the most smoothly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the most smoothly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing the degree of smoothness in actions or processes, typically in a superlative context. Example: "Out of all the presentations, she delivered her speech the most smoothly, captivating the audience from start to finish."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

A bit risqué, it is also funny and the most smoothly danced sequence.

The New York Times

Several regulators trying different approaches should reveal more about what leads to the most smoothly functioning securities markets.Spiralling up or down?At first sight, one drawback seems obvious.

The Economist

Players have gushed over Edwards's style so far -- he created a veterans' committee because he wanted to give the team's players a feeling of ownership, and he tries to get to know each player off the field -- but there are, inevitably, speed bumps in even the most smoothly paved season.

The New York Times - Sports

It was one of the most smoothly professional presentations on ethics and values that I have ever seen.

Huffington Post

Even an amateur photographer knew that having a relaxed sitter engaged in reading made the work of the photographer go the most smoothly.

Huffington Post

The 13 Chinese soybean cultivar genomes produced the most smoothly increasing curve of VB diversity scores that eventually leveled off, indicating limited genome diversity in the cultivars.

BMC Genomics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Donald R. Bacon, a business professor at the University of Denver, studied group projects at his institution and found a perverse dynamic: the groups that functioned most smoothly were often the ones where the least learning occurred.

The New York Times

By not only allowing partial and fleeting engagement but by actively encouraging it, the list becomes the form which accommodates itself most smoothly to the way a lot of us read now, a lot of the time.

The New Yorker

Things seemed to go most smoothly at the Ridgewood station, where all 127 inspections done by appointment required no waiting, Mr. Sullivan said, and only two drivers failed to show up.

The New York Times

For all that is repellent about Sarkozy's politics and his style, he is the only internationalist in the field, and he may yet be the best hope for France and for Europe — and for the United States, as well — of navigating the euro zone's ongoing crisis most smoothly.

The New Yorker

If you can get good teamwork within the hospital that's when it runs most smoothly".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the most smoothly", ensure that the context clearly establishes what is being compared. For instance, specify what action or process is being performed with the greatest smoothness to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "the most smoothly" as a generic compliment without specific reference to an action or process. Saying someone 'handled the situation the most smoothly' is vague. Instead, specify how they achieved that smoothness: 'She handled the negotiation the most smoothly by anticipating the client's concerns'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the most smoothly" functions primarily as an adverbial modifier, indicating the superlative degree to which an action or process is performed with smoothness. As shown by Ludwig AI, the phrase describes how something is done in the most seamless or effortless manner.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

33%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the most smoothly" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase that functions as an adverbial modifier, emphasizing the superlative degree of smoothness in an action or process. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its correct usage and presence in varied sources, including News & Media, Science, and Wiki. While not exceedingly common, it effectively communicates ease and efficiency. To best employ this phrase, specify the action being modified and avoid vague, unsubstantiated compliments. Alternatives such as "with the greatest ease" or "in the most seamless manner" can provide nuanced variations. Overall, "the most smoothly" serves as a valuable tool for expressing exceptional smoothness in various contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in the most seamless manner

Focuses on the lack of disruption or interruption.

in the most effortless way

Highlights the apparent lack of effort required.

with the greatest ease

Emphasizes ease of execution rather than smoothness.

in the most gliding fashion

Implies a smooth, continuous movement, like gliding on ice.

with optimum fluidity

Emphasizes the liquid-like movement or progression.

in the most polished style

Emphasizes refinement and expertise in execution.

with the finest flow

Highlights the continuous and graceful nature of the action.

with the least friction

Focuses on minimizing resistance or conflict.

with ultimate grace

Highlights the elegance and poise of the action.

in the slickest way

Suggests efficiency and skill, possibly with a hint of superficiality.

FAQs

How can I use "the most smoothly" in a sentence?

Use "the most smoothly" to describe an action that is performed with exceptional ease and lack of friction compared to other similar actions. For instance: "The gears shifted "the most smoothly" after the mechanic's adjustments".

What are some alternatives to "the most smoothly"?

Alternatives to "the most smoothly" include phrases like "with the greatest ease", "in the most seamless manner", or "with optimum fluidity", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "the smoothest" or "the most smoothly"?

Both "the smoothest" and "the most smoothly" are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different uses. "The smoothest" typically describes an object or surface, while "the most smoothly" describes an action or process. For example, "the smoothest surface" vs. "the process ran "the most smoothly"".

What does it mean when something is described as done "the most smoothly"?

When something is described as done "the most smoothly", it implies that it was executed with minimal difficulty, disruption, or resistance, showcasing a high degree of efficiency or skill.