a sharp smell of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sharp smell of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a strong, distinct odor that is often unpleasant or pungent. Example: "As I entered the kitchen, I was hit by a sharp smell of burnt toast."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

He gave off a sharp smell of sodden carrion; flies buzzed around his wounds.

The New Yorker

There is a familiar smell of stale beer, mixed with a sharp smell of ammonia from those soldiers who have wet themselves.

The Guardian

There was a sharp smell of shit, made pungent by the heat.

Huffington Post

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Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

When Fanny came to do the laundry there was a thick sharp smell of soap and steam.

The New Yorker

We didn't come upon them; a rustling of leaves, a sharp smell, and suddenly they were overhead, watching us from the deep caverns under their slabs of forehead and tufts of red hair.

The New Yorker

The walls of government buildings were bullet-riddled, and the freshly turned mass graves gave off a sharp smell.

The New Yorker

It has a sharp smell and only tastes good after it is roasted.

WikiHow

Measure out the emerging foreshots or take a whiff; when the strong, sharp smell of chemicals abates, it's done flowing.

WikiHow

In the dim light, a number of her grandchildren were sleeping curled under a filthy blanket: the old woman smelt a mixture of fart and the sharp smell of piss.

The Guardian

The sharp smell of sweaty pits wafted through Alte Münze, a stately former coin factory in Berlin where a queer sex party called Pornceptual was kicking off for the first time this past April.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a sharp smell of" to vividly describe odors that are strong, distinct, and sometimes unpleasant. This phrase is effective for creating a strong sensory image for your reader.

Common error

While "a sharp smell of" is acceptable, consider using more precise or sophisticated language in formal writing to describe the specific qualities of the odor. For example, instead of "a sharp smell of chemicals", try "an acrid odor of ammonia".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sharp smell of" functions as a noun phrase, specifically acting as a descriptive element. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to vividly describe a particular type of odor, often one that is strong and easily noticeable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a sharp smell of" is a grammatically sound and understandable noun phrase, used to describe a strong and distinct odor. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is perfectly correct. Though relatively rare in occurrence, it is versatile enough for various writing styles, particularly in news reporting and descriptive writing. When using this phrase, consider the context and audience to ensure it effectively conveys the intended sensory experience. Remember there are alternatives like "a pungent odor of" or "a distinct aroma of" that might better suit specific writing situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a pungent odor of

Replaces "sharp" with "pungent", indicating a strong and penetrating smell.

a distinct aroma of

Substitutes "smell" with "aroma", suggesting a more pleasant or characteristic scent, while "distinct" maintains the clarity of the smell.

a strong scent of

Replaces "sharp" with "strong" and "smell" with "scent", emphasizing the intensity of the odor.

an acrid stench of

Uses "acrid" to describe a harsh and irritating smell, and "stench" for a very unpleasant odor.

a noticeable whiff of

Focuses on a brief and detectable smell, using "whiff" to indicate a transient odor.

a powerful reek of

Emphasizes an overpowering and offensive smell, indicated by "reek".

a penetrating fragrance of

Combines the idea of something piercing with an element of pleasantness

a cutting odor of

Using "cutting" indicates a smell that is sharp or biting in nature.

a biting scent of

Uses "biting" to suggest a sharp, almost irritating quality to the scent.

a keen perfume of

Alters the intensity and perception, where keen indicates how distinct it is.

FAQs

What does "a sharp smell of" mean?

The phrase "a sharp smell of" describes a strong, distinct, and often unpleasant odor. It suggests that the smell is easily noticeable and has a biting or intense quality.

What can I say instead of "a sharp smell of"?

You can use alternatives like "a pungent odor of", "a distinct aroma of", or "a strong scent of" depending on the specific context and the qualities of the smell you want to emphasize.

Is it correct to say "a sharp odor of" instead of "a sharp smell of"?

Yes, "a sharp odor of" is a correct and acceptable alternative. "Odor" and "smell" are often interchangeable, although "odor" might be considered slightly more formal or technical.

How does "a sharp smell of" differ from "a subtle smell of"?

"A sharp smell of" indicates a strong and noticeable odor, while "a subtle smell of" suggests a faint and delicate odor. They are contrasting descriptions used to convey different intensities of smell.