is smoother than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is smoother than" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when making a comparison between the smoothness of two different things or experiences. Example: "This fabric is smoother than the one we used last time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is smoother than cider, but it is not Champagne.

The New York Times

Augusta National has wide fairways with short rough that is smoother than most public-course fairways.

The New York Times - Sports

It is smoother than its 2.8-liter predecessor and feels much stronger.

The New York Times

Skipping alternating cylinders is smoother than skipping two out of eight.

The New York Times

The back is smoother than the P9 and with the slightly rounded sides, feels really nice in the hand.

The Guardian - Tech

Ride quality, even with the run-flat tires, is smoother than Robin Thicke at a Ladies Nightt.

The New York Times

The France manager, Didier Deschamps, will hope their passage to Brazil is smoother than it was to get to South Africa.

The Guardian - Sport

The full width half maximum of the Si 2p line indicates that the Si/electropolishing oxide interface is smoother than the Si/natural oxide interface.

Journal of Non-Crystalline Solids

The results show that the proposed method can provide optimal model structure and parameters for fuzzy modeling, possesses high learning efficiency, and is smoother than CART algorithm.

Engineering Applications of Artificial Intelligence

In particular, we prove that the nonlinear part of the cubic NLS on the half line is smoother than the initial data.

Journal of Functional Analysis

Its wording is smoother than in the original drafts, but it still legitimises the exclusive string-pulling power that America and Britain have over Iraq's political and economic future.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is smoother than" in technical writing, quantify the difference in smoothness if possible, such as by referencing surface roughness measurements.

Common error

Avoid using "is smoother than" metaphorically when a more precise comparative term would be appropriate. Overusing it can dilute its impact and make your writing less descriptive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is smoother than" functions as a comparative adjective phrase, used to indicate that one thing possesses a higher degree of smoothness compared to another. As Ludwig AI confirms, this construction is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

59%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is smoother than" is a versatile and grammatically sound comparative phrase used to describe the relative smoothness of two objects or surfaces. Ludwig AI confirms that this is a standard English construction. It is frequently used in both scientific and journalistic contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity in the comparison and consider quantifying the difference in smoothness where appropriate. While versatile, avoid overuse in abstract contexts. Some suitable alternatives are "has a silkier texture than" or "is more polished than". The phrase's widespread usage and straightforward meaning make it a valuable tool for clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has a silkier texture than

Focuses on the texture being silky, emphasizing a delicate smoothness.

is more polished than

Highlights a refined smoothness, often associated with a manufactured or treated surface.

is less coarse than

Emphasizes the absence of roughness as opposed to direct smoothness.

possesses a finer finish than

Suggests an elegant or high-quality smoothness, often in a manufacturing context.

has a more even surface than

Focuses on the uniformity of the surface, implying a lack of bumps or irregularities.

is sleeker than

Emphasizes a streamlined and smooth appearance, often used for design or movement.

glides more easily than

Focuses on the functional aspect of smoothness, referring to the ease of movement.

is more velvety than

Compares the smoothness to the texture of velvet, implying a soft and luxurious feel.

exhibits less friction than

Highlights reduced resistance due to smoothness, typically in a technical context.

is as frictionless as

Highlights the quality or characteristic of being free of friction

FAQs

How can I use "is smoother than" in a sentence?

You can use "is smoother than" to compare the texture of two objects, for example: "The silk fabric "is smoother than" the cotton one."

What are some alternatives to "is smoother than"?

Alternatives include "has a silkier texture than", "is more polished than", or "is less coarse than", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "is smoother than" in writing?

It is appropriate when you are making a direct comparison of the tactile or visual smoothness of two distinct surfaces or objects. Ensure that the comparison is clear and relevant to the context.

What is the difference between "is smoother than" and "is more refined than"?

"Is smoother than" refers specifically to the tactile or visual quality of a surface, while "is more refined than" can refer to a higher degree of sophistication or improvement in a broader sense. Refinement can imply smoothness, but it isn't exclusively about surface texture.