smooth the way

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "smooth the way" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe helping to make something go more easily, or to express the idea of clearing the path of obstacles. For example, "By listening to their concerns, I was able to smooth the way for a successful transition."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But it does happen, and volunteering can smooth the way.

The New York Times

Strong CEO support helped smooth the way (as did Hawkins' and Prickett's personal friendship).

Harvard University

Now, the Caucus has introduced a bill that could help smooth the way for new ventures.

Columbia University

He has spent millions lobbying politicians and donating to civic groups to smooth the way.

The New York Times

What lies ahead for Trump's nominees, and how Democrats helped smooth the way.

The Washington Post

Name-calling and insults aimed across the partisan aisle will not smooth the way toward agreement.

The Washington Post

Indeed, "Inventing America" may itself help smooth the way for more noncommercial American culture here.

The New York Times - Arts

That program helped smooth the way in Tunis for Washington's request to base drones there.

The Washington Post

Relationships can also smooth the way for making adjustments when things go wrong.

Harvard Business Review

And even if the government manages to smooth the way for performance pay, other battles loom.

The Economist

A successful outcome could smooth the way for a further softening in American policy.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, ensure the context aligns with the idiomatic nature of "smooth the way". A more direct phrasing might be preferable for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "smooth the way" in contexts where a literal description of smoothing something is intended. The phrase is primarily used metaphorically to describe facilitating a process or making something easier, not physically smoothing a path.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "smooth the way" functions as an idiomatic expression, typically used as a verb phrase. It describes the act of making something easier or more likely to happen by removing obstacles or difficulties. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "smooth the way" is a versatile idiomatic expression used to describe actions that facilitate progress or ease difficulties. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts. Analysis of numerous examples reveals that it appears most frequently in News & Media, Academic, and Formal & Business settings. While perfectly acceptable in formal writing, direct alternatives such as "facilitate progress" or "ease the process" may provide clearer communication. Remember to use "smooth the way" when you want to highlight the act of removing obstacles, ensuring a path is easier to navigate. Understanding the subtle difference between "smooth the way" and "pave the way" is key; the former eases existing issues, while the latter prepares a new route.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ease the process

Focuses on making a process less difficult or complicated, emphasizing simplicity and lack of obstacles.

facilitate progress

Highlights the act of making progress easier or more likely, specifically focusing on forward movement.

pave the path

Emphasizes the preparation of a route or course of action, suggesting a more involved and deliberate effort.

clear obstacles

Directly addresses the removal of impediments, suggesting a focus on overcoming challenges.

make it easier

A more general phrase denoting the reduction of difficulty.

assist the progress

Formal and emphasizes the act of aiding forward movement, suitable for professional or academic contexts.

help move forward

Highlights supporting advancement.

expedite the process

Emphasizes speeding up a process.

streamline operations

Focuses on improving efficiency and effectiveness in operations.

prepare the groundwork

Highlights foundational actions and preparations made in advance to ensure future success.

FAQs

How can I use "smooth the way" in a sentence?

You can use "smooth the way" to describe actions that make a process easier or remove obstacles. For example, "Negotiations with the supplier helped "smooth the way" for the project's approval".

What can I say instead of "smooth the way"?

You can use alternatives like "ease the process", "facilitate progress", or "pave the path" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "smooth the way" in formal writing?

Yes, "smooth the way" can be used in formal writing, but consider whether a more direct and less idiomatic phrasing might be clearer. For example, instead of "smooth the way", you could say "facilitate approval".

What's the difference between "smooth the way" and "pave the way"?

"Smooth the way" generally implies easing existing difficulties, while "pave the way" suggests creating a new opportunity or making significant preparations for future progress. The first removes minor obstacles, the second builds the road.