Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
progressed smoothly
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "progressed smoothly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a process or event that has advanced without any difficulties or interruptions. Example: "The project progressed smoothly, allowing us to meet our deadlines ahead of schedule."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Wiki
Alternative expressions(20)
goes well
progressed swiftly
worked out splendidly
went down well
flowed effortlessly
proceeded smoothly
turned out perfectly
has gone well
ran like clockwork
proved fruitful
went off well
concluded successfully
went off without a problem
progressed successfully
succeeded admirably
proceeded without a hitch
was a resounding success
went well
culminated successfully
ended up excellently
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
16 human-written examples
The flap survived completely and wound healing progressed smoothly without infection, haematoma or seroma.
The first minicamp with Manning and Warner together as Giants quarterbacks progressed smoothly enough.
News & Media
Always a confident high-achiever, she had progressed smoothly through the first 10 years of her career.
News & Media
"I flubbed her name a little bit, and she got a bit agitated and said, 'Who is this?' I said, 'My mom met your mom and said to call you.' " But from there the conversation progressed smoothly.
News & Media
Matters progressed smoothly until they visited the apartment for a preclosing walk-through and, to their shock, saw the wooden mantelpiece lying on the living room floor like a beached whale.
News & Media
In the end, that landscape-altering vision of government hubris and resolve took eighteen years to finish, razed a neighborhood, and never progressed smoothly or cheaply; one Rockefeller decision — to wrap the whole thing in Georgia and Vermont marble — may well have caused a year's delay.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
44 human-written examples
The GR-HD1 reproduces video using a method known by HDTV nerds as 720p (p for progressive scan) -- that is, 720 extremely fine lines of color, progressing smoothly down the screen 30 times per second.
News & Media
The integration of Avincis is progressing smoothly and the business is performing as expected.
News & Media
It added, "All preparatory work for the congress is progressing smoothly".
News & Media
"The project is progressing smoothly," said Guo Shuyan, deputy director of the State Council Three Gorges committee.
News & Media
Back at the Golden Nugget, though, the tournament is progressing smoothly, by no means a foregone conclusion.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Vary your vocabulary. While "progressed smoothly" is acceptable, consider using synonyms like "advanced seamlessly" or "unfolded without difficulty" to add variety and nuance to your writing.
Common error
While "progressed smoothly" is grammatically sound, overuse of the passive voice can make your writing sound weak. To avoid this, consider recasting sentences to emphasize the actor or cause of the smooth progression. For example, instead of "The project progressed smoothly", try "The team ensured the project progressed smoothly."
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "progressed smoothly" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating how an action or event unfolded. Ludwig examples confirm its usage in describing the manner of progression, focusing on the absence of complications. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English.
Frequent in
News & Media
30%
Science
40%
Wiki
10%
Less common in
Encyclopedias
2%
Formal & Business
10%
Academia
8%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "progressed smoothly" is a grammatically sound and readily understandable expression that denotes the successful and untroubled advancement of a process or event. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for use in various writing contexts. While not exceedingly common, its clarity and directness render it a useful addition to one's vocabulary. To enhance your writing, explore alternative phrases such as "advanced seamlessly" or "unfolded without difficulty". Remember to be mindful of overusing the passive voice, and consider restructuring sentences to emphasize agency when appropriate. Usage examples from sources like The New York Times and The Guardian show its application in journalism and general writing.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
advanced seamlessly
Replaces "progressed" with "advanced" and "smoothly" with "seamlessly", implying an effortless progression.
proceeded without a hitch
Substitutes the original phrase with an idiom that conveys the idea of a trouble-free advancement.
developed without complications
Emphasizes the absence of complicating factors during the development stage.
flowed effortlessly
Focuses on the ease and smoothness of the progression, using a verb that suggests fluidity.
moved forward without issues
Simple and direct replacement, emphasizing the absence of problems.
went off without a problem
Uses a more informal tone, emphasizing the absence of issues during the process.
unfolded without difficulty
Focuses on the ease and lack of obstructions in the unfolding of events.
evolved without setbacks
Highlights the lack of regressions or impediments in the course of evolution.
ran like clockwork
Employs an analogy to highlight the precision and efficiency of the process.
transpired uneventfully
Highlights the absence of notable events, implying a smooth and predictable course.
FAQs
How can I use "progressed smoothly" in a sentence?
You can use "progressed smoothly" to describe a process, project, or event that advanced without any problems or obstacles. For example, "The negotiation "progressed smoothly", leading to a successful agreement."
What are some alternatives to "progressed smoothly"?
Some alternatives include "advanced seamlessly", "proceeded without a hitch", and "went off without a problem". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired tone.
Is "progressed smoothly" formal or informal?
"Progressed smoothly" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It is a clear and concise way to describe a successful and untroubled progression.
Can "progressed smoothly" be used in technical writing?
Yes, "progressed smoothly" is appropriate for technical writing when describing the successful and problem-free advancement of a process, experiment, or project. Its clarity and directness make it a suitable choice.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested