it smells like a lot

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it smells like a lot" is not correct in standard written English.
It may be used informally to express that something has a strong or overwhelming odor, but it lacks clarity and specificity. Example: "When I opened the fridge, it smells like a lot of spoiled food."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"It smells like a lot of marketing to me," said Ronald F. Levant, a professor of psychology at the University of Akron and a former president of the American Psychological Association, adding that "detox is a funny word to use".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

It smells like a restaurant".

The New York Times

It smells like a fondue.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It smells like a sweet young cabbage.

The New York Times - Food

"It smells like a hog farm".

The New York Times

"It smells like a bag of garbage".

Huffington Post

It smells like an iPhone.

TechCrunch

It smells like an infection.

Huffington Post

It smelled like cigarettes.

The New York Times

It smelled like a banana.

The New York Times - Food

"It smelled like a barbecue".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

For clarity, replace the phrase "it smells like a lot" with more specific descriptions, such as "it smells strongly of", or "it has a potent odor of" followed by the specific scent you perceive.

Common error

Using "a lot" to describe smells can be too vague. Instead of saying "it smells like a lot", provide descriptive details about the specific scent to create a clearer image for the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it smells like a lot" functions as a descriptive statement, attempting to convey the intensity of an odor. However, it lacks precision and is considered grammatically questionable by Ludwig AI, making it less effective than more specific alternatives.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "it smells like a lot" aims to describe a strong odor, it is grammatically questionable and lacks clarity according to Ludwig AI. Its usage is rare and primarily found in informal contexts like news articles. For more effective communication, consider using alternatives such as "it has a strong odor" or "it smells strongly" to provide a more vivid and precise description. Always strive for clarity and specificity when describing sensory experiences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it smells like too much

Similar meaning with slight modification.

it has a strong odor

Focuses on the intensity of the smell rather than a comparison.

it smells strongly

Emphasizes the strength of the smell directly.

it has an intense scent

Uses "scent" instead of "smell" and highlights the intensity.

the smell is overwhelming

Indicates that the smell is overpowering.

it smells overpowering

Adjective-oriented description of the scent.

it smells heavily

Similar to 'strongly' but can imply a negative or unpleasant smell.

it's a pungent smell

Describes the smell as sharp and intense.

it's excessively fragrant

Focuses on the excessive quality of the fragrance or scent.

it reeks

Implies a strong, unpleasant smell.

FAQs

Is "it smells like a lot" grammatically correct?

According to Ludwig AI, the phrase "it smells like a lot" is not considered standard written English and may lack clarity. It is more effective to use phrases like "it has a strong smell" or "it smells quite intense".

What are some alternatives to "it smells like a lot"?

You can use alternatives such as "it has a strong odor", "it smells strongly", or "it has an intense scent" to describe a powerful smell more clearly.

How can I make my descriptions of smells more vivid?

Instead of relying on vague intensity descriptions like "it smells like a lot", focus on providing specific details about the scent. For example, describe whether it's floral, fruity, spicy, or earthy, and mention any specific associations or memories it evokes.

In what situations might someone use "it smells like a lot"?

While not grammatically standard, "it smells like a lot" might be used informally to express that something has a very strong or overwhelming odor. However, for professional or academic writing, it's better to use more precise and descriptive language.