a subtle scent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a subtle scent" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a fragrance that is delicate or not overpowering, often in contexts related to perfumes, food, or nature. Example: "As I walked through the garden, I was enveloped by a subtle scent of blooming jasmine."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

A small dice of lovely port aspic festooned a slender slice of slippery foie gras (cold), pricey at $21; and mesclun salad had a subtle scent of pear, sliced almonds providing crunch.

The New York Times

Add a subtle scent.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Put on a little signature scent in the morning or before you go out, or wear scented body lotion for a subtler scent.

WikiHow

For a sweet subtle scent, use a scented clothes detergent.

WikiHow

If perfume doesn't sound like your thing, but you still want a nice, subtle scent: try a scented body wash and matching lotion.

WikiHow

The Lent lily (Narcissus pseudonarcissus) is our native wild daffodil, with pale yellow petals, deep-coloured trumpets and a lovely subtle scent.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Scent your fridge to give it a subtle fragrance.

WikiHow

Little things like well manicured nails, oral hygiene, a soft and subtle scent instead of reeking of perfume.

Huffington Post

Ginkgo holds promise for manufacturing not just in rapid production with potentially lower costs, but also for creating new possibilities such as the aforementioned probiotics for soldiers, or the subtle scent of a rose, for instance.

TechCrunch

£52, Debenhams, debenhams.com 4. Moisturising cream With wild rose oil, this daily-use cream claims to repair fine lines and even skin tone while leaving your face nourished and with a subtle floral scent.

Independent

It has a subtle, alluring scent and applied day or night it makes my skin glow.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a pleasant but not overpowering smell, use "a subtle scent" to convey delicacy and refinement.

Common error

Avoid using "a subtle scent" excessively, especially when describing scenes. Over-reliance on delicate sensory details can make writing feel verbose and unfocused.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a subtle scent" functions primarily as a descriptive noun phrase. It typically acts as an object or complement within a sentence, describing the olfactory characteristics of something. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a subtle scent" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase for describing a delicate and non-overpowering aroma. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's correct and usable in written English. Predominantly found in News & Media and Wiki contexts, it serves to evoke understated pleasantness. When using this phrase, remember that while it is versatile, overuse in overly descriptive writing may detract from the overall impact. Consider alternatives such as "a delicate fragrance" or "a faint aroma" to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a delicate fragrance

Focuses on the pleasant and refined quality of the aroma.

a faint aroma

Highlights the barely perceptible nature of the scent.

a mild fragrance

Emphasizes the gentle and non-overpowering characteristic of the scent.

a gentle aroma

Similar to mild, but emphasizes the soothing nature of the scent.

a light scent

Indicates that the scent is not heavy or intense.

an understated fragrance

Highlights the elegance and lack of ostentation of the scent.

a soft aroma

Focuses on the gentle and unobtrusive quality of the scent.

a whisper of fragrance

Emphasizes the extremely faint and delicate nature of the scent.

a muted scent

Suggests a scent that is subdued or toned down.

an imperceptible aroma

Highlights that the scent is barely noticeable.

FAQs

How can I use "a subtle scent" in a sentence?

You can use "a subtle scent" to describe a fragrance that is delicate or not overpowering. For example, "The room had "a subtle scent" of lavender."

What can I say instead of "a subtle scent"?

You can use alternatives like "a delicate fragrance", "a faint aroma", or "a mild fragrance" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "a subtle scent" or "a subtle smell"?

"A subtle scent" and "a subtle smell" are both grammatically correct, but "scent" is generally used to describe a pleasant or desirable smell, while "smell" can be neutral or negative. Therefore, "a subtle scent" is preferable when describing something positive.

What's the difference between "a subtle scent" and "a strong scent"?

"A subtle scent" refers to a fragrance that is delicate, faint, and not overpowering, while "a strong scent" refers to a fragrance that is intense, noticeable, and potentially overwhelming.