a faint aroma of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a faint aroma of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a subtle or delicate scent that is present in the air, often in contexts related to food, beverages, or nature. Example: "As I entered the bakery, I was greeted by a faint aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through the air."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

A faint aroma of the absurd clung to their names.

The New Yorker

Air fresheners emitted a faint aroma of lemongrass, and A.C. units pumped frigid air throughout the room.

The New York Times - Magazine

A faint aroma of the Nobel prize - or of Nobel prizes yet to come - hangs over the 1971 Booker.

The Guardian - Books

Swimming was banned at Coney Island, but sunbathers flocked to water's edge — apparently, a faint aroma of biological waste can't scare off the devoted tanner.

The New Yorker

Soon three of the most powerful positions in the country could be occupied by men whose wardrobes contain, somewhere near the back, a crumpled royal blue tailcoat with a faint aroma of vomit.

The Guardian

He is, if anything, rather loquacious, as though this hologram has been programmed to protect itself from intrusion with a sound barrier of precision-turned, Ivy League-accented eloquence, using words such as "synergy", "autonomy" and "impracticable" while giving away little more than a faint aroma of the Pilgrim Fathers.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Beyond a faint aroma, there will be no smell of coffee, he pledges.

The Guardian - Business

Many of them have unwanted additives that give off a faint aroma, so if used, they should be white all over before you start grilling.[7] Lump charcoal burns hotter, is easier to adjust the temperature, and is all-natural.

WikiHow

A February night in Harlem, 7 in the evening, and at Charles Country Pan Fried Chickenn, a faint aroma wafts out on the cold night air.

The New York Times

Now, these explanations do have the faint aroma of a dodge, but let's put that aside for a moment, and treat these as the authentic and sincere concerns of the Romney campaign.

Huffington Post

Standing on the top floor of Tangmere, looking out across the estate, breathing in the faint aroma of a joint being smoked somewhere, it feels like an island a long way away from the rest of the city.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a faint aroma of" to subtly introduce a scent, creating a sense of atmosphere or setting a scene without being overly descriptive.

Common error

Avoid using "a faint aroma of" in highly technical or scientific writing where precise measurements and descriptions are required. More specific and quantifiable terms are preferable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a faint aroma of" primarily functions as a descriptive element, adding sensory detail to a subject. It is used to evoke a subtle olfactory experience, enriching the reader's or listener's perception. Ludwig provides numerous examples from diverse contexts, confirming its versatility and widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

17%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a faint aroma of" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to describe a subtle scent. Ludwig's analysis confirms that it is most commonly found in News & Media contexts, serving to add sensory detail and create atmosphere. While the phrase is generally considered neutral in register, it is best used in descriptive writing where evoking a subtle olfactory experience is desired. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is perfectly valid in English. Remember to consider context and audience when choosing this phrase, and be mindful of more specific or quantifiable terms in technical or scientific writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a subtle scent of

Replaces "aroma" with "scent", implying a slightly less refined or complex smell.

a delicate fragrance of

Substitutes "aroma" with "fragrance", suggesting a more pleasant and refined smell.

a slight whiff of

Uses "whiff" instead of "aroma", indicating a brief and হালকা encounter with the smell.

a trace of scent of

Emphasizes the minimal presence of the smell.

a hint of the smell of

Highlights the subtlety and indistinctness of the smell.

a mild odor of

Replaces "aroma" with "odor", which can sometimes have a negative connotation, depending on the context.

a whisper of fragrance of

Metaphorically describes the aroma as barely perceptible, like a whisper.

an almost imperceptible smell of

Focuses on how difficult it is to detect the smell.

a suggestion of the scent of

Implies the aroma is not directly perceived but rather inferred.

a background smell of

Indicates that the smell is present but not dominant or overpowering.

FAQs

What does "a faint aroma of" mean?

The phrase "a faint aroma of" describes a smell that is subtle, delicate, and not easily detected. It suggests a pleasant scent that is present but not overpowering.

How can I use "a faint aroma of" in a sentence?

You can use "a faint aroma of" to describe a subtle scent in various contexts. For example: "The room had "a faint aroma of" lavender", or "A faint aroma of coffee wafted from the kitchen".

What are some alternatives to "a faint aroma of"?

Some alternatives include "a subtle scent of", "a delicate fragrance of", or "a slight whiff of". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "a faint aroma of" in writing?

It is appropriate to use "a faint aroma of" in descriptive writing, particularly when setting a scene or creating a mood. It is suitable for describing environments, foods, or any situation where a subtle scent contributes to the overall experience. It is usually avoided in technical writing.