foul-smelling

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "foul-smelling" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has an unpleasant or offensive odor. Example: "The foul-smelling garbage was left to rot in the sun, attracting flies and other pests."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

Inland lie "foul-smelling bogs and haggard woodland".

The New York Times - Books

They emit a foul-smelling musk and eat carrion.

The Economist

The only lavatories are foul-smelling public ones.

The Economist

"I have a foul-smelling life," he said.

The New York Times

Some were foul-smelling, some smeared with dried blood.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

There were foul-smelling Chinese infusions for pregnancy.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

The flowers of some species lack petals; those of others are large and foul smelling.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The liquid is so foul smelling, that people instantly recoil against it.

TechCrunch

Tritrichomonas foetus is a flagellated protozoan parasite that colonizes the feline colon causing colitis and chronic foul smelling diarrhoea.

International Journal of Biological Macromolecules

Foul smelling ocean water in Gulfport                         Photo: Laurel Lockamy.

Huffington Post

Abnormally foul smelling stools often accompany gastrointestinal disease.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a smell, consider the specific source or quality of the odor to enhance the reader's understanding. Instead of just saying "foul-smelling", specify what it smells like (e.g., "foul-smelling garbage", "foul-smelling chemicals").

Common error

Avoid using "foul-smelling" as a generic descriptor for all unpleasant odors. Be specific about the source or nature of the smell to provide a more vivid and informative description. For example, instead of "the room was foul-smelling", try "the room smelled of stale beer and unwashed laundry".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "foul-smelling" primarily functions as an adjective. It modifies nouns to describe their odor, indicating that the smell is unpleasant or offensive. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status in written English, as demonstrated in numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

27%

Encyclopedias

16%

Less common in

Wiki

16%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "foul-smelling" is a common and grammatically correct adjective used to describe unpleasant odors. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and the examples demonstrate its use across various contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedias. While versatile, it's beneficial to be specific about the source of the odor for clarity. Alternatives like "malodorous" or "stinky" can be used depending on the desired level of formality. Therefore, using this phrase effectively enhances descriptive writing by precisely conveying the nature of unpleasant smells.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

malodorous

This is a more formal and technical term for having a bad smell.

bad-smelling

This is a straightforward alternative to "foul-smelling".

stinky

This is a more informal and direct way of saying something smells bad.

smelly

This is a common and informal term for having a bad smell.

reeking

This implies a strong and unpleasant smell.

fetid

This suggests a decaying and offensive odor.

pungent

This refers to a sharp and strong smell, often unpleasant.

noisome

This denotes a highly offensive and unpleasant odor, often harmful.

offensively scented

This is a more descriptive way of saying something has a bad smell.

unpleasantly scented

This is a milder way of saying something has a bad smell.

FAQs

How can I use "foul-smelling" in a sentence?

You can use "foul-smelling" to describe anything with an unpleasant odor. For instance, "The "foul-smelling garbage" attracted flies", or "The "foul-smelling chemicals" leaked from the factory".

What can I say instead of "foul-smelling"?

Alternatives include "malodorous", "stinky", or "reeking depending" on the context.

Is "foul-smelling" formal or informal?

"Foul-smelling" is generally considered a neutral term, suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives like "malodorous" might be preferred in academic or scientific writing.

What's the difference between "foul-smelling" and "bad-smelling"?

While both describe unpleasant odors, "foul-smelling" often implies a more offensive or repulsive scent than "bad-smelling". The choice depends on the intensity and specific nature of the odor you're describing.