not entirely smooth

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not entirely smooth" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation, process, or experience that has some difficulties or imperfections, but is generally acceptable. Example: "The presentation went well, but the transitions between slides were not entirely smooth."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

The transition was not entirely smooth.

The New York Times

The undertaking was not entirely smooth.

The Guardian - Arts

Eichmann's own transition to genocide was not entirely smooth.

The Guardian - Books

Juice bars will not entirely smooth over its rugged rawness.

The Guardian - Travel

But despite the acclaim in which he is held, Little Boy's path to publication was not entirely smooth.

The Guardian - Books

The switch from fogey-friendly Portland stone to the magic pyramid is a drastic one and not entirely smooth.

The Guardian - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Cobb's vestigial north-south axis still exerts a powerful hold, not entirely smoothed over by Hunt's strong east-west layout, on the organization of the house.

Los Angeles Times

The transition wasn't entirely smooth.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The search for a composer wasn't entirely smooth.

The New York Times

Despite his unflappable demeanor, the process wasn't entirely smooth.

The New York Times - Arts

His voice isn't entirely smooth; there's a scratch in it, and a little peevishness as he complains about retrospective credit for Beatles achievements: "Everybody seems to have their own opinion, who did this and who did that".

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not entirely smooth" when you want to acknowledge difficulties or imperfections without overstating the negativity of a situation. It's a good way to be diplomatic and realistic.

Common error

Avoid using "not entirely smooth" too frequently as a way to soften negative news. Balance its use with more direct language when clarity is essential.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not entirely smooth" functions as a qualifier, softening a potentially negative assessment. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It indicates that while something might have faced difficulties, it wasn't a complete failure. This phrase adds nuance, preventing overly harsh judgments.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "not entirely smooth" serves as a useful tool for acknowledging imperfections while maintaining a balanced perspective. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and appropriateness for various contexts. It functions as a qualifier, softening potentially negative assessments, particularly in News & Media and Scientific writing. When considering alternatives, nuance is key; phrases like "somewhat bumpy" or "less than perfect" may be suitable depending on the specific meaning you aim to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not seamless

Implies a lack of smooth transitions or integration.

not without its challenges

Focuses on the difficulties experienced during a process or situation.

imperfect

A more concise way of saying not perfect.

less than perfect

Highlights the presence of flaws or shortcomings.

slightly flawed

Points out minor imperfections or errors.

somewhat bumpy

Emphasizes minor difficulties or unevenness.

with a few hiccups

Indicates minor disruptions or temporary setbacks.

a bit rocky

Suggests some instability or challenges encountered.

beset with difficulties

Highlights a situation where problems have occurred

encountering some turbulence

Evokes an imagery of an unstable and complicated scenario

FAQs

How can I use "not entirely smooth" in a sentence?

You can use "not entirely smooth" to describe a process, transition, or experience that had some difficulties or challenges, for example: "The project implementation was "not entirely smooth", but we managed to overcome the obstacles."

What are some alternatives to "not entirely smooth"?

Some alternatives include "somewhat bumpy", "less than perfect", or "not seamless". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "not entirely smooth" or "rough around the edges"?

"Not entirely smooth" typically refers to a process or transition that experiences complications. "Rough around the edges" usually describes something that is unrefined or lacks polish. They are similar but not interchangeable.

When is it appropriate to use "not entirely smooth" in professional writing?

It's suitable for professional writing when you want to acknowledge problems without being overly critical. However, in situations requiring complete transparency, more direct language might be preferable.