how it smells

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "how it smells" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing the scent or aroma of something, often in a sensory context. Example: "I love how it smells when the flowers bloom in spring."

✓ Grammatically correct

Mindfulness

Sensory Description

Quality Assessment

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

We'll say, 'Forget that it's a cantaloupe.' We tell them to just be with it, consider its appearance, its texture and weight, how it smells and tastes --that's a mindfulness practice.

Huffington Post

I can picture how the space works, how it smells, how the dark wood of its walls feels: a beautiful softness, a dryness to the touch, a lot like a well‑loved instrument.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Maybe bugs don't like how it smells.

The New York Times

As for how it smells, the variations include vanilla fig, citrus and unscented ($44).

The New York Times

Among this forty-seven per cent, some take government disability handouts for crippling illnesses, never knowing how it smells at a party with an underwater chandelier.

The New Yorker

If it tastes good, the French say, it is good, and it makes no difference what it looks like -- or how it smells.

The New York Times - Food

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

"I wish I could tell you how it smelled.

The New York Times

Nobody talked about how it was prepared or how it smelled.

The New York Times

An old friend e-mailed me today and said, "I can still remember how it smelled"!

The New York Times

The fragrance she found there was a musk, but she didn't like how it smelled on her skin.

The New York Times

"I can still remember how it smelled when I first pulled in here — I was driving this car," he said, recalling the trip in 1970 when he bought the place and named it Broken Arrow, after the Buffalo Springfield song.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a scene, use the phrase "how it smells" to engage the reader's sense of smell, creating a more immersive and vivid experience.

Common error

Avoid using "how it smells" in highly technical or scientific writing where more precise terminology, such as "odor profile" or "volatile compounds", might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "how it smells" functions as a relative clause or a noun phrase acting as a subject complement. It describes a quality or characteristic of something by referring to its scent. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Wiki

27%

Huffington Post

10%

Less common in

Yale University

2%

Los Angeles Times

2%

The Washington Post

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "how it smells" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression for describing or inquiring about the scent of something. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, it is suitable for various contexts, from everyday conversation to more descriptive writing. Predominantly found in News & Media and Wiki sources, this phrase serves to engage the olfactory sense, evoking emotions and vivid imagery. When aiming for technical precision, consider using more formal alternatives such as "its aroma" or "odor profile". Overall, "how it smells" is a versatile tool for adding depth and sensory detail to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what it smells like

Focuses on eliciting a description of the scent by asking what it resembles.

the scent it has

Emphasizes the inherent fragrance or aroma possessed by something.

its aroma

Uses a more formal term for scent, implying a pleasant or distinctive smell.

its fragrance

Highlights a sweet or pleasant scent, typically associated with perfumes or flowers.

what the odor is

Asks for the identification of a specific smell, often used in a neutral or scientific context.

the odor it gives off

Focuses on the emission of a scent, often implying a strong or noticeable smell.

what it effuses

Implies a subtle or pervasive scent that spreads throughout an area.

the smell it projects

Suggests a scent that is noticeable or impactful, creating a sensory impression.

its olfactory profile

Uses a technical term to describe the complete range of scents associated with something.

what the aromatic character is

Asks for a description of the distinct and recognizable scent characteristics.

FAQs

How can I use "how it smells" in a sentence?

You can use "how it smells" to describe the sensory experience of a particular scent. For example, "I love "how it smells" after it rains".

What's a more formal way to say "how it smells"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "its aroma" or "its fragrance" to describe a scent. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "what it smells like" instead of "how it smells"?

Yes, "what it smells like" is a grammatically correct and commonly used alternative to "how it smells". Both phrases serve to elicit a description of a scent.

What's the difference between describing how something "looks", "feels", and "smells"?

Describing how something "looks", "feels", and "smells" engages different senses to create a more complete and immersive description. "Looks" appeals to sight, "feels" to touch, and "smells" to the olfactory sense, each adding a unique layer of detail.