noxious fumes

USAGE SUMMARY

'noxious fumes' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a negative smell that is harmful to one's health. For example, "The factory emitted noxious fumes, which made it difficult to breathe."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There was the possibility of noxious fumes".

The New York Times

The label warns of noxious fumes.

The Guardian

"Noxious fumes" are not among them.

The New York Times

It was noxious fumes from aluminum that people feared.

The New York Times

Many use powerful spray painters that produce noxious fumes.

The New York Times

Like his Party's environmental policies, he is green in name only and emits noxious fumes.

The New Yorker

Here is a Venice free of the noxious fumes of 19th-century literature.

The New York Times - Books

The fact that I smoke, thus filling the air with noxious fumes.

The Guardian

New Yorkers wear gas masks on the Kosciusko Bridge to protect themselves from noxious fumes.

The New York Times - Books

Could the watchman have died from asphyxiation from noxious fumes in handling a fire extinguisher.

The New Yorker

He has magical powers — his noxious fumes, which cause flowers and dragons to wilt.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing environmental hazards or industrial accidents, use "noxious fumes" to accurately convey the presence of harmful airborne substances.

Common error

Avoid using "noxious fumes" in casual conversation or informal writing; it's more appropriate for technical or descriptive contexts. Simpler terms like "bad smells" or "unpleasant odor" may be more suitable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "noxious fumes" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It acts as the subject or object in sentences describing the presence or effects of harmful gases. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English and provides numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "noxious fumes" is a noun phrase used to describe harmful or unpleasant gases or vapors. Ludwig AI confirms that is grammatically correct and very common in written English. It's most frequently found in News & Media, Wiki, and Science contexts and is generally used in a neutral to formal register. When writing, consider its technical nature and reserve it for contexts where precision is needed. While related phrases like "toxic gases" or "harmful vapors" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

toxic gases

Emphasizes the poisonous nature of the airborne substances.

harmful vapors

Highlights the potential for damage caused by the airborne substances.

poisonous emissions

Focuses on the release of toxic substances into the air.

irritating smoke

Highlights the discomfort and annoyance caused by the smoke.

dangerous exhaust

Specifically refers to the harmful emissions from engines or industrial processes.

unhealthy air pollution

Broadly describes the contamination of the air with harmful substances.

contaminated air

Focuses on the polluted state of the air.

polluted gas

Highlights the harmful substances that contaminate the gas.

suffocating smog

Emphasizes the density and breath-inhibiting nature of the air pollution.

hazardous airborne particles

Focuses on the physical nature and danger of the airborne substances.

FAQs

How can I use "noxious fumes" in a sentence?

You can use "noxious fumes" to describe harmful gases or vapors, such as "The factory released "noxious fumes" into the air, causing respiratory problems for nearby residents".

What's a less formal way to say "noxious fumes"?

In less formal contexts, you could use phrases like "bad smells", "unpleasant odors", or "harmful gases" instead of "noxious fumes".

Are "toxic fumes" and "noxious fumes" the same?

While similar, "toxic fumes" generally emphasizes the poisonous nature of the gas, while ""noxious fumes"" highlights their harmful or unpleasant qualities. They are often used interchangeably.

Where might I encounter "noxious fumes"?

You might encounter "noxious fumes" near industrial sites, chemical plants, or areas with poor ventilation where harmful gases can accumulate.