from a quick sniff

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "from a quick sniff" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing an initial impression or assessment based on a brief observation or sensory experience, often related to smell. Example: "From a quick sniff, I could tell that the milk had gone sour."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

From a quick sniff of Platinum in Boots I didn't detect much more than lemons, with a top note of Toilet Duck.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Alligators swim quietly in the channels and cowlike manatees poke their snouts out of the water for a quick sniff at the air.

The New York Times

As the dogs greet each other with a bark or a quick sniff, their owners who brought them chat.

The New York Times

Fashion week is just a quick sniff away here in New York City, and we couldn't be more psyched for the new collection from one of the most forward-thinking labels around town: Chromat.

Vice

She can have a quick sniff if she is stressed or something isn't going to plan.

WikiHow

He has a quick look, sniffs briskly, then clips an improvised wedge from a tight lie to two inches.

The Guardian - Sport

Keeping coffee beans handy to sniff for a quick alertness boost, for example.

Forbes

Indeed, you are  at liberty to prod your food, dispense with your fork, slurp your wine - or try a quick glug straight from the bottle - sniff, handle and even lick your plate clean, safe in the knowledge that no one, save for a few infra-red security cameras, is watching.

BBC

During the lab visit, he picked up a handful of the pungent meal from a bucket to sniff.

BBC

A quick salute from the starter.

The New Yorker

He takes a quick snort of coke like a rat sniffing blood.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "from a quick sniff" when you want to convey that an assessment or impression is based on a brief and immediate olfactory experience. This phrase is useful in contexts where a more detailed analysis isn't necessary or possible.

Common error

Avoid using "from a quick sniff" in formal or scientific writing where a more precise and detailed description of the olfactory analysis would be expected. In such cases, opt for terms like 'preliminary olfactory assessment' or 'initial scent analysis'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "from a quick sniff" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb or noun. It indicates the basis of an assessment or conclusion, specifically relating to a rapid olfactory experience. Ludwig's examples show how it sets the stage for an immediate, often subjective, determination.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

50%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "from a quick sniff" serves to describe a preliminary judgment based on a brief olfactory experience. Ludwig AI analysis indicates that the phrase is grammatically sound but relatively rare. The phrase is most commonly found in News & Media and Wiki sources. When writing, consider using "from a quick sniff" to create a sense of immediacy and initial sensory assessment. However, in more formal or technical contexts, opt for more precise terminology like "preliminary olfactory assessment".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

after a brief whiff

Focuses specifically on the sense of smell and implies an even shorter duration of the sensory experience.

following a swift inhalation

Emphasizes the act of breathing in quickly to perceive a scent.

upon a cursory scent

Highlights the superficial nature of the olfactory examination.

with a rapid nosing

Uses a more informal term for smelling and implies a fast action.

from a fleeting fragrance

Shifts the focus to the ephemeral quality of the scent being perceived.

given a fast fragrance

Implies an intentional, although brief, presentation of a scent.

after a split-second scent

Underscores the extremely short duration of the olfactory experience.

following a light scent

Focuses on the delicate nature of the fragrance

on a preliminary smell

Indicates an initial assessment based on scent.

with an initial olfactory check

Uses more formal terminology related to the sense of smell.

FAQs

How can I use "from a quick sniff" in a sentence?

You can use "from a quick sniff" to describe an initial impression based on smell, such as, "From a quick sniff, I could tell the milk had turned sour."

What are some alternatives to "from a quick sniff"?

Alternatives include phrases like "after a brief whiff", "upon a cursory scent", or "with a rapid nosing".

Is "from a quick sniff" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "from a quick sniff" is more suitable for informal contexts. For formal writing, consider more precise terms like "preliminary olfactory assessment" or "initial scent analysis".

What does "from a quick sniff" imply about the assessment?

The phrase "from a quick sniff" implies that the assessment is based on a brief and immediate sensory experience, rather than a detailed or thorough analysis.