everything was smooth

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "everything was smooth" is correct and usable in written English.
For example, you might use this phrase to describe how a particular process went: "The finalizing of the paperwork was a lengthy process, but everything was smooth in the end."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

A. Everything was smooth.

The New York Times - Health

But everything was smooth and normal".

The Guardian - Sport

REBOUNDS Everything was smooth between LARRY BROWN and ALLEN IVERSON at practice last night.

The New York Times - Sports

Everybody was kind of playing around, too easy and too calm: everything was smooth, everybody was cool.

The Guardian - Music

They've benefited from some state grants, and we've had to work very hard with them on their expansion plans to make sure everything was smooth.

The Washington Post

"Just the quiet peacefulness of it," Fred said, keeping his eyes on the surface of the water, where everything was smooth and still, until he noticed a sudden flurry of movement coming from the other riverbank.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

There were some quarrels before the marriage but everything was smoothed over.

The New Yorker

Mr. Grinnell, a conservation leader who first suggested the idea of an Audubon Society, recalled in his history that the woods gave way to lawns, the old brooks were turned into sewers and "everything was smoothed out according to more modern notions".

The New York Times

"Everything is smooth and fluid.

The New York Times - Sports

Everything is smooth and tidy, it seems.

The Guardian - Opinion

The weather is beautiful, the people are warm, so everything is smooth.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "everything was smooth" to communicate that a process, event, or situation progressed without difficulties or unexpected issues. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts when you want to emphasize the absence of problems.

Common error

While "everything was smooth" is acceptable, be mindful of potential vagueness. Consider providing specific details about why things went smoothly to add clarity and impact to your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "everything was smooth" functions as a descriptive statement, indicating that a particular process, event, or situation occurred without problems or difficulties. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid and commonly used expression.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "everything was smooth" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a situation that progressed without complications. As Ludwig AI points out, it's suitable for diverse contexts, from news reports to casual conversations. While widely used, consider adding specific details to avoid vagueness. Alternatives like "everything went seamlessly" or "all went according to plan" offer subtle variations in meaning. Predominantly featured in news and media, the phrase maintains a neutral register, making it a versatile choice for conveying a problem-free experience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

everything went seamlessly

Focuses on the lack of disruption or interruption.

everything proceeded without a hitch

Emphasizes the absence of unexpected problems or delays.

everything ran like clockwork

Implies precision and perfect timing in the execution.

everything transpired effortlessly

Highlights the ease and lack of struggle involved.

all went according to plan

Indicates that there were no deviations from the expected course of action.

everything was uncomplicated

Focuses on simplicity and absence of complex factors.

everything was straightforward

Highlights the directness and clarity of the process.

there were no complications

Directly states the absence of problematic factors.

the process was seamless

Similar to "everything went seamlessly", but focuses on the process itself.

everything was uneventful

Highlights the lack of notable incidents.

FAQs

How can I use "everything was smooth" in a sentence?

You can use "everything was smooth" to describe a process or event that occurred without any problems. For example: "The transition to the new system was anticipated to be difficult, but "everything was smooth"."

What can I say instead of "everything was smooth"?

You can use alternatives like "everything went seamlessly", "everything proceeded without a hitch", or "all went according to plan", depending on the context.

Is "everything was smooth" formal or informal?

"Everything was smooth" can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, for highly formal writing, consider more precise alternatives like "the process was seamless" or "everything transpired effortlessly".

What does "everything was smooth sailing" mean?

"Everything was smooth sailing" is an idiom that means that after an initial difficulty, "everything was smooth" and easy. It's similar in meaning but emphasizes a contrast between a problematic start and an easy continuation.