it ran smoothly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it ran smoothly" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a process, event, or operation that occurred without any issues or interruptions. Example: "The presentation went well, and I was pleased to see that it ran smoothly from start to finish."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

The wheel was a great technological boon of the time, and whether or not it ran smoothly around its axle would have been a primary concern for both comfort and efficiency.

Huffington Post

On the surface, it ran smoothly.

The Guardian - Opinion

The processor is slower than that of newer phones as well, although it ran smoothly enough.

The New York Times

As usual, it ran smoothly and well, with 130 acts managing to start and finish mostly on time.

The New York Times - Arts

Yet when he Lehoux thrust the Proveit app into my hand, even on a clogged mobile network at SXSW, it ran smoothly and I immediately felt the adrenaline rush of matching wits for money.

TechCrunch

"I'm so relieved it ran smoothly".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Without it running smoothly, the city will shrivel.

The New York Times

Sergei said he would have it running smoothly in time for the journey.

The New Yorker

You need oil to keep it running smoothly; without it, things begin to break down.

MIT Technology Review

You need to be organised to make it run smoothly, Cairns says.

The Guardian

"The trick is to give it a little push in the right direction and get it running smoothly," said Jamison.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it ran smoothly" when describing events, processes, or systems that operated without any notable problems or interruptions. It is suitable for both technical and non-technical contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "it ran smoothly" to describe the actions of a person or entity. The phrase is best suited for describing processes or systems, not individual capabilities. Instead of saying "The engineer ran the test smoothly", prefer "The test ran smoothly" or "The engineer executed the test flawlessly".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it ran smoothly" typically functions as a descriptive statement, indicating that a particular process, event, or system operated without significant problems or interruptions. Ludwig AI shows its function of defining how well something worked. It serves to convey a sense of efficiency and ease.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Wiki

23%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it ran smoothly" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe processes, events, or systems that operate without significant problems. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is considered grammatically correct and usable in written English. It is found across a variety of sources, including news media, scientific publications, and general-interest websites, indicating its versatility. While alternatives such as "it proceeded without a hitch" or "it went off without a snag" can offer nuanced variations, "it ran smoothly" remains a clear and effective way to convey seamless operation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it proceeded without a hitch

Replaces "ran" with "proceeded" and uses the idiom "without a hitch" to emphasize the absence of problems.

it went off without a snag

Similar to "without a hitch", "without a snag" highlights the lack of minor issues or impediments.

it flowed seamlessly

Focuses on the uninterrupted and smooth progression of the process or event.

it was executed flawlessly

Emphasizes the perfect execution, indicating no mistakes were made.

it operated efficiently

Highlights the efficiency of the operation, suggesting minimal wasted effort or resources.

it functioned without problems

A straightforward alternative emphasizing the absence of any issues during the process.

it went according to plan

Indicates the successful adherence to a pre-determined plan, implying a smooth execution.

it unfolded as expected

Focuses on the predictable and smooth unfolding of events, aligning with expectations.

it worked like a charm

Uses an idiom to convey that something worked perfectly and effortlessly.

it performed optimally

Highlights the optimal performance, suggesting that something ran at its best capacity.

FAQs

How can I use "it ran smoothly" in a sentence?

Use "it ran smoothly" to describe a process, event, or system that operated without problems or interruptions. For example, "The software update "it ran smoothly", and no users reported any issues".

What can I say instead of "it ran smoothly"?

You can use alternatives like "it proceeded without a hitch", "it went off without a snag", or "it flowed seamlessly" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "the meeting ran smoothly"?

Yes, it is correct. "The meeting "it ran smoothly"" implies that the meeting was well-organized, efficient, and free of significant problems or interruptions.

What's the difference between "it ran smoothly" and "it ran efficiently"?

"It ran smoothly" emphasizes the absence of problems and a seamless process, while "it ran efficiently" focuses on the effective use of resources and minimal waste. While often related, smooth operation doesn't always guarantee efficiency, and vice versa.