a faint whiff of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a faint whiff of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a subtle or slight indication of something, often related to a smell or an idea. Example: "As I walked through the garden, I caught a faint whiff of jasmine in the air."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

There's still a faint whiff of university grunge about the place.

Independent

The dominant party won a few more seats, with merely a faint whiff of impropriety.

The Economist

Perhaps accordingly, there is a faint whiff of hostility mixed in with some of the laughter.

The New York Times - Arts

But he might also detect a faint whiff of intellectual cowardice.

The Guardian - Books

I caught a faint whiff of cologne, like the fresh scent of the sea.

The New Yorker

Nothing about Viesturs's background carries even a faint whiff of predestination.

The New York Times - Sports

"Am I being cynical or do I detect a faint whiff of speciesism here?

The Guardian

Occasionally a faint whiff of "I told you so" creeps into the book's pages.

The New York Times - Books

A faint whiff of incest, biblically speaking, but nothing too compelling.

The Guardian

The room smelled like tweed and pencil shavings, with a faint whiff of palo santo.

The New Yorker

Still, I detect a faint whiff of Big Dog mischief, assuming it's true that the White House secretly preferred Halter.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a faint whiff of" to subtly introduce an idea, feeling, or scent without being overly direct or assertive. This is particularly effective in descriptive writing or when discussing sensitive topics.

Common error

Avoid using "a faint whiff of" in highly formal or technical writing. Opt for more precise and direct language to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

"A faint whiff of" primarily functions as a descriptive phrase, often acting as a noun modifier. It introduces a subtle or barely perceptible element, typically related to sensory experiences or abstract concepts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a faint whiff of" is a descriptive phrase used to indicate a slight or subtle presence of something, whether a scent, feeling, or abstract quality. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and very common usage, particularly in news and media contexts. While appropriate for neutral to slightly informal settings, it should be used judiciously in formal writing where directness and precision are paramount. Consider alternatives like "a slight trace of" or "a subtle hint of" to fine-tune the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a slight trace of

Emphasizes the small amount or presence of something detectable.

a subtle hint of

Highlights the delicacy and indirectness of the indication.

a faint trace of

Focuses on the barely perceptible presence of something.

a hint of

Shorter version, dropping the adjective "faint".

a slight indication of

Replaces the sensory term "whiff" with a more cognitive "indication".

a mere suggestion of

Conveys a minimal and understated presence.

a delicate touch of

Implies a careful and light presence, often used metaphorically.

a distant echo of

Suggests a weaker or fainter connection to something else.

a shade of

Often relates to color or emotion, implying a subtle degree.

a touch of

A simple alternative suggesting a small amount or influence.

FAQs

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

You can use "a faint whiff of" to describe a subtle scent, feeling, or impression. For example: "The air had "a faint whiff of" smoke" or "I detected "a faint whiff of" sarcasm in his voice".

What's a good alternative to "a faint whiff of"?

Alternatives include "a slight trace of", "a subtle hint of", or simply "a hint of", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a faint whiff of" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "a faint whiff of" may sound too informal for some academic or business contexts. Consider using a more precise or direct phrase such as "a slight indication of".

What does "a faint whiff of" imply?

It implies a very slight or subtle presence of something, often a scent or a feeling, that is barely perceptible. It suggests the presence is not strong or overwhelming.