it smells great

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it smells great" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a pleasant aroma, such as food, flowers, or any other fragrant item. Example: "As soon as I walked into the kitchen, I could tell that dinner was ready because it smells great."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

It smells great, too.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"It smells great out the tailpipe".

The New York Times

But it smells great to Cepheid.

The New York Times

"It smells great," I said to the supervisor, grinning.

The New Yorker

And it smells great; $28 at beauty.com. 5. Molton Brown Desert Bloom Ultrabalm.

The New York Times

The architect says, "It smells great," while the sculptor says, "I feel sexy".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

"It smelled great," he said, "but it burned right through your clothes and skin".

The New York Times

But he poured some really nice wine into it, and it smelled great, and it tasted fine.

The Washington Post

We didn't try the food but they do have a full kitchen and it smelled great.

Huffington Post

Bonus points if your bags are also filled with lavender -- not only does it smell great, it's antibacterial and antifungal! 6. Freshen Up Fruit Salad.

Huffington Post

After some awkward chitchat, he said that it smelled great in our office, but he requested that we stop smoking indoors.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it smells great" when describing the immediate and pleasurable olfactory experience of something like food, flowers, or a freshly cleaned room. For a more formal or sophisticated context, consider using "it has a pleasant aroma".

Common error

While "it smells great" is perfectly acceptable in everyday conversation, avoid using it in highly formal writing or professional settings where a more refined vocabulary is expected. Opt for phrases like "it possesses a delightful fragrance" or "it exudes an appealing scent" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it smells great" primarily functions as a subject-verb-complement construction, where "smells" acts as a linking verb connecting the subject "it" to the adjective "great". This grammatical structure serves to describe a quality or attribute of the subject, as supported by Ludwig's analysis.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

35%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it smells great" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression used to convey a positive olfactory experience. As Ludwig confirms, its informal tone makes it well-suited for everyday conversation and journalistic contexts. While readily understood, more formal alternatives such as "it has a pleasant aroma" or "it exudes a delightful fragrance" may be preferable in professional or academic writing. Despite its common usage, it's important to consider the context and audience to ensure the chosen phrasing aligns with the desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it smells wonderful

A direct synonym, replacing "great" with "wonderful" for emphasis.

it has a lovely smell

Uses "lovely" to describe the pleasant smell, suggesting a gentle and pleasing aroma.

it has a pleasant scent

Replaces "smells great" with a more formal term, "scent", and emphasizes the pleasing nature of the aroma.

it has a delightful fragrance

Substitutes "smells great" with "fragrance", suggesting a more refined or complex aroma.

it is fragrant

Uses a concise adjective to describe the pleasing smell.

it has an appealing aroma

Emphasizes the allure and attractiveness of the smell using "appealing aroma".

it exudes a wonderful scent

Implies that the smell emanates or radiates beautifully from something.

the aroma is captivating

Highlights the captivating and engaging quality of the smell.

the fragrance is divine

Suggests that the smell is heavenly or exceptionally pleasant.

it's a treat to the nose

A metaphorical expression, comparing the smell to a delightful experience.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it smells great" to sound more sophisticated?

Consider alternatives such as "it has a pleasant aroma", "it exudes a delightful fragrance", or "it possesses an enticing scent" depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "it smells great"?

Yes, "it smells great" is grammatically correct. "Smells" is a linking verb connecting "it" to the adjective "great", describing the quality of the smell.

What's a more emphatic way to say "it smells great"?

You could say "it smells amazing", "it smells divine", or "it smells heavenly" to express a stronger positive reaction to the scent.

Can "it smells great" be used to describe abstract concepts?

While primarily used for tangible scents, "it smells great" can be metaphorically applied to abstract situations, suggesting a positive or promising atmosphere, but such usage should be approached with caution to avoid sounding awkward or out of place.