catch the scent

USAGE SUMMARY

"catch the scent" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it in a variety of contexts to refer to detecting an odor or fragrance. For example, "As he walked along the path, he caught the scent of roses in the air."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

First, you catch the scent.

The Washington Post

Now and then I'd catch the scent of something fruity – a fallen pod that had begun to ferment, which is how the Aztecs got the idea for xocolatl.

Independent

Progressively, the water becomes more brackish, and with an east wind it may be possible, for the first time, to catch the scent of seaweed.

Britannica

Most inspiring to aficionados is the "music of the hounds," when they howl in a range of notes when they catch the scent.

The New York Times - Sports

The moment I catch the scent of powdered sugar I remember lying with my head in my grandmother's lap as a child.

The Guardian - Arts

After you unwrap one of these rustic bars and open up this indispensable autobiography, you may catch the scent of rum and tobacco — from the chocolate and the pages.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

At about Houston Street, I caught the scent.

The New York Times - Sports

I caught the scent of them on the breeze a few minutes ago," he says.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A "full cry," he added, is the call made when the dog catches the scent of the fox.

The New York Times

They were in a murderous mood, most of them dead drunk, like hyenas that have caught the scent of blood.

The New Yorker

Keeping it steady is a favored phrase of Mr. Thompson's, calling to mind a hunter whose hound has caught the scent of a particularly laid-back bear.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "catch the scent" to vividly describe how someone becomes aware of a particular smell, especially if the scent plays a significant role in the narrative or context.

Common error

Avoid using "catch the scent" metaphorically for non-olfactory experiences (e.g., catching the scent of an idea). Reserve it for actual smells to maintain clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "catch the scent" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the act of perceiving an odor. As noted by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and is widely found in various writing contexts. Examples from Ludwig show it used both literally (detecting physical smells) and, less commonly, metaphorically (detecting something intangible).

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Science

25%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "catch the scent" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to describe the detection of a smell. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts. While often used literally, it can be metaphorically extended with caution to maintain clarity. Predominantly found in News & Media sources, it maintains a neutral register suitable for diverse writing styles. Related phrases, like "detect the aroma", offer nuanced alternatives for specific contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

detect the aroma

This alternative replaces "scent" with "aroma", emphasizing a pleasant smell.

notice the fragrance

Using "fragrance" suggests a pleasing scent, like "aroma".

perceive the odor

This is a more formal way of saying "catch the scent", using "perceive" and "odor".

pick up the aroma

Similar to "get a whiff", implying a subtle or easily missed scent.

get a whiff of

This implies a brief or quick detection of a scent.

become aware of the smell

A more descriptive way to express noticing an odor.

smell something

A simpler and more general phrase indicating the detection of any smell.

distinguish the fragrance

This emphasizes the ability to tell a particular scent apart from others.

sense the perfume

This implies detecting a manufactured or strong scent, often artificial.

recognize the redolence

A more sophisticated term for scent, suggesting a strong, often pleasant, smell.

FAQs

What does it mean to "catch the scent" of something?

To "catch the scent" of something means to perceive or detect its odor, usually implying that the scent is noticeable or significant in some way.

How can I use "catch the scent" in a sentence?

You might say, "As I walked through the garden, I "caught the scent" of blooming jasmine" or "The dog "caught the scent" of a rabbit and began to bark".

What are some synonyms for "catch the scent"?

Alternatives include "detect the aroma", "perceive the odor", or simply "smell something" depending on the context.

Is "catch the scent" a formal or informal expression?

"Catch the scent" falls into a neutral register, suitable for both narrative and descriptive writing. More formal options, like "perceive the odor", exist for professional contexts.