ran smoothly

USAGE SUMMARY

"ran smoothly" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to a process or event that went without any problems or disruption. For example, "The meeting ran smoothly, and we were able to get through the agenda quickly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Everything ran smoothly.

Independent

Not everything ran smoothly.

The Guardian - Film

At first the business ran smoothly.

The New York Times

Because we were so well prepared, the shoot ran smoothly.

The Guardian - Film

All three ran smoothly and used the virtual space well.

The Guardian - Tech

The review specifically noted that the school ran "smoothly".

The New York Times

"Our staff has witnessed hundreds of poll sites that ran smoothly," he said.

The New York Times

While handling league business, prisoners referred to one another as Mister, but not everything ran smoothly.

The New York Times - Sports

"When Ina was there, things ran smoothly," one former trader there said.

The New York Times

In contrast to last week, the subways and the commuter railroads ran smoothly.

The New York Times

Projects ran smoothly, but the company's business-development efforts, which he had previously handled exclusively, suffered.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the absence of problems, consider using other phrases such as "went off without a hitch" or "proceeded seamlessly" to add variety to your writing.

Common error

While "ran smoothly" is a perfectly acceptable phrase, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Consider using synonyms such as "functioned seamlessly" or "operated efficiently" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ran smoothly" functions as a verb phrase, typically used as a predicate to describe how an event, process, or system unfolded or operated. It indicates the manner in which something progressed. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ran smoothly" is a versatile and commonly used phrase to describe processes or events that occurred without problems or disruptions. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and provides numerous examples across diverse contexts, including news, science, and business. While it is a reliable choice, consider diversifying your writing by using synonyms such as "functioned seamlessly" or "went off without a hitch". The phrase's neutral register makes it suitable for a wide range of writing styles, ensuring clarity and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

proceeded without a hitch

Emphasizes the absence of any unexpected problems or delays.

went off without a snag

Highlights the lack of minor issues or obstacles during the process.

functioned seamlessly

Focuses on the efficient and integrated operation of a system or process.

operated efficiently

Stresses the effective use of resources and time during the operation.

progressed effortlessly

Emphasizes the ease and lack of strain in the progression of an event or task.

worked like a charm

Highlights the positive result that the event produced.

flowed effortlessly

Implies a natural and uninterrupted progression, similar to a flowing stream.

went according to plan

Indicates that the actual outcome matched the anticipated plan.

was a resounding success

Emphasizes a very positive outcome.

played out perfectly

Suggests an ideal and flawless execution of events.

FAQs

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

You can use "ran smoothly" to describe a process or event that proceeded without issues. For example, "The project "ran smoothly" from start to finish", or "The meeting "ran smoothly", and we accomplished all our goals".

What are some alternatives to "ran smoothly"?

Some alternatives to "ran smoothly" include "went off without a hitch", "proceeded seamlessly", or "operated efficiently". These phrases convey a similar meaning but can add variety to your writing.

Is it better to say "ran smoothly" or "went smoothly"?

Both "ran smoothly" and "went smoothly" are acceptable and grammatically correct. The choice often depends on personal preference or the specific context. They are largely interchangeable.

What does it mean when something "ran smoothly"?

When something "ran smoothly", it means that it progressed or operated without any problems, interruptions, or difficulties. It indicates a successful and efficient process.