catch the smell

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "catch the smell" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to describe either being able to smell something or actually capturing a smell with a device or tool. For example, you could say, "I could just catch the smell of her perfume as she walked past me."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

I didn't want to be near the ambience of the game, to catch the smell of the dressing room.

The Guardian - Sport

One day, you catch the smell of gooseberries from a Sauvignon Blanc, or red currants from a Cabernet, or bubble gum from a Gamay, or horse manure from a Shiraz, and from that point on you know exactly what people mean when they say they detect these things.

The New Yorker

I'll catch the smell of a plant, close my eyes and picture myself in a field full of them.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Perhaps wondering if she had caught the smell and what she had thought about it.

The New Yorker

When the latter caught the smell to complain, the fool said, 'Come on, how could you hear it if you are supposed to be deaf?' " O.K., enough of the worst.

The New Yorker

At the open-fronted Thanh Hoa Gallery on Le Loi Street, three or four or five painters sit near the street to catch the light, the smell of their oil paints mingling with the pungent scent of noodle soup from a nearby stall.

The New York Times - Travel

Nobody caught the special smell and taste of the air in that part of Pennsylvania, its quality of light, the appeal of its surrounding woods and undulant farmlands, as well as Updike did.

The Guardian - Books

One afternoon, a few weeks after Coptis graduated from high school, she was driving by Duke Lake, on her way to her parents' house, when she caught the rank smell of rotting fish.

The New Yorker

For those of you with access to the Saturday New York Times, have a look at the front page story story: "Where to Catch the Sights, Sound and Smell of a Campaign".

Huffington Post

In theory, you can get a staggering 80 lashes if you are caught with "the smell" on your breath.

The Guardian - Opinion

Not, of course, that there was much wrong with the sort Mr Zaragoza had managed to catch; or with the smell they had brought in, of gently frying fish and chips.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing sensory experiences, consider the specific qualities of the smell and choose descriptive adjectives to enhance the reader's understanding. For example, instead of just saying "catch the smell", specify "catch the pungent smell of burnt coffee".

Common error

While acceptable in general writing, "catch the smell" can sound informal in academic or professional settings. Opt for more precise language like "detect the odor" or "perceive the aroma" in such situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "catch the smell" functions as a verb phrase, where "catch" is the verb and "the smell" is the object. It describes the act of perceiving or becoming aware of a particular odor or scent. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in describing sensory experiences.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Travel

15%

Books

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "catch the smell" is a grammatically sound and versatile phrase used to describe the act of perceiving an odor. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is correct, appearing predominantly in news, travel, and literature contexts. While it maintains a neutral tone, formal settings may benefit from more precise alternatives. Understanding the nuances and appropriate contexts for this phrase can enhance writing by providing clarity and vividness to sensory descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

detect the odor

Focuses on the act of discovering or becoming aware of a particular scent, often implying a scientific or investigative context.

notice the scent

Implies a casual or unintentional awareness of a smell, highlighting its presence without necessarily focusing on its capture.

perceive the aroma

Emphasizes a more refined or delicate smell, suggesting a sensory experience that is pleasant or distinctive.

pick up the fragrance

Highlights the ability to discern a subtle or delicate scent, often associated with flowers or perfumes.

get a whiff of

Suggests a brief or fleeting encounter with a smell, implying a casual or accidental experience.

smell something

A more general term, it refers to the ability to perceive any odor or scent, without specifying its nature or quality.

sense the fragrance

Emphasizes the act of feeling or becoming aware of a pleasant smell, suggesting a more emotional or intuitive response.

be aware of the odor

Highlights a conscious recognition of a smell, often in a context where it is important or noticeable.

distinguish the scent

Focuses on the ability to differentiate a particular smell from others, emphasizing its unique characteristics.

catch a whiff

Similar to "get a whiff of", but with a stronger emphasis on the accidental or fleeting nature of the experience.

FAQs

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

You can use "catch the smell" to describe noticing a particular scent, as in "I could just catch the smell of her perfume as she walked past me" or "One day, you "catch the smell" of gooseberries from a Sauvignon Blanc".

What can I say instead of "catch the smell"?

You can use alternatives like "detect the odor", "notice the scent", or "perceive the aroma" depending on the context.

Is "catch the scent" the same as "catch the smell"?

While similar, "catch the scent" often implies a more delicate or pleasant smell than ""catch the smell"", which can be used for any odor, regardless of its quality.

Which is correct, "catch the smell" or "caught the smell"?

"Catch the smell" is in the present tense, while "caught the smell" is in the past tense. Use the appropriate tense depending on whether you are describing a current or past event.