smooth like

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "smooth like" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that has a quality of being even or untroubled. For example, "My morning was smooth like the waves on a calm lake."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

Quite enough of them are based on a dichotomy between vaulting male jocks (their bare chests smooth, like swimmers) and bright-faced, eager women.

The New York Times - Arts

Then, he told her the look should be "smooth like butter".

Huffington Post

Blend until smooth (like slush).

WikiHow

He was smooth like me.

The New York Times - Sports

Their heads are smooth, like an earless dog's.

The New Yorker

"Now my leg looks smooth like a normal leg.

The New York Times - Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

Moving around is relatively responsive, but it's not quite a smooth-like-butter experience yet.

TechCrunch

(The method works best on smooth surfaces, like glass).

The New Yorker

A smooth, knife-like pass gave Eto'o the opportunity to slice open Manchester's defense.

The New York Times - Sports

Here we describe the differentiation of smooth muscle-like cells through EnMT.

Biomaterials

Also, if a smooth, car-like ride is important to you, you needn't look elsewhere.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "smooth like" to vividly describe textures, movements, or processes that are even, effortless, or without complication. It's particularly effective in creative writing or descriptive contexts to enhance the reader's sensory experience.

Common error

While "smooth like" is acceptable, overuse in formal or professional writing might make your text sound less sophisticated. Consider using more precise and formal synonyms such as "seamless" or "consistent" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "smooth like" functions as a comparative descriptor, used to attribute a quality of evenness or effortlessness to a subject by drawing a comparison with another object or concept. Ludwig confirms this, showcasing its use in various descriptive scenarios.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "smooth like" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase for descriptive purposes. As confirmed by Ludwig, it functions as a comparative descriptor, enhancing understanding by likening a subject to something known for its evenness or ease. While versatile, its usage frequency varies across contexts, with a stronger presence in news and media and wiki environments. For formal and scientific settings, more precise alternatives may be preferable. Remember to use "smooth like" to add vividness to your descriptions while remaining mindful of your audience and the context's formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

easy as

Highlights the simplicity and lack of difficulty.

seamless as

Highlights the continuity and lack of interruptions, focusing on the transition or flow.

effortless as

Emphasizes the lack of effort involved, shifting the focus from the texture to the ease of execution.

fluid as

Suggests a quality of flowing freely and easily, similar to a liquid.

gentle as

Stresses the mildness and lack of harshness.

uninterrupted like

Focuses on the absence of disruptions or obstacles.

graceful as

Implies elegance and refined movement, adding a layer of sophistication.

even like

Emphasizes the consistent and uniform quality.

level like

Highlights the horizontal evenness.

slick as

Indicates a surface that is slippery or cleverly executed.

FAQs

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

You can use "smooth like" to compare the texture, movement, or process to something even or effortless. For instance, "The transition was "smooth like butter"" or "Her voice is "smooth like silk"".

What are some alternatives to "smooth like"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "effortless as", "seamless as", or "fluid as" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "smooth like" grammatically correct?

Yes, "smooth like" is grammatically correct and commonly used in descriptive language. However, consider your audience and the formality of the context when choosing this phrase.

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

"Smooth like" is a more direct comparison, while "as smooth as" is a more formal and traditional simile construction. Both are correct, but "as smooth as" may be preferred in more formal writing.