smacks

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "smacks" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a strong or distinct taste, smell, or sensation, often in a figurative sense to indicate a strong impression or resemblance. Example: "The dish smacks of garlic, making it a flavorful choice for those who love bold flavors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He's hitting Red Ed with some facts that he's read That smacks of a weird personal odyssey.

The Guardian - Opinion

While recapturing the House of Representatives remains a distant dream, the vulnerability of Senate Democrats standing in Republican-leaning states this November means there is plenty of pressure on Obama to tone down his rhetoric: he will likely eschew anything that smacks of class warfare in favour of emphasising greater opportunity.

The Guardian

It's like Blackie the donkey for posh readers... Smacks of desperation at Daily Telegraph".

The Guardian

Similarly, when the stricken community bonds together to pay for Billy's travel expenses to the climatic audition despite their own obvious hardship, the scene smacks of cliché.

The Guardian - Film

The importance of a single match (they could go four points clear of Seattle) smacks up against the importance of the rest of the season.

The Guardian - Sport

But the Treasury's move smacks of politics on the hoof.

The Guardian - Business

But I was a student at Central Saint Martins, like them, and to me their framing of the incident smacks of an art school mindset that risks riling the general public, especially in such harrowing circumstances.

The Guardian - Film

The reality may be that the report is largely uncontroversial, but Rose is known to be critical of the current management structure of the NHS – and anything that smacks of reorganisation will raise alarm within the NHS.

The Guardian

The fact that the original decision rather smacks of a white, privileged, smug and superior establishment coming together in solidarity with a publication that some regard as racist is not relevant.

The Guardian - Opinion

For most large corporations – especially publicly traded firms with a fiduciary duty to their shareholders – anything that smacks of smaller returns on investment makes for a difficult sell.

The Guardian

At this point, said Ms. Pata, an Alaska Native, the opposition smacks of bias.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "smacks" to add a strong, often negative, connotation when describing something that resembles or suggests something else. For example, "The decision smacks of desperation" conveys a stronger sense of disapproval than "The decision suggests desperation."

Common error

While "smacks" can be effective, avoid overusing it, especially in formal contexts. Over-reliance can make your writing seem less objective. Consider using more neutral alternatives like "resembles" or "suggests" in professional documents.

Linguistic Context

Verb indicating resemblance or suggestion: "Smacks" functions as a verb, typically in the third-person singular, to express that something has the quality of resembling or suggesting something else. As seen in Ludwig AI, it often carries a negative or critical connotation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "smacks" is a verb that indicates a resemblance or suggestion of something, often with a negative connotation. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and widely used, especially in news and media. While effective in conveying a strong opinion, consider its impact and choose more neutral alternatives like "resembles" or "suggests" in formal writing. Overusing "smacks" can diminish the objectivity of your writing. Remember to consider your audience and the desired tone when using "smacks" to ensure clarity and appropriateness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

resembles

Suggests a similarity in appearance or nature, differing in formality.

suggests

Indicates a possibility or hint, less forceful than "smacks".

hints at

Implies something subtly, weaker in intensity.

indicates

Points out or shows, more neutral and less judgmental.

implies

Suggests indirectly, often requiring interpretation.

bears resemblance to

Highlights a similarity in a more descriptive way.

has the hallmarks of

Emphasizes characteristic features, suggesting authenticity.

evokes

Brings to mind a feeling or image, more emotional.

is reminiscent of

Recalls a past event or style, focusing on memory.

intimates

Communicates delicately and indirectly, very subtle.

FAQs

How can I use "smacks" in a sentence?

"Smacks" is often used to express that something has a strong resemblance or indication of something else, often with a negative connotation. For example, "His proposal "smacks of desperation"".

What can I say instead of "smacks"?

You can use alternatives like "resembles", "suggests", or "hints at" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "smacks" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "smacks" can sometimes be perceived as informal or overly critical. Consider the tone and audience of your writing before using it. In some cases, a more neutral word like "indicates" might be more suitable.

What's the difference between "smacks of" and "suggests"?

"Smacks of" implies a stronger and often more negative connection than "suggests". "Smacks of" often implies disapproval or suspicion, while "suggests" is more neutral.