a trace of odor

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a trace of odor" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a faint or subtle smell that is present but not overpowering. Example: "As I entered the room, I noticed a trace of odor that reminded me of fresh paint."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

After 10 min, the animal was returned to its home cage, and the apparatus cleaned with a damp sponge to remove any trace of odor.

Behavioural Brain Research

Not a trace of mud.

Independent

Without a trace of a smile, Mlle.

The New York Times

A trace of perfume.

The Guardian

A trace of cushion.

The Guardian - Film

There was a trace of woodworm damage.

The New Yorker

A trace of mineral smoke rises.

The New York Times

They're poetic, a trace of a trace".

The Guardian - Arts

A trace of an accent, perhaps.

BBC

Only a trace of reflection nebulosity remains.

Wikipedia

A trace of bile lingers.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing environments or objects, use "a trace of odor" to subtly hint at sensory details without overwhelming the reader. This can create a more nuanced and immersive experience.

Common error

Avoid pairing "a trace of odor" with excessively strong adjectives. For example, saying "a trace of overpowering odor" creates a contradiction. Instead, use milder descriptors or adjust the phrase to reflect the intensity more accurately.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a trace of odor" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence. It describes a subtle presence of a smell. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct, and the examples provided clarify its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a trace of odor" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a subtle smell. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and applicable in both scientific and journalistic contexts. It is most frequently found in Science and News & Media. While "a trace of odor" can effectively add sensory detail to writing, it's important to avoid using it with contradictory adjectives. Consider alternatives like "a hint of fragrance" or "a faint scent" depending on the desired nuance. Remember, using "a trace of odor" effectively enhances the richness of your descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a hint of fragrance

Replaces "odor" with "fragrance" suggesting a more pleasant smell and replaces "trace" with "hint" for slight.

a faint scent

Substitutes "trace" with "faint" to emphasize the subtlety and "odor" with "scent" suggesting a more delicate smell.

a whiff of aroma

Uses "whiff" to imply a brief and হালকা encounter with the smell and "aroma" to denote a pleasant odor.

a suggestion of smell

Replaces "trace" with "suggestion" indicating an even weaker presence, maintaining a neutral tone regarding the odor.

a subtle smell

Emphasizes the understated nature of the odor by using the adjective "subtle".

a slight fragrance

Combines "slight" to indicate a small amount and "fragrance" for a pleasant smell.

a delicate scent

Implies a subtle and pleasing smell through the use of "delicate" and "scent".

a touch of odor

Replaces "trace" with "touch" to convey a minimal amount of smell.

a whisper of scent

Uses "whisper" to emphasize the barely perceptible nature of the scent.

an imperceptible odor

Indicates that the odor is so faint as to be almost undetectable.

FAQs

How can I use "a trace of odor" in a sentence?

You can use "a trace of odor" to describe a faint or subtle smell. For example, "There was "a trace of odor" of gas in the air after the stove was turned off."

What's a good alternative to "a trace of odor"?

Alternatives include "a hint of fragrance", "a faint scent", or "a whiff of aroma" depending on the context.

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

While "a trace of smell" is understandable, "a trace of odor" is often preferred in more formal or technical contexts. "Smell" is a more general term, while "odor" tends to be used for more specific or identifiable scents.

How does the meaning of "a trace of odor" change with different adjectives?

The meaning can be significantly altered by adding adjectives. For example, "a trace of pungent odor" suggests a faint but sharp smell, while "a trace of sweet odor" indicates a barely perceptible sweet smell.