a whiff of

USAGE SUMMARY

'a whiff of' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe a faint smell or scent. For example, you might say, "We caught a whiff of baking bread as we entered the bakery."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A whiff of schadenfreude.

The New York Times

I detect a whiff of desert wildflowers.

The New York Times

Sometimes there's a whiff of scandal.

The New York Times - Arts

But not a whiff of that here.

The New York Times - Books

A whiff of withholding information does that.

The New Yorker

It also carried a whiff of panic.

The New York Times

There's a whiff of schadenfreude throughout.

The New York Times - Books

A whiff of hypocrisy?

The Guardian - Sport

Not a whiff of lesbianism.

The Guardian - Books

Also a whiff of corruption.

The New York Times - Books

Liberals detected a whiff of racist eugenics.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a whiff of" when you want to subtly suggest the presence of something without being overt. It is particularly effective when describing intangible qualities like emotions or atmospheres.

Common error

Avoid using "a whiff of" too frequently in your writing. While it's a descriptive phrase, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive and less impactful. Vary your descriptions with synonyms or more direct language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a whiff of" functions as a qualifier, modifying a noun to indicate a slight or subtle presence. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability, highlighting its descriptive nature. It is commonly used to suggest a faint trace or hint of something, rather than a strong or obvious manifestation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Books

11%

Lifestyle

8%

Less common in

Science

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a whiff of" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that effectively conveys a subtle presence or indication, as confirmed by Ludwig. Predominantly found in News & Media, Books, and Lifestyle contexts, it adds nuance and subtlety to writing. Its usage spans from describing faint smells to hinting at intangible qualities. Remember to wield this evocative phrase judiciously to maintain clarity and avoid repetitiveness. While there are many alternative phrases such as "a hint of" and "a trace of", “a whiff of” carries a unique connotation of something fleeting and atmospheric.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a hint of

Focuses on a subtle indication or suggestion rather than a scent.

a trace of

Emphasizes a minimal amount or sign of something.

a touch of

Highlights a small amount or element of something.

an inkling of

Suggests a slight idea or suspicion.

a suggestion of

Implies a subtle indication or proposal.

a suspicion of

Indicates a slight feeling of distrust or doubt.

a shade of

Implies a slight variation or degree of something.

an element of

Highlights a component or aspect of something.

a glimmer of

Suggests a faint sign of hope or understanding.

a scent of

Directly refers to a faint smell or aroma, more literal than "a whiff of".

FAQs

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

You can use "a whiff of" to describe a faint smell or a subtle indication of something. For example, "There was a whiff of perfume in the air", or "The negotiation had a whiff of desperation".

What are some alternatives to "a whiff of"?

You can use alternatives like "a hint of", "a trace of", or "a touch of" depending on the context.

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

Yes, "a whiff of" is generally acceptable in formal writing, especially when conveying nuance or subtlety. However, consider your audience and the overall tone of your piece to ensure it fits appropriately.

What's the difference between "a whiff of" and "a smell of"?

"A whiff of" typically implies a fleeting, subtle scent or indication, while "a smell of" is a more general description of an odor. "A whiff of" often carries a connotation of something intangible or atmospheric.