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Grammar fix

run smoothly

work well

to operate or happen without problems or difficulties

collocationB1common

Hear it in context

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

  • The meeting ran smoothly because everyone was well prepared.daily life
  • In my opinion, good communication is essential for a project to run smoothly.IELTS speaking

Fix the pattern

Pattern: subject + run smoothly

WrongThe event ran smooth.

RightThe event ran smoothly.

Use the adverb 'smoothly' after 'run', not the adjective 'smooth'.

Patternsubject + run smoothly

Use it right

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff The operation proceeded without any impediments whatsoever.

Natural Everything ran smoothly.

'Run smoothly' is the natural phrase; 'proceeded without impediments' is bureaucratic.

Build natural chunks

Words that usually travel with it.

  • run smoothly + subject
    everythingthe eventthe systemoperations

Don't confuse it

Do not confuse with 'run fast,' which means to move quickly, not to work without problems.

Try it in Daily Speak →