smooth as a

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "smooth as a" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used as part of a simile to describe something that is very smooth or has a smooth texture or quality. Example: "The surface of the table was smooth as a baby's bottom, making it perfect for writing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

"It wasn't bad on my arms," she said, noting that her skin felt as smooth as a chocolate truffle.

The New York Times

Here's what petty staffers obsess over: with skin as smooth as a blues tune, has Ward had a chemical peel?

The New York Times - Sports

stand seamless, smooth as a funhouse mirror.

The Times

Lexington is as wide and smooth as a Parisian avenue.

The New York Times

("He was round, placid, smooth as a cheese").

The New Yorker

My knuckles were as smooth as a baby's.

The New Yorker

Its west face is as smooth as a tombstone.

The Guardian - Travel

"We want something smoother, as smooth as a lake.

The New York Times - Arts

Through the telescope, the crescent sun looked as smooth as a cardboard cutout.

The New York Times

But the transition for pedestrians avoiding these monstrosities is about as smooth as a badger's crotch.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Laid out before it was a wonderful tranquil panorama of the sea, its surface smooth as a sheet of silk.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "smooth as a" to add vivid imagery and enhance the reader's understanding of the texture or quality you are describing. It can make your writing more engaging and descriptive.

Common error

While "smooth as silk" or "smooth as a baby's bottom" are common, consider less predictable comparisons. This can make your writing more original and engaging. For example, try "smooth as river stone" or "smooth as a jazz riff".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "smooth as a" functions as part of a simile, used to create a vivid comparison and emphasize the texture or quality of something. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is a grammatically sound and common construction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

18%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "smooth as a" is a versatile and grammatically correct simile used to describe the texture or quality of something by comparing it to a well-known object or concept. As Ludwig AI confirms, this construction is both common and widely accepted. It appears most frequently in news and media, as well as academic contexts. When using this phrase, choose a comparison that is easily relatable to your audience and consider alternatives like "as slick as" or "as seamless as" for variety. The key is to avoid clichéd comparisons and select imagery that effectively conveys the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as seamless as

Highlights the absence of joins or breaks, resulting in a smooth transition.

as sleek as

Suggests a stylish and modern smoothness, often associated with design.

as slick as

Focuses more on the ease of movement or operation, not just the texture.

as polished as

Highlights the process of making something smooth, suggesting a refined quality.

as unblemished as

Highlights the absence of imperfections on the surface, resulting in visual smoothness.

as even as

Emphasizes the uniformity of the surface rather than its smoothness.

as soft as

Emphasizes the gentle texture, often implying a yielding surface.

fine as

Implies a delicate and subtle smoothness, rather than a broad, even surface.

as plain as

Refers to simplicity and lack of texture, differing from the tactile sense of "smooth".

level with

Implies an exact correspondence in value or position, departing from texture-related senses.

FAQs

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

You can use "smooth as a" to compare the texture or quality of something to something else. For instance, "The ice was "smooth as a skating rink"" or "His voice was "smooth as honey"".

What are some alternatives to "smooth as a"?

Alternatives include "as slick as", "as even as", or "as polished as" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "smooth as a" and "smooth like"?

"Smooth as a" is a simile, directly comparing smoothness to something else. "Smooth like" is less common and can sound slightly less formal, but the meaning is similar.

Is it correct to say "as smooth as" instead of "smooth as a"?

Yes, "as smooth as" is also correct and widely used. The addition of "a" in "smooth as a" often depends on the noun being compared (e.g., "smooth as silk" vs. "smooth as a baby's bottom").