smear around

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "smear around" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the action of spreading or applying something in a circular or uneven manner, often in a messy way. Example: "After applying the paint, make sure to smear it around for a more textured finish."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

careful though, the make up can smear around, and leave you looking lopsided.

WikiHow

BItl Hillmann isathe author of Mozos: A Decade Running withethe Bulls of Spain.

Vice

The naked DNA digested with micrococcal nuclease showed a smear around 100 500 bp on the gel.

Plosone

The smear around 150 bp (from 100 to 200 bp) were extracted from the gel and used for Affymetrix tiling analysis.

Plosone

Of these 34 positive samples, all were tested by smear, around six slides were negative.

BMC Health Services Research

A characteristic anti-CD59 reactive smear around 20 kDa was detected in all AF samples tested.

British Journal of Cancer

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

I actually find wearing make-up like that, sort of smeared around, as extremely beautiful.

Wikipedia

Once the simulation ended, I had to stop the recording, pull the video up in the debriefing room, clean up whatever fluids were smeared around by the previous batch of nurses, and set up my equipment to record the next round.

Vice

Apply a small drop to the lens and smear it around the lens - then rinse off.

WikiHow

Some people slop a little paint on a canvas and smear it around and call it abstract.

WikiHow

The terry cloth loops absorb a great quantity of dirt rather than smearing it around, so avoid non-fluffy towels.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the application of substances like creams, paints, or other semi-liquids, use "smear around" to convey the action of spreading the substance somewhat haphazardly or broadly over a surface. For example: "She smeared the sunscreen around her face."

Common error

While "smear around" is acceptable, it may sound too informal or imprecise for scientific or formal writing. In such contexts, opt for more precise verbs like "apply", "distribute", or "spread" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "smear around" functions primarily to describe the action of spreading a substance, often in a careless, broad, or uneven manner. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's a valid and usable phrase in English. Examples in Ludwig show usage in describing make-up application, cooking, or even spreading dirt.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Wiki

30%

News & Media

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "smear around" is a phrasal verb used to describe spreading a substance in a broad, uneven, or somewhat careless manner. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used in English, primarily in informal to neutral contexts such as news, wikis and general writing. While acceptable, it might be too informal for scientific or highly professional communication where more precise terms are preferred. Remember to consider your audience and the level of formality required when deciding to use "smear around".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

spread about

Focuses on distribution over an area but with a more gentle connotation compared to "smear around".

apply messily

Highlights the untidy nature of application, but lacks the physical action suggested by "smear around".

smudge across

Indicates a blurring or indistinct spreading, which may or may not be intentional, unlike the more deliberate act of "smear around".

apply liberally

Emphasizes generous application, but lacks the potential messiness implied by "smear around".

rub in

Suggests a more deliberate action of working something into a surface, unlike the possibly haphazard "smear around".

slop around

Implies a careless and possibly wasteful spreading of something, adding a negative connotation not necessarily present in "smear around".

daub on

Implies applying something in thick or irregular spots, rather than spreading it continuously, as in "smear around".

slather on

Suggests a very thick application, often with food or creams, with a sense of abundance that may not be present in "smear around".

distribute unevenly

Highlights the irregular distribution of the substance, focusing more on the result than the action itself compared to "smear around".

plaster across

Conveys a sense of covering something entirely and thickly, perhaps more forcefully than "smear around".

FAQs

How can I use "smear around" in a sentence?

"Smear around" is used to describe spreading a substance somewhat carelessly or broadly. For example, "He smeared the peanut butter around the bread" or "She smeared the mud around her face for camouflage."

What can I say instead of "smear around"?

You can use alternatives like "spread about", "apply liberally", or "rub in" depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "smear around" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "smear around" may sound too informal for formal writing. Consider using more precise alternatives like "apply", "distribute", or "spread" in such contexts.

What's the difference between "smear around" and "spread evenly"?

"Smear around" implies a less precise and possibly messy application, while "spread evenly" suggests a careful and uniform distribution of a substance. The choice depends on the context and the desired level of precision in your description.