go smoothly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "go smoothly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a process or event that occurs without any problems or difficulties. Example: "I hope the meeting will go smoothly and that we can reach a consensus quickly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Did everything go smoothly?

The New York Times - Sports

Hopefully it'll go smoothly.

The Guardian - Music

All did not go smoothly.

The New York Times

All may not go smoothly.

The New York Times

But things don't go smoothly.

The New York Times - Arts

It did not go smoothly.

The New Yorker

Did the exchange go smoothly?

The New York Times

It seems to go smoothly.

The Guardian - Tech

Hopefully things will go smoothly.

The Guardian - Sport

Did everything go smoothly at first?

The New York Times

Dynastic transitions do not always go smoothly.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To add emphasis on efficiency and meticulousness, use alternatives like "run like clockwork" instead of "go smoothly".

Common error

Avoid using "go smoothly" to describe inherently chaotic or unpredictable situations. For example, saying "the storm went smoothly" is incorrect, as storms are, by nature, disruptive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "go smoothly" functions as an idiomatic expression, typically used as a verb phrase to describe the manner in which an event, process, or situation unfolds. Ludwig AI indicates that it's used to describe events that occur without problems.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "go smoothly" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe events or processes that proceed without problems. According to Ludwig AI, it's widely used across various contexts, especially in news and media. While versatile, it’s important to use it appropriately, avoiding inherently chaotic situations and considering more sophisticated alternatives for highly formal settings. Remember to ensure your subject aligns with the idea of a seamless progression. In summary, understanding the nuances of "go smoothly" can help you communicate effectively and convey optimism in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

proceed without a hitch

Emphasizes the absence of any unexpected problems or interruptions.

run like clockwork

Implies a high degree of precision and efficiency.

pan out well

Focuses on the positive outcome of a situation or plan.

unfold seamlessly

Suggests a smooth and continuous progression without any noticeable breaks.

progress swimmingly

Conveys a sense of ease and success in the advancement of a process.

operate flawlessly

Highlights the absence of errors or defects in the functioning of something.

be uneventful

Indicates a lack of significant or disruptive events.

transpire effortlessly

Suggests that something happens without requiring much effort or struggle.

work out perfectly

Focuses on the ideal and favorable resolution of a situation.

come off without a snag

Emphasizes the avoidance of even minor issues or complications.

FAQs

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

You can use "go smoothly" to describe a process or event that is expected to proceed without problems. For example, "We hope the negotiations will "go smoothly" and result in a positive outcome."

What can I say instead of "go smoothly"?

You can use alternatives like "proceed without a hitch", "run like clockwork", or "pan out well" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "go smoothly" in formal writing?

Yes, "go smoothly" is appropriate for both formal and informal writing. However, in highly formal contexts, you might consider using a more sophisticated synonym like "unfold seamlessly".

What's the difference between "go smoothly" and "go easily"?

"Go smoothly" implies the absence of problems, while "go easily" emphasizes the lack of effort required. Something can "go easily" but still not "go smoothly" if unexpected issues arise.