smell deep

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "smell deep" is not standard in written English and may be confusing without context.
It could be used in a poetic or metaphorical sense to suggest a profound or intense experience of smell. Example: "As I walked through the blooming garden, I took a moment to smell deep, savoring the rich fragrances of the flowers around me."

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

They can smell deep below the surface of the snow, scale any terrain, and dig like motherfuckers, too.

Vice

The more moisture, the better, I suppose, and Kiehl's stuff has a lovely, sophisticated smell: deep and earthy and floral.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The street smells: deep rot, overlaid with the clean, tallowy odor of refrigerated flesh.

The New York Times - Magazine

Sour smells, deep inhalations, loud rips everyone's repertoire of preferences is slightly different.

Vice

He said he was covered in bruises after training, saying: "I smell of Deep Heat every night".

Independent

The stars have gone, but daylight has not replaced them when I smell the deep, dark perfume of coffee.

The New York Times - Magazine

Close your eyes and inhale and you might imagine you can still smell the deep, sweet tones of raw rump and sirloin; the retail meat tang that I recall from my days as a butcher's boy.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

As I leave the nightclub, coatless, I gaze backwards one last time and I'm struck by the weird nobility of it all: in an industry that has turned them into partybots, the cast of Geordie Shore still fundamentally know how to stay real, get mortal, to have a good time, keep their jackets about them at all times, to stay upright and cogent after 11pm, to smell fantastic deep into the night.

Vice

"Go, stick your nose inside that bus and breathe deep, smell the blood, the blood of our people," a Jewish settler said, leading me toward a freshly bombed school bus in the Gaza Strip.

The New York Times

She shrugs, leaning in, and once again I smell her perfume, deeper now.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Her nightshirt smell is deep and warm like a small, delicate animal in hibernation," Goldworm says.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "smell deep" in contexts where you want to emphasize the intensity of experiencing a scent, especially when describing a sensory experience or setting a mood.

Common error

Avoid using "smell deep" in formal or technical writing where precise and common language is preferred. Opt for alternatives like "inhale deeply" or "take a deep breath of".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "smell deep" functions as a verb phrase where "smell" is the verb and "deep" modifies it, indicating the intensity or depth of the act of smelling. Examples from Ludwig show its use in describing sensory experiences and reactions to scents.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

25%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "smell deep" is an uncommon but acceptable way to describe the act of inhaling deeply to fully experience a scent. While grammatically sound, it's best suited for informal or descriptive contexts where emphasizing the intensity of the sensory experience is desired. According to Ludwig, more common alternatives like "inhale deeply" or "take a deep breath of" may be preferable in formal writing. Ludwig's analysis indicates that the phrase is primarily found in News & Media and Wiki sources, suggesting a generally informal usage pattern.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inhale deeply

Focuses on the action of breathing in deeply, emphasizing the physical aspect rather than the perception of smell.

breathe in deeply

Similar to "inhale deeply", focusing on the depth of the breath.

take a deep breath of

Highlights the act of taking a full breath to experience a particular scent.

deeply inhale the fragrance

Combines the depth of the inhalation with the pleasant nature of a fragrance.

savor the aroma

Emphasizes the enjoyment and appreciation of the smell.

fully inhale

Stresses the completeness of the inhalation, implying a thorough experience of the scent.

absorb the scent

Suggests taking in the smell as if it were being soaked up.

experience the scent fully

Highlights the complete and thorough sensation of smelling.

immerse oneself in the fragrance

Creates a sense of being surrounded and enveloped by the scent.

drink in the aroma

Uses a metaphor of drinking to describe the intensity of experiencing the smell.

FAQs

What does "smell deep" mean?

"Smell deep" is a phrase used to describe the act of inhaling deeply to fully experience a scent. It emphasizes the intensity and thoroughness of the smelling action.

Is "smell deep" grammatically correct?

While not a standard phrase in formal English, "smell deep" is grammatically acceptable in certain contexts, especially when aiming for a more descriptive or evocative tone. However, Ludwig AI suggests it is not the most common or preferred phrasing.

What can I say instead of "smell deep"?

You can use alternatives like "inhale deeply", "take a deep breath of", or "savor the aroma" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "smell deep"?

It's appropriate to use "smell deep" in creative writing, descriptive narratives, or informal contexts where you want to convey a strong sensory experience. Avoid it in formal or technical writing.