it smells not

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it smells not" is correct but somewhat archaic and less commonly used in modern English.
You can use it in a poetic or literary context, or when trying to evoke an old-fashioned tone. Example: "In the garden, it smells not of roses, but of damp earth and decay."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

It smells, not surprisingly, a little soapy.

The New York Times - Food

It smells not of wet thatch and groundling but of warm beeswax and wood.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

It smelled, not of disinfectant, but of musty neglect.

Independent

I'll give you a hint of how it smelled: not good.

Vice

Um, it's going to smell not so great in here in a minute.

The New Yorker

It smells boozy but not overly so.

Vice

Just smell it, smells great, doesn't it?

WikiHow

If it smells rancid, don't use it.

WikiHow

If it smells spoiled, don't buy it.

WikiHow

Just because it smells better doesn't mean it's cleaner.

WikiHow

Just because it smells pretty doesn't mean it can keep up with your active lifestyle.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it does not smell" or "it doesn't smell" in most contexts for clarity and modern usage. Reserve "it smells not" for specific literary or stylistic effects where an archaic tone is desired.

Common error

Avoid using "it smells not" in everyday conversation or professional writing, as it can sound unnatural and pretentious. Modern English provides clearer and more direct alternatives.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it smells not" functions as a declarative statement expressing the absence of a particular scent. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is grammatically correct but considered archaic in modern English. Examples show its usage in contrasting expected and actual scents.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

33%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it smells not" is a grammatically sound but archaic expression used to indicate the absence of a particular scent. While considered correct, Ludwig AI states that modern English speakers typically opt for alternatives like "it does not smell" or "it doesn't smell". Usage of "it smells not" is rare and primarily found in literary contexts aiming for an old-fashioned tone. It appears mostly in news and media sources, and its application should be carefully considered to avoid sounding unnatural in contemporary communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it does not smell

More common and contemporary way to express the absence of a particular smell.

it doesn't smell

Contraction of "it does not smell", making it more conversational.

it has no scent

Focuses on the lack of scent, rather than a contrast with an expected smell.

it is odorless

Emphasizes the complete absence of any smell.

it smells of nothing

Highlights the lack of identifiable scent characteristics.

it lacks fragrance

Focuses on the absence of a pleasant or noticeable fragrance.

it gives off no odor

Formal way of saying there is no smell being emitted.

it doesn't give off a smell

More informal way of saying there is no smell being emitted.

there is no smell

General statement about the absence of any scent.

it's unscented

Indicates that something was intentionally made without a scent.

FAQs

What does "it smells not" mean?

The phrase "it smells not" means that something does not have a particular smell. It's an older, less common way of saying "it does not smell" or "it doesn't smell".

Is "it smells not" grammatically correct?

Yes, "it smells not" is grammatically correct, but it's considered archaic. Modern English prefers the structure "it does not smell" or "it doesn't smell".

When should I use "it smells not"?

Use "it smells not" sparingly, primarily in literary contexts or when intentionally trying to create an old-fashioned or poetic effect. For everyday communication, stick with "it does not smell".

What are some alternatives to "it smells not"?

Alternatives include "it does not smell", "it doesn't smell", "it has no scent", and "it is odorless", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.