so smoothly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "so smoothly" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it to indicate something that is functioning without any difficulty or interruption. For example, "After the update, the new software runs so smoothly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It writes so smoothly.

The New York Times

"Everything is running so smoothly.

The New York Times - Sports

What flowed so smoothly, alas, was banal.

The New York Times - Arts

Artistically all has not gone so smoothly.

The New York Times - Books

He does it so smoothly and effortlessly.

Independent

The first drive went so smoothly.

The Washington Post

Other queries, however, don't go so smoothly.

The Washington Post

Things did not go so smoothly everywhere.

The New York Times

Things do not always go so smoothly.

The Guardian

It was all going so smoothly.

The New York Times

Things did not always work so smoothly.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "so smoothly" to describe processes, actions, or movements that occur without any noticeable difficulty or interruption. It is particularly effective when emphasizing efficiency and ease.

Common error

While "so smoothly" is generally acceptable, overuse in highly formal or academic writing can make your text sound less sophisticated. Consider more precise or technical synonyms like "efficiently", "seamlessly", or "effectively" for a more polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "so smoothly" functions primarily as an adverbial modifier, describing the manner in which an action is performed. It amplifies the ease and lack of difficulty associated with the action. Ludwig provides numerous examples of its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "so smoothly" functions as an adverbial modifier used to emphasize the ease and lack of difficulty in an action or process. According to Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and frequently used in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While versatile, more formal writing may benefit from stronger synonyms. Overall, "so smoothly" is a clear and effective way to describe something progressing without problems.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

effortlessly

Highlights the apparent lack of strain or difficulty.

without any trouble

Emphasizes the lack of difficulty encountered.

with no resistance

Highlights the absence of opposition or hindrance.

with great ease

Focuses on the lack of effort required.

in a seamless manner

Stresses the lack of disruption or visible transition.

without a hitch

Emphasizes the absence of problems or obstacles.

like clockwork

Suggests precision and regularity in the process.

like a well-oiled machine

Suggests efficiency and perfect functionality.

with fluid motion

Describes a continuous and graceful movement.

as if by magic

Implies an almost unbelievable ease and efficiency.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "so smoothly" to sound more formal?

Consider using alternatives like "seamlessly", "efficiently", or "effectively", depending on the specific context.

What does it mean when something is described as going "so smoothly"?

It indicates that the process or action is occurring without any problems, delays, or difficulties; suggesting ease and efficiency.

Is it appropriate to use "so smoothly" in academic writing?

While acceptable, it's better to replace "so smoothly" with more precise and formal alternatives like "seamlessly" or "efficiently" to enhance the sophistication of your academic writing.

Which is a better choice, "so smoothly" or "very smoothly"?

"So smoothly" generally conveys a slightly stronger sense of ease and lack of difficulty compared to "very smoothly". The choice depends on the degree of emphasis you want to convey.