smoothed out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "smoothed out" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a metaphor that refers to a situation that has been stabilized or improved. For example, "After months of hard work, the rough edges of the project had been smoothed out."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

But, he adds, "he never smoothed out".

The New York Times - Magazine

They haven't smoothed out all the kinks.

The New York Times

Earlier problems appeared to have been smoothed out by early morning, with most queues moving.

The Guardian - Business

The whole thing smoothed out, returning to the quiet guitar and the mallet.

The New Yorker

"Russell was seen as the next generation, with the rough edges smoothed out".

The New York Times

Unashamedly ageing, the lines on her face emphasised rather than smoothed out, she remains triumphantly beautiful.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 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

It can smooth out rough edges and inspire faith.

The New York Times - Magazine

Botox injections smooth out lines and wrinkles.

Huffington Post

She said it would smooth out my wrinkles.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing improvements in a process or system, consider using "smoothed out" to convey the idea of eliminating inefficiencies and creating a seamless workflow.

Common error

While "smoothed out" is versatile, avoid overusing it in formal or technical writing. Opt for more precise alternatives like "optimized", "resolved", or "enhanced" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "smoothed out" functions as a phrasal verb. It's used to describe the act of making something more even, less problematic, or more efficient, as seen in Ludwig's examples, where it refers to everything from resolving technical issues to improving personal relationships.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

27%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "smoothed out" is a versatile and commonly used term to describe the resolution of problems, the improvement of processes, or the elimination of rough edges. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable. While its register is generally neutral, writers should be mindful of using more precise alternatives in highly formal contexts. With its frequent usage in "News & Media", "Science", and "Wiki" sources, understanding the nuances of "smoothed out" will improve the clarity of your writings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ironed out

Implies a process of removing wrinkles or problems to create a neat finish.

resolved the kinks

Focuses specifically on resolving minor issues or imperfections.

evened out

Emphasizes making something uniform or consistent, often in terms of distribution or quality.

leveled off

Suggests a stabilization or balancing of something that was previously uneven.

eased

Highlights the reduction of tension or difficulty.

refined

Highlights the improvement and purification of something to a higher standard.

rectified

Implies correcting something that was wrong or inaccurate.

alleviated

Focuses on reducing the severity of something negative, such as pain or problems.

ameliorated

Suggests making something better or more tolerable.

mitigated

Implies reducing the harmful effects of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "smoothed out" to describe the resolution of problems or the improvement of a process, such as: "The company "smoothed out" the production process, resulting in higher efficiency".

What are some alternatives to "smoothed out"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "resolved", "ironed out", or "refined" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "smoothed out" appropriate for formal writing?

While acceptable, "smoothed out" might be too informal for highly technical or academic contexts. Consider using more precise terms like "optimized" or "enhanced" in such cases.

What does it mean when something is described as "smoothed out"?

It typically means that problems have been resolved, rough edges have been removed, or a process has been improved to function more efficiently and seamlessly.