it smelt of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it smelt of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a scent or odor that is present in a particular environment or object. Example: "As I entered the old library, it smelt of musty books and aged paper."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

To me, it smelt of safety.

The Guardian - Books

Invariably described as the most English of grounds, it smelt of cigars and grass, of football.

The Guardian - Sport

It smelt of spliff and was run by two guys with hair down to their bottoms who had all the time in the world to hang, and chat.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I spent half the night in a hammock he had lent me, and half of it down on the needle carpet, where it smelt of sap and resin.

The Guardian - Books

Hull Hull was the original number one Crap Town, primarily because it smelt "of death", thanks to the potent aroma produced when the emissions with the local chocolate factory combined with nearby fish docks.

Independent

"The first thing that came up was in Glasgow, and I loved Glasgow – that was where the bus stopped on the trip to London, and at 3 o'clock in the morning it smelt of the sea.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

It smells of discrimination.

The New York Times

It smells of victory.

The New York Times - Sports

"It smells of genocide".

Independent

It smells of desperation.

The New Yorker

It smelled of roses.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it smelt of" to vividly describe an environment or object by appealing to the sense of smell. For example: "The old house it smelt of aged wood and forgotten memories".

Common error

Avoid using "it smelt of" when describing something that is experienced through a different sense, such as taste or sight. "It tasted of" is appropriate for flavors, while "it looked like" is fitting for visual descriptions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it smelt of" functions as a descriptive element within a sentence. It serves to characterize a subject by associating it with a particular scent or aroma. As noted by Ludwig, the phrase is considered grammatically correct. The structure adheres to the pattern of subject + verb + prepositional phrase, providing sensory detail.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Books

20%

Lifestyle

10%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

20%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it smelt of" is a grammatically sound and valid phrase used to describe a scent associated with something. While "smelled" is more prevalent in contemporary usage, "smelt" remains acceptable. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, although it is important to note the more modern alternative form. Its use effectively creates a sensory experience, enriching descriptions in various contexts, particularly in news, books, and lifestyle writing. When aiming for a more current tone, using "smelled" is advisable, while "smelt" can lend a touch of vintage charm to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it had the aroma of

Replaces "smelt" with "aroma", emphasizing a pleasant smell.

it gave off a scent of

Focuses on the act of emitting a smell, rather than the inherent property of smelling.

it carried a fragrance of

Similar to aroma, implying a delicate and pleasing scent.

it had an odor of

A more neutral way to describe a smell, without implying pleasantness or unpleasantness.

the air was thick with the smell of

Emphasizes the pervasiveness of the scent.

it reeked of

Indicates a strong and unpleasant smell.

it had the tang of

Highlights a sharp, distinctive smell.

the scent was reminiscent of

Highlights the evocative nature of the smell, suggesting a memory or association.

a whiff of emanated from

Focuses on a brief or faint smell.

it tasted of

Intentionally incorrect; indicates a smell association.

FAQs

Is "it smelt of" grammatically correct?

Yes, "it smelt of" is grammatically correct, although "smelled" is more common in modern English. Both are used to describe what something smelled like.

What's the difference between "it smelt of" and "it smelled of"?

"It smelt of" and "it smelled of" are both grammatically valid, but "smelled" is the more common and modern form. "Smelt" is an older past tense form of the verb "to smell".

What can I say instead of "it smelt of"?

You can use alternatives like "it had the aroma of", "it gave off a scent of", or "it reeked of", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

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

Use "it smelt of" to describe a particular scent. For example: "The antique shop it smelt of old paper and beeswax", or "The garden it smelt of roses and damp earth".