substantially smoother

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "substantially smoother" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant improvement in smoothness, often in contexts related to surfaces, processes, or experiences. Example: "After the renovations, the road is now substantially smoother, making the drive much more pleasant."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The values of hours worked as well as earnings are reported in actual terms by the employers, which results in a substantially smoother distribution of the two variables.

IZA Journal of Labor Policy

For optimum picture detail with both movie- and video-originated content, the Pro Cinema 7500 UB also adds Epson's new FineFrameTM technology to deliver substantially smoother and sharper motion pictures while eliminating judder.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Outside the cell, the intensities are considerably smoother.

BMC Systems Biology

Endosseous implant surfaces have evolved from presenting the as-machined turned surface towards textured Ti surfaces (obtained by additive or subtractive engineering methods) under the unequivocal support that osseoconduction of textured surfaces is substantially improved relative to smoother surfaces [ 5, 11].

BioMed Research International

"Although we considered that the image in the advert did not misrepresent the luminosity or wrinkling of Rachel Weisz's face, we considered that the image had been altered in a way that substantially changed her complexion to make it appear smoother and more even," the ASA ruled.

The Guardian

Our results were not substantially modified when we varied the degrees of freedom for smoothers of time and weather conditions.

Environmental Health Perspectives

In joint pollutant analyses (100 df smoothers for time trends) with PM10, the O3 coefficient is substantially attenuated and becomes insignificant, as also reported by Smith et al. (2009) and Katsouyanni and Samet (2009).

Environmental Health Perspectives

Around the age of 20 the rates for "not married" men were roughly the same as those for married men and for married women (around 100/100.000), but showed a much smoother decline with advancing age than that for husbands; thus, after the age of 25 not-married men had substantially higher depression rates than married men.

BMC Psychiatry

Smoother, yes.

The New York Times - Food

"Smoother than ice cream".

The New York Times - Food

But is it smoother?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "substantially smoother", ensure the context clearly defines what is being compared and why the improvement in smoothness is significant. For example, "The new software update provides a substantially smoother user experience compared to the previous version."

Common error

Avoid using "substantially smoother" when the difference is only marginal. Using "slightly smoother" or "somewhat smoother" is more appropriate for minor improvements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "substantially smoother" functions as an adverbial modifier intensifying the adjective "smoother". It indicates that something is not just smoother, but significantly or considerably so. Ludwig AI provides examples showing its use in describing distributions, motion pictures, and even skin complexion.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "substantially smoother" is a grammatically sound and usable expression, primarily employed to denote a significant and appreciable increase in smoothness. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides examples across scientific and journalistic contexts. While not exceedingly common, its usage is appropriate in formal and neutral settings to emphasize a notable improvement. When writing, ensure that the context justifies the 'substantial' claim and that the comparison is clear.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significantly smoother

Uses a synonym for "substantially" to convey the same meaning.

considerably more smooth

Emphasizes the degree of smoothness achieved.

noticeably smoother

Highlights the ease with which the increased smoothness can be observed.

markedly smoother

Indicates a distinct and easily recognized difference in smoothness.

distinctly smoother

Points out the clear and unambiguous nature of the improvement.

appreciably smoother

Suggests the change in smoothness is worth consideration or gratitude.

remarkably smoother

Highlights the surprising or unexpected nature of the enhanced smoothness.

substantially more polished

Focuses on the improved finish or refinement rather than just smoothness.

considerably refined

Emphasizes the degree of improvement and sophistication in the smoothness.

substantially improved texture

Shifts focus to texture, implying smoothness as part of a broader improvement.

FAQs

How can I use "substantially smoother" in a sentence?

You can use "substantially smoother" to describe a significant improvement in the texture or operation of something. For instance, "The new engine provides a "substantially smoother" ride."

What are some alternatives to saying "substantially smoother"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "significantly smoother", "noticeably smoother", or "considerably smoother".

Is it better to say "substantially smoother" or "much smoother"?

"Substantially smoother" implies a more significant difference than "much smoother". Use ""substantially smoother"" when the improvement is truly considerable.

Can "substantially smoother" be used for abstract concepts, not just physical textures?

Yes, ""substantially smoother"" can be used metaphorically. For example, "The negotiations went substantially smoother this time" refers to a process, not a physical texture.