smooth and flat

USAGE SUMMARY

"smooth and flat" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when describing the texture of something, such as a surface or a material like fabric. For example: "The lake was smooth and flat, reflecting the stars above."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"You can see in the distance how smooth and flat it is," Dr. Golombek said.

The New York Times

Dating from 1907 to 1916, these pieces progress from wonderfully smooth and rounded (especially the arms), to rough and flat, and finally to smooth and flat.

The New York Times - Arts

Everything is smooth and flat, and every step you get a few extra inches of glide — up — as the ski slides to a stop.

The New York Times - Travel

But although better algorithms enabled clearer mapping of smooth and flat (or "well behaved") formations, they were of limited use for more complex structures.

The Economist

Degrees of difficulty along the trek vary enormously: you'll scramble up some stony sections, while other parts are smooth and flat.

Independent

Baked in a floppy silicone baking pan wrapped with a Magi-Cake strip, which is designed to insulate the cake from heat changes in the oven, the cake emerged smooth and flat on top but stuck to the bottom.

The New York Times

As the chief scientist for NASA's Curiosity Mars rover, locating such a smooth and flat rock on the Red Planet means water once flowed there — and nothing could be more important.

The New York Times

The bright green AstroTurf would trip up any wide receiver headed out for a pass: it lies not smooth and flat but bunched up in waves, as if the victim of a slow-motion earthquake.

The New York Times

Under these growth conditions, the crystal morphologies exhibited a smooth and flat surface.

Diamond and Related Materials

Inflation predicts that the universe expanded exponentially for a fraction of a second, making it mostly smooth and flat.

Science Magazine

Until then steelmakers had cast molten steel into 25cm-thick slabs, which were kneaded smooth and flat by rolling stands in a hot-strip mill.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical objects or landscapes, use "smooth and flat" to convey a sense of evenness and lack of texture. For example: "The tabletop was meticulously sanded to achieve a perfectly smooth and flat surface."

Common error

Avoid using "smooth and flat" metaphorically when describing abstract concepts like processes or relationships. While technically correct, it can sound awkward. Instead, opt for alternatives like /s/seamless and efficient or /s/harmonious and balanced to better suit the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "smooth and flat" primarily functions as a compound adjective used to describe the characteristics of a surface or object. It combines two adjectives to provide a more detailed description, as demonstrated in the examples found by Ludwig. The phrase serves to specify both the texture and the shape of the noun it modifies.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

36%

News & Media

29%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "smooth and flat" is a common and grammatically correct compound adjective used to describe surfaces and objects, according to Ludwig. It's frequently employed in science, news media, and wiki content to convey evenness and lack of texture. While highly versatile, it's best used in concrete, descriptive contexts, avoiding overuse in abstract scenarios. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its commonality across various authoritative sources, reinforcing its wide acceptance and appropriate use in diverse writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

perfectly smooth surface

This alternative emphasize the quality and degree of smoothness.

even and level

Replaces "smooth" with "even" and "flat" with "level", focusing on uniformity in height and surface.

uniform and planar

Uses "uniform" and "planar" to convey consistent texture and a two-dimensional surface.

level and polished

Substitutes "flat" for "level" and adds "polished" to highlight surface shine and smoothness.

unwrinkled and even

Emphasizes the absence of wrinkles and consistent surface quality.

seamless and flush

Highlights the continuous nature and consistent level of the surface.

glass-like surface

Compares the surface to glass to indicate high smoothness and flatness.

sleek and regular

Replaces "smooth" with "sleek" and "flat" with "regular", indicating a modern and consistent appearance.

consistent and unbroken

Focuses on the uniformity and continuity of the surface, implying no irregularities.

featureless expanse

Describes a large area that is devoid of texture or irregularities, suggesting extreme smoothness and flatness.

FAQs

How can I use "smooth and flat" in a sentence?

You can use "smooth and flat" to describe a physical surface. For example, "The ice rink was perfectly smooth and flat, making it ideal for skating."

What are some synonyms for "smooth and flat"?

Alternatives to "smooth and flat" include "even and level", "uniform and planar", or "level and polished", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "smooth and flat"?

While "smooth" and "flat" can overlap in meaning, they emphasize different aspects. "Smooth" refers to the texture, while "flat" refers to the surface's evenness. Using both together can provide a more complete description.

Which is a better description: "smooth and flat" or "perfectly level"?

Whether "smooth and flat" or "perfectly level" is better depends on what you want to emphasize. "Smooth and flat" describes the texture and evenness of a surface, while "perfectly level" primarily emphasizes its horizontal alignment relative to gravity.