is slick

USAGE SUMMARY

'is slick' is an acceptable sentence fragment in written English.
You can use it to describe someone or something that is particularly skilled or clever. For example: "His approach to the problem is slick."

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Nothing here is slick.

The New York Times - Arts

Service is slick.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The outro is slick.

The Guardian - Music

The marketing is slick.

The New York Times

His work is slick.

The New York Times

"Grace," however, is slick and unsatisfying.

The New Yorker

His campaign is slick and well-financed.

The Economist

Your skin is slick with sweat.

The New Yorker

That oil is slick indeed.

The New Yorker

And their way is slick.

The Guardian - Music

But happiness is slick, can't be trusted.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a process or solution as "is slick", ensure the context clarifies whether you intend to convey admiration for its efficiency and cleverness, or a warning about its potential deceptiveness. For a straightforward positive connotation, consider using alternatives like "is polished" or "is refined".

Common error

Avoid assuming that describing something as "is slick" always carries a positive connotation. While it can imply cleverness and efficiency, it can also suggest superficiality or untrustworthiness. Consider your audience and the specific context to avoid unintended negative interpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is slick" functions as a predicate adjective, describing a subject as having the qualities of being slick. This can mean slippery, cleverly devised, or superficially impressive. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is common in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Wiki

11%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is slick" is a common and versatile expression used to describe something as cleverly devised, efficient, or superficially impressive. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability and common usage. However, it's essential to be mindful of the context, as "slick" can carry both positive and negative connotations. While often used to praise ingenuity, it can also suggest a lack of depth or trustworthiness. When using "is slick", consider alternatives like "is polished" or "is smooth" to avoid unintended implications, ensuring your message is clear and well-received.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is polished

Emphasizes refinement and attention to detail, shifting focus from inherent cleverness to a carefully crafted appearance.

is smooth

Highlights the absence of difficulty or obstacles, diverging from the implication of cleverness inherent in "slick".

is refined

Similar to 'polished', it stresses the removal of imperfections, implying a more sophisticated and elevated quality than simply 'slick'.

is astute

Focuses directly on intelligence and shrewdness, omitting the possible negative connotations sometimes associated with "slick".

is ingenious

Highlights inventiveness and cleverness, suggesting a unique and creative solution rather than a general smoothness or deceptiveness.

is adroit

Emphasizes skill and dexterity, shifting focus from the potentially superficial connotations of "slick" to genuine competence.

is artful

Emphasizes the skillful and often deceptive nature of something, similar to the negative connotations "slick" can sometimes have.

is canny

Highlights shrewdness and resourcefulness, emphasizing a practical intelligence that "slick" may only imply.

is glib

Focuses on fluency and ease of speech, often suggesting insincerity or superficiality, which can be a negative aspect of "slick".

is facile

Highlights ease and superficiality, often implying a lack of depth or substance, a criticism that can sometimes be leveled against something described as "slick".

FAQs

How can I use "is slick" in a sentence?

You can use "is slick" to describe something that's efficient, clever, or seemingly effortless. For example, "The new marketing campaign is slick", or "His handling of the negotiation is slick".

What does it mean when someone says something "is slick"?

Saying something "is slick" usually means it's cleverly designed or executed, and often implies it's done with great skill or efficiency. However, it can also suggest something is superficially attractive but possibly untrustworthy.

Which is correct, "is slick" or "is sleek"?

"Is slick" and "is sleek" have different meanings. "Is slick" implies cleverness or smoothness, while "is sleek" refers to a smooth and elegant appearance. The correct choice depends on the intended meaning. You might say "The design "is sleek"", but "The operation "is slick"".

What are some alternatives to saying something "is slick"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "is polished", "is smooth", or "is clever". The best alternative depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.