strange smells

USAGE SUMMARY

"strange smells" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe an aroma that is uncommon or out of the ordinary. For example: "The house was filled with strange smells, like a mixture of fish and flowers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Strange smells".

The Guardian - Film

Italian reds are often troves of strange smells.

The New York Times - Food

Strange smells from my grill filled the neighborhood as we washed down intrepid bites with McMenamins raspberry ale.

The New York Times

I'm used to strange smells on airplanes, especially American airplanes that are so old that everything smells.

The New York Times

The strange smells overwhelm them and we make our way outside to the fresh fruit and the air.

The Guardian - Travel

On Christmas Day, strange smells floated from the kitchen, where I found Mrs. Klein pushing things around in a frying pan.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

It was not until a strange smell started filling the house that they noticed that it was strangely quiet.

The New York Times

"There was a strange smell, almost sickeningly sweet.

The New Yorker

There was also a strange smell in the place.

The New Yorker

In the early hours of Friday evening, a strange smell filled the air over Halabja.

Independent

I could still smell the strange smell, but it was fainter — much fainter — here.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use descriptive adjectives alongside "strange smells" to enhance the sensory experience and make your writing more vivid.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on the term "strange smells" without further elaboration. This can leave the reader with a vague and unsatisfying understanding. Instead, detail the specific qualities of the smell, such as whether it's sweet, acrid, or earthy, to create a more immersive experience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "strange smells" primarily functions as a descriptive noun phrase. Ludwig AI shows that it is used to characterize odors that deviate from the norm, highlighting their unusual or peculiar nature. It effectively sets a tone of mystery or unease.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

21%

Science

29%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "strange smells" is a grammatically correct and frequently used descriptive phrase that effectively conveys the presence of unusual odors. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriateness across various contexts. It's commonly found in news articles, scientific reports, and general writing, aiming to alert the reader to something peculiar or potentially concerning. While versatile, being specific about the scents enhances the descriptive power and provides a more immersive experience for the reader, but without falling in a very detailed description.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

peculiar odors

Replaces "strange" with "peculiar" and "smells" with "odors", slightly altering the tone while maintaining the core meaning.

unusual scents

Substitutes "strange" with "unusual" and "smells" with "scents", giving a more delicate connotation.

odd aromas

Uses "odd" instead of "strange" and "aromas" instead of "smells", providing a slightly less intense description.

weird fragrances

Replaces "strange" with "weird" and "smells" with "fragrances", indicating a bizarre or unexpected olfactory experience.

atypical scents

Changes "strange" to "atypical", making the phrase more formal and descriptive of something not conforming to the usual type.

funny smells

Employs "funny" instead of "strange", suggesting an amusing or questionable scent.

unfamiliar odors

Replaces "strange" with "unfamiliar", highlighting the lack of prior experience with the smells.

mysterious smells

Substitutes "strange" with "mysterious", emphasizing the unknown source or nature of the smells.

unique aromas

Uses "unique" instead of "strange", indicating that the smells are one of a kind.

curious scents

Changes "strange" to "curious", suggesting an intriguing or interesting set of smells.

FAQs

How can I describe "strange smells" more vividly?

Use sensory details and comparisons. For example, instead of just saying "strange smells", try "strange smells like burnt rubber and honey" or "an acrid scent reminiscent of old books and dust".

What are some alternative phrases for "strange smells"?

You can use alternatives like "peculiar odors", "unusual scents", or "odd aromas" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "strange smells"?

Yes, "strange smells" is grammatically correct. "Strange" is an adjective modifying the noun "smells".

What kind of situations is it appropriate to use the phrase "strange smells"?

The phrase "strange smells" is appropriate in various contexts, such as describing a mysterious location, a peculiar food, or an unexplained phenomenon. The appropriateness depends on whether the intent is to convey the unusual or unfamiliar nature of the odors present.