it smells of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it smells of" is correct and is commonly used in written English.
It is used to describe a scent. For example, "The kitchen smelled of freshly baked cookies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Stooped and arthritic, it smells of mothballs and can no longer afford its beloved Swiss chocolates.

The New Yorker

It smells of victory.

The New York Times - Sports

"It smells of genocide".

Independent

It smells of desperation.

The New Yorker

It smells of discrimination.

The New York Times

"It smells of her smell".

The New Yorker

It smells of caramel.

The New York Times - Magazine

It smells of earth.

The Guardian

It smells of garlic.

The Guardian - Books

It smells of cacao.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

■ I have seen the future and it smells of… bacon.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it smells of" to vividly describe environments, objects, or experiences, engaging the reader's sense of smell for a more immersive narrative.

Common error

Avoid using "it smells of" when describing abstract concepts or situations where a literal scent is not present. Instead, use phrases like "it feels like" or "it seems like" to convey a metaphorical sense.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it smells of" functions as a sensory descriptor, primarily used to indicate the scent or odor associated with a particular subject. It directly relates a subject to a specific smell, as Ludwig examples show in context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Lifestyle

10%

Books

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it smells of" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe the scent associated with something. According to Ludwig, its main function is to provide a sensory description, evoking places and objects through their odors. The phrase is frequently used in news, media, lifestyle, and book contexts to create vivid imagery. While versatile, it's important to avoid overuse in abstract contexts, as Ludwig AI suggests. Related phrases like "it has the aroma of" or "it gives off a scent of" can offer variety. The phrase enjoys support from authoritative sources, making it a reliable choice for expressing olfactory experiences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it has the aroma of

Replaces "smells" with "has the aroma", focusing on a pleasant scent.

it gives off a scent of

Emphasizes the emission of a particular smell.

it carries the fragrance of

Highlights a delicate and pleasing smell, often associated with perfumes or flowers.

it exudes the odor of

Suggests a strong or pervasive smell, whether pleasant or unpleasant.

it has a whiff of

Indicates a faint or fleeting smell.

the scent is reminiscent of

Focuses on what the smell brings to mind or is similar to.

it is scented with

Highlights the addition of a specific scent.

the air is filled with the scent of

Emphasizes the pervasiveness of the smell in the environment.

one can detect the fragrance of

Formal way to say that a smell can be perceived

a distinct smell of it comes from

Focus on a single or notable odor

FAQs

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

Use "it smells of" to describe the scent of something. For example, "The bakery "it smells of" freshly baked bread".

What are some alternatives to using "it smells of"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "it has the aroma of", "it gives off a scent of", or "it carries the fragrance of". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "it smells of" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English to describe scents.

What's the difference between "it smells of" and "it smells like"?

"It smells of" is typically followed by a noun, whereas "it smells like" is often followed by a clause or a more descriptive phrase. For example, ""it smells of" lavender" versus "it smells like my grandmother's perfume".