it smacks of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it smacks of" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is usually used to express disapproval or contempt for an activity, situation, or idea. For example: "The candidate's repeated lies and deception during the election process smacks of dishonesty."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It smacks of favoritism".

The New York Times - Arts

Worse, it smacks of wastefulness.

The Economist

It smacks of controlled substances.

The New Yorker

It smacks of exploitation.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It smacks of uncertainty.

The Guardian - Sport

It smacks of hypocrisy".

The Guardian

It smacks of privation.

The New York Times - Food

It smacks of dictatorship".

The New York Times

To me, it smacks of Empire.

Independent

"It smacks of Big Brother".

The New York Times

It smacks of downplaying diplomacy.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it smacks of" when you want to express a strong feeling of disapproval or suspicion about something. Make sure the context clearly indicates what the subject is being unfavorably compared to.

Common error

While "it smacks of" is widely understood, its somewhat informal and judgmental tone might not be suitable for all formal writing. Consider more neutral alternatives like "it suggests" or "it resembles" in professional or academic settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it smacks of" functions as an idiomatic expression used to convey a sense of disapproval or suspicion. It implies that something is reminiscent of something negative or undesirable. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct in written English and expresses contempt. Examples show its use in diverse scenarios from political criticism to artistic expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it smacks of" is a commonly used idiomatic expression primarily found in news and media contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and serves to express disapproval or suspicion, implying a negative resemblance. While authoritative sources frequently employ the phrase, its judgmental tone may not always be suitable for formal writing. Consider alternatives like "it suggests" or "it hints at" for more neutral communication. The frequency and source quality scores indicate its widespread acceptance, yet careful consideration of the context ensures effective and appropriate usage. From the linguistic analysis, the phrase functions as an expression of subjective assessment and is considered neutral in register. Ludwig's examples provide a broad understanding of the phrase's versatility in different scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it gives the impression of

Focuses on the perceived effect or feeling created, rather than a direct comparison.

it suggests

Replaces "smacks of" with a more neutral term, indicating a hint or implication without strong disapproval.

it hints at

Similar to "suggests", but implies a more subtle indication or trace of something.

it is suggestive of

More formal way of saying "it suggests", implying a particular association or connection.

it resembles

Focuses on the similarity in appearance or nature, rather than a negative implication.

it bears the hallmarks of

Implies distinct characteristics or traits that are reminiscent of something else.

it has the air of

Suggests an atmosphere or quality that is reminiscent of something else.

it carries the flavor of

Figuratively suggests a resemblance in style, mood, or quality.

it echoes

Suggests a faint or indirect resemblance, often in terms of ideas or themes.

it evokes

Implies a strong emotional or imaginative response, reminiscent of a particular thing or feeling.

FAQs

How to use "it smacks of" in a sentence?

The phrase "it smacks of" is used to express disapproval because something reminds you of something unpleasant. For example, "The politician's promise /s/smacks+of desperation." /s/smacks+of

What can I say instead of "it smacks of"?

You can use alternatives like "it suggests", "it hints at", or "it resembles" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "it smacks of"?

The phrase is appropriate when you want to express a strong feeling of disapproval or suspicion about something, implying it reminds you of something negative or undesirable. It's often used in news or opinion pieces.

What is the difference between "it smacks of" and "it suggests"?

"It smacks of" carries a stronger negative connotation, implying something is not just similar, but also undesirable. "It suggests" is more neutral, simply indicating a resemblance or implication without strong judgment.