smells terrific

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "smells terrific" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a pleasant or appealing scent, often in relation to food or fragrances. Example: "As I walked into the kitchen, I was greeted by the aroma of freshly baked cookies that smells terrific."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

This is the "flirt" option, with which you can change the flow of discourse from drier topics involving the end of existence—"I wish Corypheus would stop with this nonsense," and the like to more salacious fare, like, "A peer inside your smock, perchance?" and, "I can smell your junk from here, and it smells terrific".

Vice

This is the "flirt" option, with which you can change the flow of discourse from drier topics involving the end of existence – "I wish Corypheus would stop with this nonsense," and the like – to more salacious fare, like, "A peer inside your smock, perchance?" and, "I can smell your junk from here, and it smells terrific".

Vice

Gee, Your Hair Smells Terrific.

The New York Times

Almost as good as "Gee Your Hair Smells Terrific" shampoo.

The New Yorker

So much time has passed now that some details are murky, but I do clearly remember us with our slightly damp, fragrant hair (my shampoo of choice was "Gee, Your Hair Smells Terrific") and summer blouses, walking or taking the No. 6 train to the Condé Nast building, then on Madison Avenue.

The New York Times

Leafing through it, you feel as if you had uncovered an ancient Newsweek from a dusty crate in an attic — pages pop with leisure suits and handlebar mustaches, people in tight pants or no pants, E.R.A. activists, "Charlie's Angels," Donny Osmond and Richard Nixon, all tucked in among period ads of "Gee, Your Hair Smells Terrific!" or the bulbous AMC Pacers.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

THE place smelled terrific.

The New York Times

I guess if you're gonna die out in deep space, you might as well smell terrific.

TechCrunch

This will make your hair smell terrific!

WikiHow

And god knows their houses are always spectacularly decorated and terrific smelling.

Huffington Post

It was terrific, apart from one design flaw: hot air and kitchen smells rise into the upper bedroom level.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "smells terrific" to describe a scent that is not only pleasant but also evokes a sense of excitement or strong approval. For example, "The freshly baked bread smells terrific and I can't wait to try it."

Common error

While "smells terrific" is a fine expression, avoid using it repeatedly in close proximity. Vary your descriptions with synonyms like "smells amazing" or "has a wonderful aroma" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "smells terrific" functions as a descriptive expression, where "smells" acts as a linking verb connecting the subject to the adjective "terrific." Ludwig confirms this is grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Wiki

14%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "smells terrific" is a grammatically correct and relatively common way to express that something has a very pleasant scent. Ludwig's analysis indicates that it is most frequently used in news and media contexts and carries a neutral tone. While perfectly acceptable, varying your vocabulary with synonyms like "smells amazing" or "has a wonderful aroma" can enhance your writing. The positive affirmation of the grammar provided by Ludwig AI makes it a solid choice for conveying sensory pleasure.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

smells wonderful

Replaces "terrific" with "wonderful", indicating a high degree of pleasure.

smells amazing

Substitutes "terrific" with "amazing", conveying a strong sense of delight.

smells great

Uses "great" instead of "terrific", denoting a positive and appealing scent.

has a pleasant smell

Changes the structure to emphasize the existence of a pleasing odor.

smells divine

Replaces "terrific" with "divine", suggesting an exceptionally delightful fragrance.

smells delightful

Uses "delightful" instead of "terrific", indicating a charming and agreeable scent.

has a lovely scent

Shifts the focus to the presence of a beautiful fragrance.

smells fragrant

Emphasizes the aromatic quality of the smell.

exudes a wonderful aroma

Changes the structure and vocabulary to describe the emanation of a positive scent.

has an appealing fragrance

Focuses on the inviting nature of the scent.

FAQs

How can I use "smells terrific" in a sentence?

You can use "smells terrific" to describe anything with a pleasant or appealing scent. For example: "The coffee "smells terrific" this morning", or "The new air freshener "smells terrific"".

What can I say instead of "smells terrific"?

You can use alternatives like "smells amazing", "smells great", or "has a wonderful scent" depending on the context.

Is "smells terrific" formal or informal?

"Smells terrific" is generally considered informal, suitable for everyday conversation. In formal writing, consider using more sophisticated terms like "has a delightful aroma" or "exudes a pleasant fragrance".

What's the difference between "smells terrific" and "smells good"?

"Smells good" is a general statement indicating a pleasant smell. "Smells terrific" implies a higher degree of enjoyment or excitement about the smell. It suggests that the scent is particularly appealing or impressive.