The New York Times and lifestyle publications like Forbes, demonstrate its widespread use. While frequently used, strive for originality in your comparisons to avoid clichés. Consider alternative phrases like "as seamless as" or "as effortless as", depending on the specific context. Overall, "as smooth as" remains a useful and expressive tool for enhancing descriptions with vivid imagery.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as even as

Replaces "smooth" with "even", focusing on the uniformity of the surface or process.

as seamless as

Highlights the lack of interruption or difficulty in a transition or process.

as effortless as

Shifts the focus from physical smoothness to the ease of an action or process.

as polished as

Highlights the refined and flawless nature of something.

as fluid as

Suggests graceful and uninterrupted movement or flow.

as slick as

Implies a smooth or slippery quality, often with a slightly negative connotation of being artificial or deceptive.

without a hitch

Emphasizes the absence of problems or obstacles.

without a snag

Similar to "without a hitch", focusing on the lack of minor difficulties.

like a hot knife through butter

Uses a simile to describe something that moves through another thing very easily.

like clockwork

Indicates a process that runs perfectly and predictably.

FAQs

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

You can use "as smooth as" to compare the texture or ease of something to something else known for its smoothness. For example, "The ride was "as smooth as glass"" or "Her voice was "as smooth as silk"".

What are some alternatives to "as smooth as"?

Alternatives include phrases like "as even as", "as seamless as", or "as effortless as", depending on the specific aspect you want to emphasize.

Is it always appropriate to use "as smooth as" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, consider your audience and the specific context. In some formal settings, a more precise and descriptive adjective might be preferred over the simile "as smooth as". For example, "seamless" can be a suitable replacement.

Which is better, "as smooth as silk" or another comparison?

The best comparison depends on the specific item you're describing. While "as smooth as silk" is common, something described as "as smooth as sandpaper" would be awkward, and something described "as smooth as glass" might be preferable in certain contexts. Always choose the comparison that most accurately reflects the subject's smoothness.