things are going smoothly

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence 'things are going smoothly' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this sentence to indicate that progress is being made without difficulties or complications. For example: The project is nearing its completion; things are going smoothly.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

Even when things are going smoothly, every player is relying on you.

Harvard Business Review

There is little doubt certainly that for most businesses, things are going smoothly.

The New York Times

"When things are going smoothly, he'll gratuitously start an argument -- as though this is what he needs to feel alive".

The New York Times

The agency remains satisfied that things are going smoothly, said Nicholas A. Federici, a representative of the Office of Court Administration in Westchester.

The New York Times

There is little need to watch the market every day, and when things are going smoothly the tempo can be leisurely.

Harvard Business Review

This means being vigilant, even when things are going smoothly, for signs that the company is slipping into the acceleration trap.

Harvard Business Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

"Things were going smoothly," she says.

The Guardian - Opinion

Things were going smoothly — until a timeout, a substitution and a mind-boggling shooting skid put the game out of reach.

The New York Times - Sports

Things were going smoothly until they spotted the boulder: It was just where it was supposed to be, but there was no way the chopper could set down on it.

Harvard University

Andy McGuire, chair of the Iowa Democratic party, insisted that all was well, that the state party was ahead of its pace from the last competitive caucuses in 2008, and that she was "pretty darn confident things were going smoothly".

The Guardian

The company was continuing to hire to fill its large fourth-floor suite and was doling out raises to several employees, suggesting things were going smoothly and good times lay ahead.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "things are going smoothly" to reassure stakeholders that a project or situation is progressing as expected. It's suitable for both formal and informal communication.

Common error

Avoid relying on "things are going smoothly" too often, as it can become repetitive. Diversify your language with synonyms like "progressing as planned" or "on track" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "things are going smoothly" functions as an affirmative statement, indicating that a process, project, or situation is progressing without significant issues or setbacks. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "things are going smoothly" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to convey that a process or situation is progressing without problems. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. While versatile, it's advisable to vary language with synonyms like "progressing as planned" to avoid repetition. Predominantly found in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts, its neutral register suits diverse communication needs. Remember, while it expresses a positive assessment, maintaining realistic expectations and awareness of potential issues is crucial.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

everything is proceeding without a hitch

Emphasizes the absence of problems or obstacles.

all is progressing according to plan

Highlights that the current state aligns with initial expectations.

the operation is running like clockwork

Indicates a high level of efficiency and precision.

the situation is developing favorably

Focuses on the positive development and outcomes.

the process is advancing steadily

Emphasizes consistent and reliable progress.

we are on track

Indicates that the project is meeting its deadlines and goals.

the project is on course

Similar to "on track", but may apply to less quantifiable scenarios.

it's plain sailing

Idiomatic expression suggesting ease and lack of difficulty.

the wheels are turning

Highlights that the mechanisms are in motion and functioning well.

there are no snags

Focuses on the absence of unforeseen hitches or difficulties.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "things are going smoothly" to sound more professional?

For a more professional tone, consider using phrases like "progress is proceeding as planned", "operations are running efficiently", or "the project is on schedule and within budget". These alternatives convey the same meaning with a more formal vocabulary.

What's a more casual way to say "things are going smoothly"?

In a casual setting, you could say "everything's cool", "we're in good shape", or "it's all good". These options are less formal and more conversational.

Which is more accurate, "things are going smoothly" or "things seem to be going smoothly"?

"Things are going smoothly" implies a degree of certainty, while "things seem to be going smoothly" suggests an observation based on available information but with a possibility of underlying issues. Choose the phrase that best reflects your confidence level.

How can I use "things are going smoothly" in a sentence?

You can use "things are going smoothly" in sentences like, "The project is nearing completion; "things are going smoothly", so we anticipate a successful launch" or "After the initial setbacks, "things are going smoothly", and we're back on track".