smooth

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "smooth" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe someone or something that is pleasant or easy to deal with. For example: "The teacher's transition from one lesson to the next was very smooth."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Once in, I sat on the grass, hoping, hoping, hoping to get a touch of the ball, as it sped over the so, so smooth field, my feet occasionally, rakishly, rebelliously, resting over the rope to show just how cool I was.

The Guardian - Sport

This was the beginning of what she now calls "live cinema": performances that come alive somewhere between the chaotic scramble on stage and the smooth, cinema-quality output on the screen.

The Guardian

There's a tool, most of them worn smooth with age, for every tiny job.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Forward looking policy, and independent institutions, will be essential to make it a smooth - or at least less bumpy - ride.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I have been immensely proud to be leader of the SDLP and will continue as leader in order to assist the party in a smooth transition to the new leadership," she said.

The Guardian

Natalie Tamara, via GuardianWitness Makes 20 200g medjool dates 50g oats, plus an extra handful to coat 1 tbsp cashew nut butter 1 Put the dates, oats and cashew nut butter in a food processor and blend until they have formed a smooth, sticky paste.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Whisk the egg yolks, eggs, caster sugar and potato flour until smooth.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Transfer to a lightly floured work surface and knead for a minute, until smooth.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Put the mascarpone in a bowl and whisk, adding the egg yolks one at time, making sure each one is fully incorporated and the mixture smooth before adding the next.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Still whisking, slowly pour in the rest of the liquid until combined and smooth.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Supporters of the bill have argued that ISDS plays an essential role in ensuring smooth transatlantic negotiations.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing transitions or processes, use "smooth" to indicate a lack of difficulties or interruptions. For example, "The transition to the new software was surprisingly smooth."

Common error

Avoid using "smooth" excessively in formal or technical writing where more precise terms like "optimized", "efficient", or "seamless" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The word "smooth" functions primarily as an adjective describing a lack of roughness or obstacles. It also serves as a verb, meaning to make something smooth, and a noun, referring to something smooth. As Ludwig AI indicates, its usage aligns with standard grammatical rules.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Lifestyle

32%

Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Travel

4%

Arts

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "smooth" is a versatile term used to describe a lack of roughness, difficulty, or obstacles. It functions as an adjective, verb, noun, and even adverb, adapting to various contexts as demonstrated by Ludwig. According to Ludwig AI, its grammatical status is correct. While its use is common across diverse domains like news, lifestyle, and business, more precise synonyms may be preferable in formal writing. To enrich your writing and prevent monotony, consider alternatives like "seamless", "effortless", or "fluid" depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seamless

Indicates a transition or process without any interruptions or difficulties, emphasizing continuity.

effortless

Highlights the ease and lack of strain involved in an action or process.

fluid

Suggests a graceful and continuous flow, often used to describe movement or style.

uncomplicated

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

harmonious

Implies a pleasing and balanced arrangement, especially in relationships or environments.

even

Describes a surface or texture that is consistent and free from irregularities.

consistent

Highlights the regularity and predictability of a process or outcome.

level

Suggests a flat and uniform surface, free from bumps or dips.

polished

Indicates a refined and perfected state, often achieved through careful effort.

sleek

Emphasizes a streamlined and modern appearance, often associated with technology or design.

FAQs

How can I use "smooth" in a sentence?

You can use "smooth" to describe something that has an even surface, like "smooth skin", or something that progresses without difficulty, such as "a smooth transition".

What are some synonyms for "smooth"?

Depending on the context, you can use synonyms like "seamless", "effortless", or "fluid".

Is it correct to say "smooth sailing"?

Yes, "smooth sailing" is an idiomatic expression that means easy progress without problems or difficulties.

What's the difference between "smooth" and "seamless"?

"Smooth" generally refers to a surface or process free from irregularities or difficulties. "Seamless" implies a transition or integration that is so smooth it's almost imperceptible. A "seamless transition" is an ideal example of a "smooth transition".