very low friction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "very low friction" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing physical properties, mechanics, or metaphorically in processes that are smooth and easy. Example: "The new design features very low friction, allowing for smoother operation and increased efficiency."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

This forms a black layer on the rail which when wet causes very low friction.

Wear

It has no wear, very low friction and allows operation at high rotational speed.

Physica C: Superconductivity

An ideal solid lubricant would have a very low friction coefficient coupled with high wear resistance.

Surface and Coatings Technology

This insures maximum stability and climbing abilities even for very low friction coefficients between the wheel and the ground.

Robotics and Autonomous Systems

Hydrostatic lubrication provides complete separation of sliding surfaces to ensure zero or negligible wear and very low friction.

Engineering Tribology

A very low friction coefficient and also its high pressure resistance make graphene a promising material for antiwear coatings.

Carbon

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

The acetabular carriage was supported by externally pressurized bearings, which ensured a very low-friction axis about which the carriage could rotate due to the frictional torque generated between the bearing surfaces.

Acta Orthopaedica

Diamondlike carbon (DLC) has been well known as a very hard and very low-friction material.

Surface and Coatings Technology

CNTs in densely packed twistless CNT yarns are highly aligned with each other, leading to very high modulus and very low internanotube friction.

Carbon

Here, we report a unique tribological behavior of nonhydrogenated a-C film when slides against the steel counter-parts in polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), where the a-C film is severely fractured at the onset of sliding, but achieves a very low steady friction coefficient which is only about 50% of the one obtained in the poly-alpha-olefin (PAO).

Surface and Coatings Technology

Later, dynamic weakening must have been significant leading to the very low coseismic friction and change from a compressional to an extensional critical wedge, which caused the large slip and collapse of the wedge.

Earth, Planets and Space

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing mechanical systems, quantify "very low friction" with specific friction coefficients to provide concrete data and enhance the technical credibility of your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "frictionless" as a direct synonym for "very low friction" unless you're describing an idealized or theoretical scenario. In most real-world applications, some degree of friction will always be present.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very low friction" functions primarily as a descriptive adjective phrase modifying a noun. It characterizes a state or condition where the resistance to motion between surfaces is significantly reduced. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

73%

News & Media

20%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "very low friction" is a grammatically sound and very common expression, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, primarily used in scientific and technical contexts to denote minimal resistance between surfaces. While similar phrases like "minimal friction" and "negligible friction" can be used interchangeably depending on the degree of emphasis, it's important to avoid overstating frictionlessness in real-world scenarios. When using "very low friction", consider quantifying it with specific coefficients to enhance technical accuracy. Remember, while "frictionless" describes an ideal state, "very low friction" acknowledges the reality of some resistance in most practical applications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

minimal friction

Emphasizes the reduced amount of friction present.

extremely low friction

Highlights the exceptional degree to which friction is reduced.

minimized friction

Highlights the act of reducing friction to the smallest possible amount.

negligible friction

Suggests the friction is so small it can be ignored.

almost no friction

Indicates a near absence of friction, highlighting how close it is to frictionless.

reduced friction

Focuses on the act of lessening friction.

decreased friction

Similar to 'reduced friction', but emphasizes the action of decreasing.

low resistance

Shifts the focus from friction to the broader concept of resistance.

smooth movement

Describes the effect of low friction rather than the friction itself.

frictionless

Implies a complete absence of friction, an idealized state.

FAQs

How can I describe something with "very low friction"?

You can use phrases like "minimal friction", "extremely low friction", or "negligible friction" depending on the context and the degree of reduction you want to emphasize. All of them can be considered "very low friction" synonyms.

Is it correct to use "frictionless" instead of "very low friction"?

While "frictionless" implies a complete absence of friction, "very low friction" acknowledges that some friction still exists. Use "frictionless" for theoretical or idealized situations and "very low friction" for practical applications.

What materials are known for having "very low friction"?

Materials like diamond-like carbon (DLC), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and certain lubricants are known for exhibiting "very low friction" coefficients. The specific application and operating conditions will influence the best material choice.

In what contexts is "very low friction" most important?

The attribute "very low friction" is crucial in applications where energy efficiency, longevity, and precision are critical, such as in bearings, gears, and micro-mechanical systems.