bad smell

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bad smell" is a perfectly grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it whenever there is a strong odor that is unpleasant. For example, "The room was filled with a bad smell that made everyone gag."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's not a bad smell.

The New Yorker

A bad smell makes them jump".

The New York Times - Books

Tommy lingered around like a bad smell.

The Guardian - Sport

"It was a bad smell," he said.

The New York Times

"When we opened the box it had a bad smell.

The New York Times

A bad smell, for instance, could be nauseous.

The New York Times

Predictably, it lingers in the air like a bad smell.

The Guardian - Music

One conservative daily warned of "the bad smell of British".

The New York Times

Finally, their "bad smell," produced possibly by a fluid in their leg joints, drives predators away.

Columbia University

Calypso complained of the bad smell of Neuman's shoes and they disagreed on Corfu.

The New Yorker

Its name was derived from a Seneca word meaning "bad smell".

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a "bad smell", be specific about its source and characteristics to enhance the reader's understanding and create a stronger image. Instead of simply stating there is a "bad smell", try to identify what it smells like (e.g., rotten eggs, burning rubber, stale milk).

Common error

Avoid relying solely on the generic term "bad smell" without providing any descriptive details. This can make your writing vague and less impactful. Instead, use more evocative language to convey the specific nature and intensity of the odor.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bad smell" functions as a noun phrase, where "bad" is an adjective modifying the noun "smell". It denotes an unpleasant or offensive odor. Ludwig examples show it is used to describe a wide range of disagreeable scents.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "bad smell" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression to denote an unpleasant odor. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable phrase in English. The phrase is most commonly found in News & Media and Science contexts, where it serves to describe negative sensory experiences or draw attention to potential problems. While it's generally considered neutral in formality, more formal settings might require more precise terminology. When using "bad smell", providing specific details about the odor's source and characteristics enhances the clarity and impact of your writing. It is important to note that while the phrase is common, overuse without specifics can be detrimental to the writing quality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Foul odor

Emphasizes the unpleasant and offensive nature of the smell.

Repulsive odor

Stresses the revolting nature of the smell.

Terrible stink

Highlights the intensity and repulsiveness of the odor.

Nasty stench

Highlights the intensity and repulsiveness of the odor.

Fetid smell

Indicates a strong, unpleasant smell, often associated with decay.

Awful reek

Emphasizes the strong and disagreeable nature of the odor.

Offensive aroma

Uses "aroma" ironically to underscore the unpleasantness.

Disgusting whiff

Focuses on the repulsive quality of a brief exposure to the smell.

Unsavory fragrance

Uses "fragrance" sarcastically to denote the undesirable quality.

Unpleasant scent

A more polite way to describe a bad smell, focusing on the lack of pleasantness.

FAQs

How can I describe a "bad smell" more effectively?

Instead of just saying "bad smell", try using more descriptive words that specify the type of odor, such as "foul odor", "nasty stench", or "offensive aroma". Be specific about what the smell reminds you of (e.g., rotten eggs, mold, garbage).

What is the difference between "bad smell" and "foul odor"?

While both terms refer to unpleasant smells, "foul odor" often suggests a stronger and more offensive smell than a general "bad smell". "Foul" implies a sense of disgust or revulsion associated with the odor.

Can I use "bad smell" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "bad smell" might be considered too informal for certain types of formal writing, such as academic papers or business reports. In such cases, consider using more refined terms like "unpleasant odor" or "offensive smell".

What causes a "bad smell"?

A "bad smell" can be caused by a variety of factors, including decaying organic matter, chemical reactions, poor hygiene, or industrial processes. Identifying the source of the smell is often the first step in addressing the problem.