make things smoother

USAGE SUMMARY

"make things smoother" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase in a variety of contexts to express the idea of improving a situation, making it more straightforward, or finding a solution to a problem. For example, "Let's try to make things smoother by dealing with this problem head-on."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

What you have to look for is a change in the patterns and if you detect that you have to step in and make things smoother".

The Guardian - Sport

Delaying the inevitable is not going to make things smoother with your investors, biz dev partners, customers or employees.

TechCrunch

Each of these actions will help to make things smoother.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

"Well, I guess I've always been even keeled, never really responded back and tried to always make things smooth and easy," Manning told reporters Wednesday.

The New York Times - Sports

"Makes things smoother".

The New York Times

Jane Garvey, the agency's administrator, said her agency had added workers at the command center to make things run smoother.

The New York Times

You will need to adapt to circumstances and here are just a few tips to make things run smoother.

TechCrunch

The included free upgrade to Windows 7 ought to make things even smoother, too, and upgrading the RAM and hard drive wouldn't take too much time at all.

TechCrunch

Meanwhile, my scrub tech, Brian, whose job it is to hand me instruments, assist in the surgery, and make things go smoother, has also been frozen.

HuffPost

It can also be helpful to note any rules that help make things go smoother.

WikiHow

If you understand the changes & the fixing that's being done inside of your body, it will make things go smoother for you, emotionally as well as physically.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "make things smoother", consider the context. If you're discussing a process, alternatives like "streamline operations" might be more appropriate. For personal relationships, "ease tensions" could be a better fit.

Common error

While "make things smoother" is generally acceptable, avoid using it excessively in highly formal writing. Opt for more precise language that reflects the specific action you're describing, such as "optimize processes" or "resolve conflicts".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make things smoother" functions primarily as a verb phrase, often used with an infinitive to express the act of improving a situation or process. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a usable phrase. It indicates an action taken to reduce friction or difficulty.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Social Media

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "make things smoother" is a grammatically sound phrase that's frequently employed to suggest improvements in efficiency or reductions in conflict. While adaptable across various contexts, it leans towards neutrality and, as specified by Ludwig AI, is a correct and usable phrase in written English. For more formal settings, synonyms such as "optimize" or "streamline" might be preferable. Given its widespread use across news, media, and even wiki-based content, it is understandable across different registers but always consider the audience and context to maximize effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

smooth the path

This option is a close synonym, emphasizing the removal of obstacles from a course of action.

ease the process

This variant emphasizes simplifying a specific procedure or operation, narrowing the scope from general 'things'.

simplify things

This phrase directly highlights the act of making something less complex, which is a key component of the original phrase.

facilitate matters

This alternative focuses on easing progress or action, emphasizing assistance more directly than the original phrase.

improve the situation

This phrase highlights the act of enhancing a circumstance, which is broader than just making things easier.

streamline operations

This alternative suggests making business or systematic activities more efficient and effective, a more technical approach.

expedite the proceedings

This phrase concentrates on accelerating a formal or legal process, adding a sense of urgency.

lubricate the gears

This idiom uses a metaphor to imply making interactions or operations flow without friction, adding color to the concept.

iron out the wrinkles

This idiom focuses on resolving small problems or inconsistencies to achieve a better result.

pave the way

This phrase is about preparing for future success, a more forward-looking perspective.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "make things smoother" to sound more professional?

To sound more professional, consider using alternatives like "facilitate matters", "streamline operations", or "optimize processes" depending on the specific context.

Is "make things smoother" appropriate for academic writing?

While not strictly incorrect, "make things smoother" may be too informal for academic writing. Opt for more precise and formal alternatives such as "improve efficiency" or "enhance coordination".

What's the difference between "make things smoother" and "simplify things"?

"Make things smoother" implies easing progress or interactions, while "simplify things" focuses on reducing complexity. The former suggests a reduction in friction, whereas the latter indicates a reduction in the number of steps or elements.

Can you give me an example of using "make things smoother" in a sentence?

Sure, here's an example: "The new software update is designed to make things smoother for users by providing a more intuitive interface."