Meaning & use
smooth things
Last updated
Meanings
phraseplural
Objects or surfaces that have an even, flat texture and are not rough.
Grammar: A plural noun phrase; use a singular verb only with 'smooth thing' (one object).
Patterns
- smooth things like glass
- feel smooth things
Babies love to touch smooth things like silk and polished wood.
She prefers smooth things over rough textures when choosing fabric.
phrasepluralinformalfigurative
Situations or processes that happen without problems, delays, or difficulty.
Grammar: Used mostly in informal speech about events or plans, not physical objects.
Patterns
- make smooth things happen
- keep smooth things going
Good planning makes smooth things happen at big events.
The manager's job is to keep smooth things going between the two teams.
Common combinations
- smooth surface
- The table has a smooth surface that is easy to clean.
- smooth things over
- He tried to smooth things over after the argument.
- smooth skin
- The cream promises smooth skin within a week.
- smooth transition
- The new boss wanted a smooth transition for the staff.
Synonyms and how they differ
- even
- Describes a flat, level surface; 'smooth' also suggests a pleasant, soft feel.
- sleek
- Suggests a shiny, stylish smoothness, often for hair or cars, not for everyday objects.
Opposites
Word family
- smoothly adverb
- In a smooth way, without problems.
- smoothness noun
- The quality of being smooth.
- smooth verb
- To make a surface flat or to remove problems.
Commonly confused: smooth things or smoothe?
smooth things vs smoothe
A common misspelling; the correct spelling has no final 'e'.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'smooth things' correctly?
Choose one answer.
'Smooth things' is a plural noun phrase, so it needs a plural verb and no extra object; option 1 uses 'smooth' as a verb, option 2 has a singular verb, and option 3 wrongly adds a direct object after the verb 'smooth'.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “smooth things”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.