it smells delicious

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it smells delicious" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used to describe a pleasant smell or aroma. Example: "As soon as I entered the bakery, I was greeted by the enticing smell of freshly baked bread. It smelled so delicious that I couldn't resist buying a loaf."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

It smells delicious, too.

Independent

It smells delicious, and I'm tempted to lick it off, but am directed instead to a shower.

The New York Times - Travel

"Each time I drive back from London I think, oh god, I must be mad, and then I get out of the car and it's so lovely, it smells delicious and it's dark and you think, OK, it's worth it".

Independent

Raspberry Lemon Scrub: This DIY body scrub comes together in less than ten minutes (and it smells delicious!).

Forbes

"It smells delicious, it smells like rat and it sounds like rat".

Vice

Add them all to a pot, cover with water, then slow-cook it on the stove until it smells delicious.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

"I don't know what it is, but it sure smells delicious," Nunez said, to no one in particular.

The New Yorker

Great for moisturising dry lips, cuticles and elbows, it also smells delicious enough to dab on as a solid perfume.

Independent

But it all smells delicious and looks enticing.

Huffington Post

When the rice is very hot and smells delicious (it will make a popping sound around the edges at this stage), add the bowlful of prepared ingredients in their stock sauce.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I love Aveda's wax; it's lightweight and smells delicious.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it smells delicious" to vividly describe pleasant scents, particularly when referring to food, flowers, or perfumes. This phrase is instantly relatable and evokes positive sensory experiences.

Common error

Avoid using "it smells delicious" to describe abstract concepts or situations. Stick to tangible items that can realistically emit a pleasant scent. For abstract things, a more appropriate expression is "it feels/sounds/looks good".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it smells delicious" functions as a descriptive statement, specifically attributing a pleasant olfactory quality to something. As shown by Ludwig AI, it commonly expresses a positive sensory experience.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it smells delicious" is a common and readily understood expression used to convey that something has a pleasant and appealing scent. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and finds frequent use across diverse contexts, especially news and media. While generally neutral in register, it's best used for tangible items that actually emit a smell. For alternative phrasing consider variations like "it has a wonderful aroma" or "it smells heavenly" to add nuance to your descriptions. Using "it smells delicious" can add vivid detail and engage the senses in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it has a wonderful aroma

Focuses on the aroma aspect and uses a more sophisticated vocabulary.

it smells heavenly

Emphasizes the delightful nature of the smell.

it has a delightful fragrance

Highlights the pleasant and delicate nature of the scent.

it smells divine

Expresses a high degree of pleasure from the smell.

the scent is amazing

Shifts focus to the scent itself being impressive.

it smells incredibly good

Uses a more explicit intensifier to describe the smell.

it gives off a lovely scent

Highlights the emission of a pleasing scent.

it exudes a pleasant odor

A more formal way of saying it smells good.

it has an appetizing smell

Emphasizes the smell's ability to stimulate appetite.

the aroma is enticing

Focuses on the aroma's power to attract or tempt.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "it smells delicious"?

You can use alternatives like "it has a wonderful aroma", "it smells heavenly", or "the scent is amazing" depending on the context.

Is "it smells delicious" formal or informal?

The phrase "it smells delicious" is generally considered informal and suitable for everyday conversation. For more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "it exudes a pleasant odor".

Can "it smells delicious" be used for anything besides food?

While often used for food, "it smells delicious" can also describe flowers, perfumes, or other items with pleasant scents. However, avoid using it for abstract concepts.

What's the difference between "it smells delicious" and "it smells good"?

"It smells delicious" conveys a stronger sense of pleasure and enticement than "it smells good". "Delicious" implies a particularly delightful and appealing scent, often associated with food.