how does it smell

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'how does it smell' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when asking a question about the scent of something. For example: "I've never smelled this type of flower before - how does it smell?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

How does it smell, you ask? Please.

The New York Times

How does it smell?

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Use your senses--how does it smell?

WikiHow

Tell me this - how bad does it smell out there?

Huffington Post

Follow VICE on Twitter.

Vice

Advertisements - Does it smell like an ad? See how to write about commercial topics for more information.

WikiHow

Does it smell like urine in here?

TechCrunch

Does it smell?

WikiHow

Does it smell funny?

WikiHow

Does it smell unnatural?

WikiHow

What does it smell like?

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a smell, use specific and evocative language. Instead of just saying something smells 'good', try 'It has a sweet, floral fragrance with hints of citrus'.

Common error

Avoid using generic terms like 'smelly' or 'fragrant' without providing further detail. These words lack precision and don't create a clear image for the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "how does it smell" functions as an interrogative expression used to elicit a description of a scent. Ludwig AI confirms that it is correct and usable. It seeks sensory information about the olfactory properties of something.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Wiki

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

10%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "how does it smell" is a grammatically correct and commonly used interrogative phrase to ask about the scent of something. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's a valid question in written English. It is versatile and suitable for various contexts ranging from news and media to wikis. While the phrase is generally neutral, more formal alternatives like "What is its aroma?" or "Can you describe its fragrance?" exist for specific situations. When using the phrase, it's important to encourage specific and evocative descriptions rather than vague descriptors.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

how would you characterize its smell

Asks for a detailed description or categorization of the scent.

what scent does it have

Focuses on the type of scent rather than the overall smell.

what's it like in terms of smell

A more conversational and less direct way to ask about the scent.

what is its aroma

Uses a more formal term (aroma) to inquire about the scent.

what's the first thing you notice about its smell

Focuses on the initial impression of the scent.

can you describe its fragrance

Employs a more refined term (fragrance) suggesting a pleasant smell.

what kind of odor does it emit

A formal and slightly clinical way to ask about the smell.

what notes do you detect in its fragrance

Suggests a sophisticated analysis of a complex scent, such as perfume or wine.

what are its olfactory properties

A highly technical way of asking about the smell, suitable for scientific contexts.

what does it reek of

Suggests a strong, unpleasant smell.

FAQs

What's a more formal way to ask "how does it smell"?

You could ask, "What is its aroma?" or "Can you describe its fragrance?" These options are suitable for more formal contexts.

How can I describe a smell effectively?

Use descriptive adjectives and comparisons. For instance, instead of saying "it smells good", try "it smells like freshly baked bread with a hint of cinnamon".

What can I say instead of "how does it smell" if I suspect the smell is unpleasant?

Try "what odor does it emit?" or "what does it reek of?" if you suspect the smell is very strong and unpleasant. Be mindful of your tone and context.

Is it always appropriate to ask "how does it smell"?

The appropriateness depends on the context and your relationship with the person. In some situations, it might be more polite to ask, "could you describe the scent for me?"