that was smooth

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the sentence 'that was smooth' is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it to describe a situation that went well or that was handled without any difficulties. For example, you could say "The transition to remote work has been so smooth, I can't believe it's only been a month!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Nor was there much about it that was smooth.

The New York Times

The label embraced music that was smooth and sentimental and unobtrusive and often vocal-free, ranging from the piano fantasias of George Winston to the Celtic folk-pop of Nightnoise.

The New York Times

Last November, an 11-month accounting review found that it had understated its earnings by nearly $5 billion over more than three years, as it sought to iron out earnings volatility and produce growth that was smooth and investor-friendly.

The New York Times

We meet Ruth on her sixth birthday, when suddenly her lost mother mails her a present, "a pink rock" that was "smooth and shiny on top, and almost transparent in places, with jagged little nooks on the underside".

The New York Times - Books

The specimen was opened along the greater curvature, revealing a mucosal surface that was smooth and diffusely elevated by the submucosal mass, but with no involvement of the lesser curvature (Fig. 4).

Surgical Case Reports

She is considered a trendsetter in pop balladry, with Richard Rischar stating "the black pop ballad of the mid-1980s had been dominated by the vocal and production style that was smooth and polished, led by singers Whitney Houston, Janet Jackson, and James Ingram".

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Suddenly, I have a mixture that is smooth, absorbent yet waterproof.

The Guardian

You are looking for a fairly stiff dough but one that is smooth and soft.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Avoid three-wheelers that are smooth for rough terrain but tricky to manoeuvre in narrow aisles.

Independent

It helps to give the Quest a ride that is smooth and handling that isn't sloppy.

The New York Times

"I see a woman with a very soft complexion, a round face that's smooth, with no wrinkles," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that was smooth" to acknowledge someone's cleverness or finesse in handling a situation, adding a touch of casual admiration to your response.

Common error

Avoid using "that was smooth" in formal business or academic settings; opt for phrases like "that was skillfully executed" or "that was a well-considered approach" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that was smooth" primarily functions as an acknowledgement of skillful action or clever maneuvering. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It's often used to commend someone on successfully navigating a situation.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "that was smooth" is a casual and informal way of acknowledging someone's cleverness or skillful action. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically sound and appropriate for various informal contexts. While it may not be suitable for formal or professional settings, it effectively communicates admiration or approval. Related phrases such as ""that was slick"" or ""that was a clever move"" can offer similar connotations. Be mindful of the context to ensure appropriate usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that was slick

Replaces 'smooth' with 'slick', emphasizing a cunning or skillful quality.

that was a clever move

Replaces the entire idiom to focus on the intelligence and planning behind an action.

that was well played

Highlights the successful execution of a plan or action, often in a competitive context.

that was adroit

Uses 'adroit' to denote skill and dexterity in handling a situation.

that was suave

Focuses on the polished and charming manner in which something was done.

that was skillful

Highlights the technical proficiency involved in the action.

that was effortless

Emphasizes the apparent ease with which something was accomplished.

that was seamless

Highlights the lack of disruption or difficulty in the process.

that was impeccable

Stresses the flawless and irreproachable nature of the action.

that was strategic

Replaces the entire idiom to focus on the strategic thinking and planning behind an action.

FAQs

How can I use "that was smooth" in a sentence?

Use "that was smooth" to compliment someone's action, highlighting their skill or cleverness in a casual setting. For example, you might say, "That was smooth. You handled that difficult client perfectly."

What are some alternatives to "that was smooth"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "that was smooth" include "that was slick", "that was a clever move", or "that was well played".

Is "that was smooth" appropriate for professional communication?

While "that was smooth" is acceptable in informal settings, professional communication usually requires more formal language. Instead, consider phrases like "that was skillfully done" or "that was a well-executed strategy".

What does it mean when someone says "that was smooth"?

When someone says "that was smooth", they are typically acknowledging someone's cleverness, finesse, or efficiency in handling a situation or completing a task. It's a way of complimenting their skill in a casual manner.