distinct odours

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "distinct odours" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe different and recognizable smells that can be identified separately from one another. Example: "The kitchen was filled with distinct odours of garlic, basil, and roasted tomatoes."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The brain combines information from several types of receptors in specific patterns, which are experienced as distinct odours.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

"There is a distinct odour of complacency and semi-saintliness about her occupation of the moral highground," he says.

The Guardian

It may be red, orange, yellow, white, or blue in colour and is often accompanied by a hissing sound and distinct odour.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"For years Jonas would wonder what could have scared the bear away, and he thought to begin with that it must have had something to do with his penis's magic quality, a distinct odour.

The Guardian - Books

Additional factors such as diet, general health condition, or reproductive status can also act upon this distinct odour signature and determine the odour profile of an individual [26], [28], [29].

Plosone

Ergocalciferol has no distinct odour or taste.

BMC Nephrology

No distinct pigments formed and no distinct odour was detected.

BioMed Research International

No distinct pigments and no distinct odour were detected.

BioMed Research International

No diffusing pigments and no distinct odour were detected.

BioMed Research International

C. difficile identification was confirmed by colony morphology, distinct odour, and by a specific PCR reaction targeting the triose phosphate isomerase (tpi) gene [ 23].

BMC Infectious Diseases

Multiple intracellular recordings from antennal lobe projection neurons and mushroom body neurons show that strong variation occurs between stimulations with different odours, but each neuron's firing behaviour in response to a distinct odour is stable (Laurent et al., 1996).

European Journal of Neuroscience

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a scene or environment, use "distinct odours" to create a vivid sensory experience for your reader. It highlights the specific and recognizable smells present.

Common error

While "distinct odours" is appropriate in descriptive contexts, avoid overuse in technical or scientific writing where more precise terminology related to specific chemical compounds or olfactory measurements would be more suitable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "distinct odours" primarily functions as a descriptive element, modifying a noun to highlight the presence of clearly distinguishable smells. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "distinct odours" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression for describing environments or objects characterized by different and recognizable smells. Ludwig AI confirms this. It's commonly found in scientific, news, and encyclopedia articles, indicating a neutral to slightly formal register. When using this phrase, remember that while it effectively provides sensory details, overly frequent use in technical writing might warrant more precise olfactory terminology. Alternatives such as "unique scents", "identifiable smells", or "characteristic aromas" can provide variety and nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

distinguishable smells

Synonymous, focusing on the quality of being easy to tell apart.

unique scents

Focuses on the uniqueness of the smells, rather than just their distinguishability.

identifiable smells

Highlights the ability to identify and recognize the smells.

characteristic aromas

Uses "aromas" to suggest a more pleasant or specific type of smell.

specific fragrances

Emphasizes the defined and particular nature of the fragrances.

individual scents

Focuses on the separate and independent nature of each scent.

discernible smells

Highlights the ease with which the smells can be differentiated.

detectable aromas

Stresses the ability to notice and detect the aromas.

defined scents

Highlights the clear and precise nature of the scents.

noticeable scents

Emphasizes the obviousness and ease of noticing the scents.

FAQs

How can I use "distinct odours" in a sentence?

You can use "distinct odours" to describe environments or situations with noticeable and different smells. For example, "The market was filled with the "distinct odours" of spices, fruits, and freshly baked bread."

What are some alternatives to "distinct odours"?

Alternatives include "unique scents", "identifiable smells", or "characteristic aromas", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "distinct odors" or "distinct odours"?

"Odours" is the British English spelling, while "odors" is the American English spelling. Both are correct, but use the spelling that is appropriate for your audience.

What does "distinct" mean in the context of "distinct odours"?

In the phrase "distinct odours", "distinct" means clearly different or distinguishable. It implies that the odours are easily recognized as separate and unique.