it smells different

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it smells different" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a change in scent or aroma, often in comparison to a previous smell. Example: "After the rain, the air smells different, filled with the fresh scent of wet earth."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

I hadn't been to the old house for a while and it looks, or feels, different in some indefinable way: the primitive heart of me registers that it smells different; it's not my territory any more.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The next morning, Meyer, Swinghamer and I drove to Shake Shack, which is in a Herzog and de Meuron-designed building, just off a pedestrian mall (Meyer sniffed and said, sadly, "It smells different before it opens"), then on to south Miami to scout for a new location.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

"It felt different, it smelled different, it tasted different.

The New York Times

If you keep your vagina healthy using other methods, there will be no need to try to make it smell different.

WikiHow

It just smells different".

The New York Times

Its engine sounds different than a gasoline-powered car's, and it certainly smells different, and fill-ups, particularly when rubbing shoulders with truckers at highway truck stops, is, well, really different.

BBC

If your man smells different suddenly, it may be because his body chemistry has changed from being with another woman.

WikiHow

If the dog's urine smells different from usual it is likely to be significant, especially when combined with other symptoms.

WikiHow

The food item itself smells different every time you sniff it.

Vice

Perfume smells different on each person because of differences in personal body oils &etc., so even if the perfume smells great on paper, it might not smell so great on you, and vice versa.

WikiHow

The night smells different.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it smells different" to describe a noticeable change in the scent of something, providing context to explain what it smelled like before and what it smells like now for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "it smells different" when there's no established prior smell or context. This phrase implies a change, so make sure a point of reference exists to justify its use.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it smells different" functions as a descriptive statement, indicating a change or distinction in the perceived scent of something. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

30%

Lifestyle

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it smells different" is a grammatically sound and understandable way to express a change in scent. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. While not extremely common, it appears across diverse sources, including news media and lifestyle publications. When employing this phrase, ensure there's a clear point of reference to establish that a change has indeed occurred, enhancing clarity and preventing misuse. Consider alternatives like "the aroma is distinct" or "the scent has changed" for a more formal tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the smell is not the same

Highlights the difference in the scent, using a simple, direct comparison.

the scent has changed

Highlights the alteration of the smell over time.

it has a different fragrance

Emphasizes the presence of a different fragrance compared to what was previously expected or known.

the aroma is distinct

Focuses on the characteristic scent being noticeably different.

a different aroma is present

Focuses on the existence of a new aroma compared to the previous or expected one.

the fragrance is altered

Similar to scent changed, but focuses specifically on fragrance.

there's a different odor

Emphasizes the presence of a new or altered smell.

the air carries a new scent

Highlights that the new scent is spread in the air.

the olfactory experience is unique

Focuses on the subjective experience of perceiving a different smell.

the odor profile has shifted

Emphasizes that the general odor qualities have been altered.

FAQs

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

You can use "it smells different" to describe a change in scent, for example: "After the rain, "it smells different", much fresher than before."

What's a more formal alternative to "it smells different"?

A more formal alternative could be "the aroma is distinct" or "the scent has changed", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "it is smelling different"?

While grammatically possible, "it is smelling different" is less common. "It smells different" is the more standard and frequently used construction.

What might cause something to smell different?

Changes in temperature, humidity, chemical reactions, or the introduction of new substances can all cause something to smell different. For example, food might "smell different" after being cooked.