relatively smooth

USAGE SUMMARY

"relatively smooth" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to describe something that is not completely smooth, but does not have a lot of bumps or roughness. For example, "The road ahead was relatively smooth, so the car was able to drive at a steady speed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Senate confirmation would have been relatively smooth.

The New Yorker

It's relatively smooth, shiny and red.

The Washington Post

For the Duplasses, the adjustment has been relatively smooth.

The Guardian - Film

Beat thoroughly to a thick and relatively smooth cream.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Any economic deceleration could be relatively smooth, though.

The New York Times

In contrast, the inner membrane of chloroplasts is relatively smooth.

Britannica

In Iraq, 2009 was the year of relatively smooth transitions.

The New York Times

The floor surface should be evenly sloped and relatively smooth.

Planning and Designing Research Animal Facilities

A fast and very comfortable hand position for relatively smooth roads.

Stanford University

The garden has been a relatively smooth build, all things considered.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

For decades, the company has issued Target credit cards to shoppers, and with relatively smooth results.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a process or transition, use "relatively smooth" to indicate that it proceeded without major difficulties or setbacks. For example, "The transition to the new software was relatively smooth, with minimal disruption to our workflow."

Common error

While "relatively smooth" is versatile, avoid overusing it in highly formal or scientific writing where more precise or technical language may be more appropriate. Consider using more specific terms to describe the level of smoothness or ease in these contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "relatively smooth" functions primarily as a descriptive adjective phrase, modifying nouns to indicate a degree of evenness or ease that is not absolute but appreciable. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness and common usage of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "relatively smooth" is a versatile phrase used to describe something that is generally even or easy but not perfectly so. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and frequently used across diverse contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedias. While it's a common and useful phrase, remember that in more formal or scientific contexts, more precise language may be preferred. Consider alternatives like "fairly even" or "moderately polished" to fine-tune your message. Use it to convey a sense of ease or lack of significant obstacles, but always be mindful of your audience and the overall tone of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fairly even

Emphasizes the consistency of the surface or process, focusing on the absence of major irregularities.

reasonably level

Highlights the evenness of a surface, implying it's adequately flat for a particular purpose.

moderately polished

Highlights the level of refinement achieved, indicating a degree of smoothness without being perfectly flawless.

comparatively seamless

Focuses on the lack of visible transitions or interruptions, suggesting a smooth and continuous flow.

kind of silky

Describes a texture that resembles silk, implying a soft and gentle smoothness.

somewhat untroubled

Shifts the context from physical smoothness to a process or experience that lacks major disruptions or problems.

largely uncomplicated

Emphasizes the simplicity and lack of complexity in a process or situation.

quite manageable

Shifts the focus to the ease with which something can be handled or controlled, rather than physical smoothness.

generally unhindered

Highlights the absence of obstacles or impediments, suggesting a smooth progression.

passably placid

Suggests a state of calmness or tranquility, applicable to situations or surfaces.

FAQs

How can I use "relatively smooth" in a sentence?

You can use "relatively smooth" to describe something that is not perfectly smooth but has few irregularities, such as "The road was "relatively smooth", allowing for a comfortable ride."

What are some alternatives to "relatively smooth"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "fairly even", "moderately polished", or "somewhat untroubled".

Is it correct to say "relatively smooth transition"?

Yes, "relatively smooth transition" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a change or shift that occurs with minimal difficulty or disruption.

What does "relatively smooth sailing" mean?

"Relatively smooth sailing" is an idiom that means a process or activity is progressing without significant problems or obstacles. It implies that things are going well, though not necessarily perfectly.