keep things smooth

USAGE SUMMARY

"keep things smooth" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to suggest an easy workflow or a strategy that keeps things running peacefully and without problems. For example, "Let's keep things smooth by completing one task at a time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

We averaged across 8 frames to keep things smooth and every second we allowed the input to have twice as much weight.

Cornell University

They are respectful of each other, but sometimes brusque; you wonder how hard Shirley O'Loughlin, their cheerful manager, has to work to keep things smooth.

The Guardian

These measurements also allow the "feed dog", which gently pulls fabric through the machine, to make constant tiny adjustments to keep things smooth and even.Dr Dickerson patented the idea in 2012 and won a $1.3m research contract from DARPA, a US Department of Defence research-and-development agency.

The Economist

One tech spec that we did manage to get our hands on was the fact that LG's new premium set sports a TruMotion 400Hz refresh rate to keep things smooth and snappy.

TechCrunch

Is it worth it to walk out of the marriage with a little less money if it's going to help keep things smooth and settle quicker? 3.

HuffPost

OregonLive.com columnist Jamie Hale said the co-emcee, Byron Beck, a blogger, got frazzled trying to keep things smooth like a baby's bottom.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

King Hussein, by and large, has kept things smooth.

The Economist

The title track keeps things smooth with a more straightforward stream of shakes and snare snaps, while "Minor Structures" kicks things up a notch by offering the project's most quick-paced drumbeat.

HuffPost

Also to try and keep things running smooth I got up at 4 a.m. put them in the car at 4 45 a.m. and hit the road.

Huffington Post

Keep things looking smooth and sleek.

WikiHow

If we took the time to do these little 'check ups' in our relationships we could keep things running smoother as well.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing potentially sensitive topics, using "keep things smooth" can help frame the conversation toward a less confrontational approach.

Common error

While generally acceptable, "keep things smooth" can sound too informal for certain professional or academic settings. Opt for phrases like "maintain efficiency" or "ensure seamless operation" to convey a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep things smooth" functions primarily as a directive or recommendation. It suggests a course of action aimed at preventing problems and ensuring efficient operation. Ludwig AI validates its correct grammatical structure.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "keep things smooth" is a grammatically sound phrase used to suggest actions that maintain efficiency and prevent complications. Ludwig AI confirms this with various examples, although its frequency is only uncommon. The phrase finds its home in News & Media, Wiki, and Academia contexts. While its neutral register makes it versatile, avoid overusing it in highly formal settings. Consider alternatives like "maintain efficiency" or "ensure seamless operation" for a more professional tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

keep everything running smoothly

Focuses on making an operation runs without interruptions.

streamline the process

Focuses on making a process more efficient and straightforward.

maintain efficiency

Focuses specifically on maintaining a high level of efficiency in a process.

make it easy

Highlights making the process easy.

ensure seamless operation

Highlights the goal of making an operation run without interruptions or problems.

facilitate progress

Emphasizes the act of making progress easier or more likely.

avoid complications

Focuses on preventing problems or difficulties from arising.

promote order

Stresses the establishment and maintenance of order in a system or situation.

manage effectively

Emphasizes the skill of managing something in a way that produces the desired result.

preserve harmony

Highlights maintaining a state of agreement or tranquility.

FAQs

How can I use "keep things smooth" in a sentence?

You can use "keep things smooth" to describe actions taken to avoid problems or maintain efficiency, such as, "To "facilitate the transition", we need to keep things smooth."

What are some alternatives to "keep things smooth"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "maintain efficiency", "ensure seamless operation", or "facilitate progress".

In what situations is it appropriate to use "keep things smooth"?

It's appropriate in situations where you want to emphasize the need to "avoid complications" and maintain a harmonious or efficient process. This can be in personal relationships, project management, or organizational settings.

What's the difference between "keep things smooth" and "maintain order"?

"Keep things smooth" focuses on ease and efficiency, while "maintain order" emphasizes structure and control. The former is about preventing disruptions, while the latter is about enforcing rules and systems.