smell like

USAGE SUMMARY

"smell like" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a scent or odor, or to compare one thing to another, for example "The bread smelled like cinnamon."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They smell like goats.

The New Yorker

You smell like you're sweating.

The New Yorker

"Doesn't smell like one, but…".

The New Yorker

They smell like shit.

The Guardian - Opinion

They smell like chicken.

The New York Times - Magazine

They smell like vaginas.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

You smell like dirt".

The New York Times - Magazine

It doesn't smell like Rosenblatt.

The New York Times - Sports

What did it smell like?

The New York Times - Magazine

I still smell like rubber".

The New York Times

What does Debussy smell like?

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "smell like" to create vivid and relatable descriptions by linking unfamiliar scents to well-known ones. For example, "The chemicals in the lab smelled like burnt almonds", making it easier for the reader to imagine the odor.

Common error

Be specific when using "smell like" to prevent misinterpretations. For instance, instead of saying "It smells like something," clarify by stating, "It smells like old cheese" for a clearer understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "smell like" primarily functions as a linking verb followed by a preposition, serving to connect the subject with a description of its scent. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Wiki

14%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "smell like" is a versatile and frequently used expression to describe or compare scents. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable in various contexts. With a neutral register, it fits seamlessly into both informal conversations and more formal writing, such as news articles. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in comparing odors to familiar things, helping to create vivid sensory descriptions. The phrase's primary function is to link a subject with a descriptive scent, making it an essential tool for expressive communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

smells similar to

Adds the word "similar" to explicitly state the comparison.

has a scent comparable to

Uses "scent comparable to" to indicate a notable likeness in smell.

have the aroma of

Substitutes "smell" with "have the aroma of", using a more refined term for scent.

resemble the scent of

Replaces the verb "smell" with "resemble the scent of", focusing on similarity of scent.

carry the fragrance of

Uses "fragrance" instead of "smell", suggesting a pleasant scent.

is reminiscent of

Highlights the suggestive quality of the smell, implying it evokes memories or associations.

give off an odor of

Emphasizes the emission of a particular smell.

evokes a fragrance of

Highlights the evocative nature of the scent, suggesting a strong association.

exudes the odor of

Focuses on the emanation of a strong or distinct smell.

is scented with

Implies the presence of an added or infused scent.

FAQs

How can I use "smell like" in a sentence?

You can use "smell like" to describe a scent or compare it to something else. For example, "The flowers "smell like roses"" or "The air "smelled like rain"".

What are some alternatives to "smell like"?

Alternatives include phrases such as "resemble the scent of", "have the aroma of", or "is reminiscent of", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "smells like" instead of "smell like"?

Yes, both forms are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "Smell like" is used with plural nouns or pronouns (e.g., "They smell like cinnamon"), while "smells like" is used with singular nouns or pronouns (e.g., "It smells like cinnamon").

What does it mean when something "smells like" something else?

When something "smells like" something else, it means that its odor is similar to the odor of the other thing. It's a way of describing an unfamiliar scent by comparing it to a familiar one.