moving smoothly

USAGE SUMMARY

"moving smoothly" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe movement that is fluid, effortless, and without interruption. Example: The dancers glided across the stage, their movements perfectly synchronized and moving smoothly to the rhythm of the music.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"We think the process is moving smoothly".

The New York Times

The vehicle took over, moving smoothly forward.

The New Yorker

On their game-opening possession, the Vikings were moving smoothly.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. Gutierrez, meanwhile, is voluble and expansive, moving smoothly between large topics of discussion.

The New York Times - Arts

SO just about everybody is back home or at least moving smoothly on the road.

The New York Times

WHILE Egypt is rent anew with protests, Tunisia's democratic transition is moving smoothly ahead.

The Economist

Compared to past relocations, the state media insists the relocation is moving smoothly.

The Guardian

The development does not mean that the process is moving smoothly.

The New York Times

When a snaking convoy of 18-wheelers is moving smoothly, they are cadillackin'.

The New York Times

And Dan Curtin, a Chicago Aviation Department spokesman, said things were moving smoothly at the airport.

The New York Times

"The process is moving smoothly, but it is tedious," said Ben P. Kuehne, a lawyer for the Democrats.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "moving smoothly" to convey a sense of effortless and uninterrupted progress, whether describing physical movement, a process, or a state of affairs.

Common error

Avoid using "moving smoothly" in contexts where a more specific descriptor would be more impactful. For example, instead of "the negotiation is moving smoothly", consider "the negotiation is progressing constructively" if you want to emphasize the positive and collaborative nature of the talks.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "moving smoothly" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs to describe the manner in which an action is performed. Ludwig shows numerous examples where it characterizes processes, movements, and transitions as effortless and uninterrupted.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

26%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "moving smoothly" is a versatile and commonly used phrase that describes effortless and uninterrupted progress. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs to convey a sense of efficiency and ease. The phrase enjoys wide application in contexts ranging from News & Media to Science, Ludwig suggests that it maintains a neutral register, suitable for both formal and informal communication. To enhance writing, consider using synonyms like "progressing seamlessly" or "proceeding without a hitch" for variety, while avoiding overuse in contexts where more specific descriptors could add greater impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

progressing seamlessly

Emphasizes the lack of obstacles or interruptions during the progress.

proceeding without a hitch

Highlights the absence of any problems or difficulties.

flowing effortlessly

Focuses on the ease and natural quality of the movement or process.

running like clockwork

Suggests a highly organized and efficient process.

advancing steadily

Highlights consistent and unwavering forward motion.

gliding gracefully

Implies elegance and smoothness in the movement.

operating efficiently

Focuses on the effectiveness and productivity of a system or process.

unfolding seamlessly

Emphasizes a natural and uninterrupted progression of events.

functioning optimally

Highlights the peak performance and smooth operation of something.

developing without issue

Indicates a lack of problems or complications during development.

FAQs

How can I use "moving smoothly" in a sentence?

You can use "moving smoothly" to describe a variety of scenarios, such as "The car was "traveling smoothly" on the highway", or "The project is "progressing seamlessly" thanks to the team's hard work".

What are some alternatives to "moving smoothly"?

Some alternatives include "progressing smoothly", "proceeding without a hitch", or "flowing effortlessly", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "move smoothly" or "moving smoothly"?

The choice depends on the sentence structure. "Move smoothly" is an imperative or infinitive form, while "moving smoothly" is a gerund or present participle. For example, "The gears should move smoothly" versus "The gears are moving smoothly".

What does "moving smoothly" imply about a process?

When describing a process, "moving smoothly" implies efficiency, lack of complications, and a sense of effortless progression. It suggests that everything is functioning as intended without significant obstacles.