something smells good

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "something smells good" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
Example 1: "As soon as I walked into the kitchen, I was hit with the delicious aroma of freshly baked bread. Something definitely smells good in here." Example 2: "I couldn't resist following my nose to the food truck on the corner. Something smells good and I'm dying to try it." Example 3: "The new perfume my friend is wearing is amazing. Every time she walks by, I can't help but think something smells good."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

"If something smells good, the product is perceived as good".

Forbes

Whisper in his/her ear in a crowded room, smirk and smile pleasantly at him/her, hug him/her whenever the moment's right (but not too much) and always act like something smells good when you're around him/her.

WikiHow

If you are standing in front of a restaurant, you might say "Something smells good, doesn't it?" #*If a bus just drove off leaving a person behind at the stop, you might remark "TriMet, right?" and give her a knowing glance.

WikiHow

From Jenny Wallace, aromatherapist and owner of Something Smells Good! in Bristol, Tenn.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The lobster rolls are said to be legendary and something certainly smells good.

The Guardian - Travel

Something that smells good, that smells of money.

Forbes

So eating something that smells good doesn't necessarily mean you're going to smell good.

Vice

After the first step, light candles like Blueberry Crumble or something that smells good.

WikiHow

Try to get something that smells good, and is organic and well formulated.

WikiHow

All you need is water, soap, make-up, something that smells good, and a bottle that sprays.

WikiHow

Wait for deals at your favorite department stores and save up for something that smells good to you.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "something smells good" when you want to express a general pleasant smell without specifying the source. For a more refined or specific context, consider using "fragrance" or "aroma".

Common error

Avoid using "something smells good" in highly formal or professional writing. It is generally considered informal. Opt for more sophisticated vocabulary such as "a pleasant fragrance" or "a delightful aroma" to maintain a polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "something smells good" functions as an observation or expression of a pleasant olfactory experience. It's a simple declaration indicating that there is a pleasing scent, as validated by Ludwig AI and shown in various examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

40%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "something smells good" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to express a pleasant olfactory experience. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and the analyzed data indicates it appears frequently in news, media, and wiki contexts. While primarily informal, it can be used in neutral settings. For more formal or professional contexts, consider alternative expressions like "a pleasant fragrance". This phrase effectively communicates the appreciation of a pleasing scent, making it a versatile addition to your vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it has a pleasant scent

Replaces "smells" with "scent" and uses a more descriptive adjective.

it's fragrant

More concise, using an adjective to describe the smell.

a pleasant aroma fills the air

More descriptive and emphasizes the widespread nature of the smell.

there's a delicious fragrance in the air

Uses "fragrance" instead of "smell" for a more refined tone.

there is an inviting aroma

Highlights the welcoming nature of the smell.

the aroma is quite pleasant

A more subdued way of acknowledging a good smell.

i detect a wonderful smell

More formal and emphasizes personal detection of the smell.

a tempting scent lingers

Suggests the smell is enticing and remains in the air.

the air is filled with a delightful fragrance

Emphasizes the encompassing nature of the pleasant smell.

it has an appealing odor

More clinical, replaces "smells good" with an objective observation.

FAQs

What does "something smells good" mean?

It means that there is a pleasant or appealing scent in the air, although the source of the smell might be unknown or unspecified. It's a general expression of a positive olfactory experience.

What can I say instead of "something smells good"?

You can use alternatives like "it has a pleasant scent", "a pleasant aroma fills the air", or "there's a delicious fragrance in the air" depending on the context.

Is "something smells good" grammatically correct?

Yes, "something smells good" is grammatically correct. "Something" is the subject, "smells" is the verb, and "good" is an adjective describing the smell. Ludwig AI confirms this is a valid English phrase.

Can "something smells good" be used to express suspicion?

While primarily used to express a pleasant scent, "something smells" can be metaphorically extended to imply that "something smells fishy", indicating suspicion or that something is not quite right.