it was smooth

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence 'it was smooth' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as a descriptor for a variety of situations. For example, "The road ahead of us was smooth, making the journey much more pleasant."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

So it was smooth.

The Washington Post

It was smooth again.

The New Yorker

It was smooth out there".

The New York Times - Sports

Otherwise, it was smooth sailing.

The Washington Post

Did you think that it was smooth?

The New York Times

After that, it was smooth sailing.

Princeton University

"It was smooth," Sergeant Henry said.

The New York Times

In class, it was smooth sailing.

The Guardian - Money

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

It was smooth-looking and glamorous, with hints of bathing suits and the beach.

The New York Times

It's smooth, thanks.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

It is smooth.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When you want to express the lack of difficulty to the reader, you can use “it was smooth sailing”. This alternative suggests effortless movement or progress, commonly used in situations involving travel or project completion.

Common error

While "it was smooth" is versatile, overuse can make writing sound simplistic. In formal reports or academic papers, consider more precise synonyms like "seamless transition" or "efficient execution" to convey the same meaning with greater sophistication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was smooth" primarily functions as a descriptive statement, often acting as the predicate of a sentence. It describes the quality of an event, process, or object, indicating a lack of friction, difficulty, or interruption. As Ludwig confirms, it is usable and correct in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Science

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was smooth" is a versatile and commonly used expression to describe something that proceeded without difficulty or problems. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and applicable across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media. While its neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal settings, writers should consider more sophisticated synonyms in highly formal writing to avoid sounding simplistic. Alternatives like "it was seamless" or "it was effortless" can add nuance to your writing. By understanding its function, purpose, and appropriate contexts, you can effectively use "it was smooth" to enhance your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was seamless

Emphasizes the lack of interruption or difficulty in a process.

it was effortless

Highlights the ease and lack of strain involved.

it was trouble-free

Focuses on the absence of problems or complications.

it was plain sailing

An idiomatic expression emphasizing easy progress.

it was straightforward

Indicates directness and simplicity in the process.

it was uncomplicated

Highlights the absence of complex elements or steps.

it was a breeze

An informal way to describe something very easy to do.

it was like clockwork

Implies precision and perfect order in the execution.

it went off without a hitch

Focuses on the successful and flawless completion.

it was a walk in the park

Informal idiom to communicate ease of doing something.

FAQs

What does "it was smooth" mean?

The phrase "it was smooth" typically means that something proceeded without any problems, difficulties, or interruptions. It suggests ease and a lack of complications.

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

You can use alternatives like "it was seamless", "it was effortless", or "it was trouble-free" depending on the specific context.

Is "it was smooth" formal or informal?

"It was smooth" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more sophisticated vocabulary might be preferred in highly formal writing.

How can I use "it was smooth sailing" in a sentence?

You can use "it was smooth sailing" to describe a situation where, after an initial difficulty, everything proceeded easily and without problems. For example: "After we resolved the initial technical issues, "it was smooth sailing" for the rest of the project."