exact smell

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exact smell" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a specific scent that is being referred to with precision. Example: "The exact smell of freshly baked bread filled the air, making everyone feel hungry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Apparently we were supposed to guess the exact smell, like 'strawberry'strawberry

Cornell University

He spent nights in the lab, mixing and remixing to find, say, the exact smell of freshly tanned leather, and would go home at 6 a.m.

The New York Times - Magazine

Whitney KimbAlongs an NYC-based art critic currently on staff at the blog Art F City.  .

Vice

"He just said he knows this is going to hurt my feelings and he understands where I'm coming from because his mother had breast cancer and she had the same exact smell," Kerri told KOB TV in the above news report, which is fucking BRUTAL.

Vice

If you cannot find the same exact smell in multiple products, use different products that each have similar elements in common.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Adopting the exact colony smell is a must in their game of deceit, because anything that smells unusual will be killed by the workers.

Science Magazine

So, just out of curiosity Paul, if I hadn't thought to ask, would the "Eggs and Roast Beef" thing just be something we would have found out about say, a couple months into living here, when we finally put two and two together that our apartment and the Eggs-and-Beef section of the deli out front shared the exact same smell?

Huffington Post

The writing is the thing; that way he has of getting down with beautiful precision the exact way things look, smell, taste, feel, sound.

The New York Times - Books

If you cannot pinpoint the exact source of the smell, fill small bowls with a little white vinegar and place them around the house.

WikiHow

The sounds of nature were crisp against a background of silence, and I had an awareness of being expanded by the immersion of my senses in sounds, colours and smells that were the exact opposite of industrial life.

The Guardian - Travel

While he often casts his eyes in the direction of voices and turns his head to the kitchen once he smells his dinner, Ms. Dominguez said that the exact degree of her son's cognitive faculties is often ambiguous.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing scents, use "exact smell" to emphasize precision. For heightened effect, pair with descriptive adjectives that highlight specific qualities (e.g., "the exact smell of petrichor").

Common error

Avoid overuse. While "exact smell" highlights precision, constantly repeating it can make your writing sound repetitive. Use synonyms like "precise scent" or "specific aroma" to maintain variety.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exact smell" functions as a noun phrase, where "exact" modifies the noun "smell". According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable. The adjective "exact" specifies the nature of the smell, emphasizing precision and accuracy.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "exact smell" is grammatically sound and used to highlight the precision of a scent. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in English writing. Though not exceedingly common, it appears across various contexts, including news, science, and general reference. It's crucial to avoid redundancy by occasionally using related terms such as "precise scent" or "specific aroma". While precise, the phrase fits a variety of writing situations if you want to ensure accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

precise scent

Emphasizes accuracy and detail in describing the smell.

specific aroma

Highlights a particular and distinct smell, often pleasant.

distinct odor

Focuses on the unique and recognizable nature of the smell.

identical scent

Indicates that the smell is exactly the same as another.

accurate fragrance

Implies correctness and fidelity in the smell.

particular reek

Refers to a specific and often unpleasant smell.

actual smell

Stresses the genuineness or reality of the smell.

very smell

Slightly archaic phrasing that emphasizes the intrinsic nature of the smell.

precise odor

Highlights accuracy in describing the smell, usually neutral or unpleasant.

unmistakable scent

Focuses on how the smell is clearly recognizable and distinct.

FAQs

How can I use "exact smell" in a sentence?

Use "exact smell" when you want to emphasize the precision or accuracy of a scent. For example, "The baker aimed to recreate the exact smell of his grandmother's apple pie."

What can I say instead of "exact smell"?

You can use alternatives like "precise scent", "specific aroma", or "distinct odor" depending on the context.

Is "exact smell" redundant?

While "exact" can sometimes be implied with "smell", using "exact smell" emphasizes a desire for precision in identifying or replicating a scent. The degree of redundancy depends on the context.

How does "exact smell" differ from "similar smell"?

"Exact smell" implies the scents are identical. "Similar smell" suggests they share qualities but aren't the same. If the goal is precision, "exact smell" is more fitting.