it smells rather

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it smells rather" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a scent or odor that is somewhat noticeable or significant. Example: "As I walked into the room, it smells rather musty, indicating that it hasn't been aired out in a while."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

It smells rather nice as well.

Independent

It is cold in the dark university building and it smells rather fetid but Leta, Alexander and Dimitar kick away the piles of sleeping bags and half-eaten food on the floor and benches and invite me to sit down.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

According to Herman, when you pay attention to the narrative of how perfume actually smells, rather than how it is marketed, the story becomes delightfully non-linear.

The New Yorker

To the uninitiated, a Steidl book smells rather like a just-opened box of children's crayons.

The New Yorker

Hundreds of nearby factories were closed in an effort to reduce the effluent that causes algae to grow.This year's problem smells rather like that of 2007, but comparisons are tricky.

The Economist

To the old guard this behavior smells rather shallow, impetuous and greedy.

Forbes

Moreover, the geometrical analogy used set an upper bound on the final answer, rather than a lower bound: in other words, even assuming that the rest of the analysis was robust, the result should have been that humans can discriminate 'no more than' 1.72 trillion smells rather than 'at least'.

eLife

The company's Deer Stopper works to offend animals with its scent, but unlike other repellents on the market, it smells sweet rather than putrid.

The New York Times

It is an oblong ball of ground-up fish that can smell rather funky, especially when it comes from a jar.

Huffington Post

"It has to do with your ability to smell rather than the actual pee.

Huffington Post

It was blown up like a horse on the Western Front and smelled rather horrible.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it smells rather" when you want to convey a subtle yet noticeable scent, avoiding stronger terms that might overstate the intensity.

Common error

Avoid using "it smells rather" when describing overpowering or unpleasant odors; opt for stronger, more descriptive language in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it smells rather" functions primarily as a descriptive statement. It qualifies the verb "smells" with the adverb "rather", indicating a moderate degree of a particular scent. Ludwig AI confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it smells rather" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a moderately noticeable scent. Ludwig AI supports its correct usage. Although not very frequent, appearing mostly in news and media contexts, the phrase is versatile enough for various descriptive purposes. When employing this phrase, ensure the intensity of the smell aligns with the "rather" qualifier, avoiding understatement or exaggeration. Alternative expressions like "it has a slight odor" can be considered for nuanced descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it has a slight odor

Focuses on the presence of a faint smell, differing in emphasis.

it gives off a mild scent

Highlights the emission of a gentle fragrance, a softer connotation.

it has a discernible scent

Focuses on the ability to distinguish the smell, highlighting clarity.

it possesses a noticeable aroma

Emphasizes the perceptible nature of the smell, adding formality.

it carries a subtle aroma

Emphasizes the delicate and understated nature of the smell.

it exhibits a faint fragrance

Uses "fragrance" to imply a pleasant smell, a more refined description.

it presents a delicate scent

Highlights the refined and pleasing aspect of the smell.

it is somewhat fragrant

Directly states the presence of a pleasant smell with moderate intensity.

it exudes a mild odor

Focuses on the emanation of the smell, using "odor" which can be neutral or slightly negative.

it emits a faint perfume

Specifically refers to a manufactured scent, limiting its general use.

FAQs

What does "it smells rather" mean?

The phrase "it smells rather" indicates that something has a noticeable, but not overpowering, scent. The intensity of the smell is moderate.

What can I say instead of "it smells rather"?

You can use alternatives like "it has a slight odor", "it gives off a mild scent", or "it possesses a noticeable aroma" depending on the context.

Is "it smells rather" formal or informal?

"It smells rather" is generally considered neutral in formality, suitable for both casual and slightly more formal contexts. The choice of words following "rather" can influence the overall tone.

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

You can use "it smells rather" to describe the scent of something, such as "As I walked into the old library, "it smells rather" musty." or "The new perfume "it smells rather" sweet."