smooth out

USAGE SUMMARY

"smooth out" is a correct phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe an action of smoothing or making something even or uniform. For example: "I'll use some sandpaper to smooth out the rough edges on the wood."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I cannot smooth out the fault line.

The Guardian - Books

In other words, smooth out the edges, and you smooth out the appeal.

The New York Times

The averaging filter would smooth out the bumps.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

This term smooth out oscillation but reduces response time.

Cornell University

This does a fantastic job to smooth out touchscreen outliers.

Cornell University

The stress and deformation smooth out from the frost mound.

Cold Regions Science and Technology

We unfold the boat and smooth out the paper.

The Guardian

Valentine, for one, doesn't expect things to necessarily smooth out.

The New York Times - Sports

It can smooth out rough edges and inspire faith.

The New York Times - Magazine

These programmes help to smooth out consumption over time.

The Economist

There are still kinks to smooth out.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "smooth out", consider the context. Use it for physical surfaces, processes, or even emotional states to convey the idea of removing irregularities or making something more uniform.

Common error

Avoid using "smooth out" in highly formal or technical writing where more precise vocabulary like "optimize", "ameliorate", or "rectify" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "smooth out" is as a phrasal verb. It typically functions as a transitive verb when it takes a direct object (e.g., "smooth out the wrinkles"), indicating an action performed on something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Wiki

32%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "smooth out" is a versatile phrasal verb used to describe the act of making something more even, uniform, or agreeable. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. It appears frequently in news and media, wiki articles, and academic writing, indicating its widespread applicability. While suitable for general use, writers should consider more formal alternatives like "optimize" or "ameliorate" in highly technical contexts. Remember to use "smooth out" when you want to convey the idea of removing irregularities or resolving issues, whether physically or metaphorically.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

iron out

Focuses more on resolving problems or disagreements, particularly in a formal setting.

even out

Emphasizes making something uniform or level, often in a physical sense.

alleviate

Highlights reducing the intensity or severity of something, often related to discomfort or stress.

mitigate

Implies lessening the negative effects or impact of something.

resolve

Suggests finding a solution to a problem or conflict, aiming for a clear and decisive outcome.

rectify

Specifically refers to correcting something that is wrong or unjust.

ameliorate

Focuses on improving a situation or condition, often suggesting a gradual positive change.

harmonize

Emphasizes creating agreement or compatibility, often in the context of relationships or systems.

facilitate

Highlights making a process or task easier or more efficient.

polish

Implies refining or perfecting something, often by removing small imperfections.

FAQs

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

You can use "smooth out" to describe making a surface even, like "I need to "smooth out" this wood before painting it". It can also refer to resolving problems, such as "We need to "smooth out" the issues in our project plan".

What are some alternatives to "smooth out"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "even out", "iron out", or "resolve" to convey similar meanings.

Is it correct to say "smooth out the edges"?

Yes, ""smooth out" the edges" is a correct and commonly used phrase. It often refers to making something less rough or irregular.

What's the difference between ""smooth out"" and "iron out"?

"Smooth out" generally refers to making something physically or metaphorically even or uniform. "Iron out" typically implies resolving problems or disagreements, especially in a formal setting.