not smooth

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not smooth" is grammatically correct and usable in written English.
It can be used as an adjective to describe something that is not even, regular, or flowing smoothly. Example: The surface of the road was not smooth, making it difficult to drive on.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That process was not smooth.

The New York Times

But all is not smooth.

The New York Times - Arts

His movement was not smooth.

The Guardian - Sport

Her serves were not smooth.

The New York Times - Sports

Furthermore, the decline is not smooth.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The standard articulation was not smooth.

The New York Times

But even then service was not smooth.

The New York Times

All was not smooth sailing, however.

The Guardian - Film

The jaunt was fast but not smooth.

The New York Times

Process until blended but not smooth.

The New York Times - Food

Sometimes, these microchannels are not smooth.

International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a process or transition, use "not smooth" to highlight challenges or unexpected difficulties encountered along the way.

Common error

While versatile, "not smooth" can sound informal in highly professional or academic writing. Opt for more sophisticated alternatives like "challenging", "complex", or "problematic" to maintain a formal tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not smooth" functions primarily as an adjective phrase, modifying nouns to indicate a lack of evenness, regularity, or ease. As Ludwig AI explains, this can apply to both physical objects and abstract concepts like processes or transitions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

28%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "not smooth" is a versatile phrase used to describe a lack of evenness, regularity, or ease. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and commonly employed across various contexts. While suitable for general use, it's important to consider the formality of the setting and choose more sophisticated alternatives when necessary. Its frequent presence in News & Media highlights its utility in describing real-world challenges and imperfections. The phrase functions as an adjective, effectively modifying nouns to convey a sense of difficulty or imperfection, as demonstrated by examples from Ludwig.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

uneven

Replaces "smooth" with a direct antonym describing a surface or process that lacks uniformity.

rough

Similar to "uneven", suggesting a lack of refinement or polish.

bumpy

Implies the presence of irregularities causing a jolting or jarring effect.

difficult

Shifts the focus from physical smoothness to the ease or challenge of a task or situation.

problematic

Suggests the presence of issues or obstacles that hinder progress.

not easy

A more direct and simple way of saying something is challenging or troublesome.

rocky

Metaphorically describes a situation or relationship marked by instability and difficulty.

turbulent

Describes a situation or period characterized by instability and unrest.

arduous

Emphasizes the effort and difficulty involved in a task or journey.

complex

Indicates a situation or system involving many interconnected parts, making it challenging to understand or manage.

FAQs

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

You can use "not smooth" to describe various situations. For example, "The transition was "not smooth" due to unforeseen complications" or "The surface is "not smooth" and requires further treatment."

What are some alternatives to "not smooth"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "uneven", "rough", "difficult", or "problematic".

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

It's appropriate in many contexts, from describing physical surfaces to abstract processes. However, consider your audience and the level of formality required. In very formal settings, a more nuanced term may be preferable.

What's the difference between "not smooth" and "difficult"?

"Not smooth" generally refers to a lack of evenness or ease, whether physical or metaphorical. "Difficult" focuses specifically on the level of effort or challenge involved. A process can be "not smooth" without being particularly "difficult", and vice versa.