smells cool

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "smells cool" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a scent that is refreshing or pleasant, often in a casual or informal context. Example: "The new cologne he bought really smells cool; I love the fresh scent."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The air smells cool.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

They don't make any noise, they don't smell cool and they might even be toxic to be on".

The New York Times

"This is really different, it smells really cool".

The New York Times

It smells like cool winter air mixed with woods.

WikiHow

You can smell the cool breeze coming up from the river through the trees.

The Guardian - Opinion

Shaded tent sites were laid out along a crystalline stream where trout darted over smooth pebbles; the air itself smelled of cool stone.

The New York Times - Travel

When I think of the bakery where I worked, I think of the yeast and butter, tile and apples, a confluence so distinct I can taste the pain au levain in my head and I can smell the cool street air that came in with the delivery man.

The New York Times - Food

From the second I laid eyes on them, I was all like, "I'm pretty sure those kids are about to kill everybody and probably even a dog too while they're at it" to everyone I was watching the movie with even though everyone kept telling me to shut up because I was "ruining the movie" and also "smelled like Cool Ranch Doritos" or whatever.

Vice

Many people find that smelling fresh, cool air helps make them feel better, although the reason behind this isn't clear.

WikiHow

The air smelled like a cool herbal balm, and our boots grew dark with dew.

The New York Times - Travel

Around the corner, the topless male models at Abercrombie & Fitch radiate the "rugged, classic, cool" smell of their Fierce cologne, which is also regularly sprayed on to the clothes and around the shop floor.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing scents, consider using "smells cool" to convey a sense of freshness or modernity, especially in informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "smells cool" in formal or professional writing. Opt for more precise and sophisticated terms like "has a refreshing scent" or "exudes a clean fragrance" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "smells cool" functions as a descriptive phrase, where "smells" acts as a linking verb connecting the subject to the adjective "cool". Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Wiki

14%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "smells cool" is a grammatically sound and informally used expression to describe a scent that is subjectively perceived as pleasant or refreshing. While Ludwig AI confirms its usability, the phrase is more common in news and media contexts but less appropriate for formal or business writing. Alternatives like "has a refreshing scent" or "smells invigorating" may be more suitable in professional settings. When considering the phrase, writers should balance its descriptive power with the formality required by the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has a refreshing scent

Replaces the adjective "cool" with "refreshing", focusing on the invigorating aspect of the smell.

smells invigorating

Replaces "cool" with "invigorating", emphasizing the revitalizing quality of the smell.

has an appealing scent

Uses "appealing" to describe the scent, suggesting attractiveness and agreeability.

has a pleasant aroma

Substitutes "smells" with "has a pleasant aroma", using a more formal term for scent.

smells delightful

Replaces "cool" with "delightful", conveying a sense of joy and pleasure associated with the smell.

smells clean and crisp

Specifies the scent characteristics as both clean and crisp, providing a more detailed description.

exudes a fresh fragrance

Employs more sophisticated vocabulary, indicating a light and clean scent.

has a revitalizing fragrance

Focuses on the revitalizing effect of the fragrance, suggesting renewed energy.

smells brisk

Uses "brisk" to indicate a sharp, refreshing, and clean scent, often associated with coolness.

smells minty fresh

Adds a specific scent profile (mint) to describe the refreshing quality.

FAQs

What does it mean when something "smells cool"?

When something "smells cool", it typically means it has a refreshing or pleasant scent, often with a modern or clean connotation. It's a subjective description, implying the scent is appealing.

What can I say instead of "smells cool"?

You can use alternatives like "has a refreshing scent", "smells invigorating", or "has a pleasant aroma" depending on the context.

Is "smells cool" grammatically correct?

Yes, "smells cool" is grammatically correct. "Smells" functions as a linking verb, and "cool" is an adjective describing the scent.

In what contexts is "smells cool" appropriate to use?

"Smells cool" is generally appropriate in informal or casual contexts. It might be less suitable for formal writing, where more precise and sophisticated vocabulary is preferred, such as "has a revitalizing fragrance".