strong smell

USAGE SUMMARY

"strong smell" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe a powerful odor that exceeds normal levels of intensity. For example: "The strong smell of fumes permeated the air in the factory."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

She may joke about its strong smell.

The New York Times

The strong smell of pot followed me.

The New Yorker

"He had a strong smell of alcohol".

The New York Times

Strong smell of cordite and blasted granite.

The New York Times

The strong smell of chemicals is overwhelming.

The Guardian - Sport

Undisturbed, the root doesn't have a strong smell or flavor.

The New York Times

I remember the strong smell of river mud.

The New York Times

The strong smell of smoke lingered in the air.

The New York Times

Behind us, there was a strong smell of hot dog.

The New Yorker

Many people in surrounding buildings had complained of a strong smell of gas during the day.

The New York Times

The farmhouse, he noted, had a "very strong smell of medicine".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a scene, use "strong smell" to quickly establish the presence of a dominant odor, setting the atmosphere and influencing the reader's perception.

Common error

Avoid using "strong smell" repeatedly without specifying the source or type of odor. Instead, provide descriptive details about the smell to create a more vivid and engaging experience for the reader. For instance, instead of "a strong smell", describe "a pungent smell of burnt coffee" or "a strong smell of pine needles."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "strong smell" functions primarily as a descriptive noun phrase, where "strong" modifies the noun "smell". Ludwig AI shows this phrase is used to describe an odor that is potent and easily noticeable. It adds sensory detail to descriptions of places, objects, or situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Wiki

35%

Science

14%

Less common in

Huffington Post

9%

The New Yorker

3%

Los Angeles Times

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "strong smell" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a potent odor. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across various contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and general descriptive writing. When using this phrase, remember to provide specific details about the smell to enhance the reader's sensory experience. For alternatives, consider "powerful odor" or "pungent aroma". Understanding the nuances of these related phrases will help you choose the most appropriate expression for your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

powerful odor

Replaces "smell" with "odor", emphasizing the intensity of the scent.

overwhelming smell

Suggests that the smell is so strong it's hard to ignore.

overpowering scent

Replaces "strong" with "overpowering", indicating a scent that is difficult to ignore.

potent odor

Emphasizes the strength and effectiveness of the smell.

pungent aroma

Substitutes "strong" with "pungent" and "smell" with "aroma", suggesting a sharp, often unpleasant scent.

sharp scent

Focuses on the piercing quality of the smell.

pronounced smell

Highlights that the smell is very noticeable and clear.

intense fragrance

Uses "intense" instead of "strong" and "fragrance" for a more pleasant and concentrated scent.

distinctive odor

Highlights the uniqueness of the smell rather than its intensity.

noticeable scent

Emphasizes that the smell is easily detected.

FAQs

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

You can use "strong smell" to describe any potent odor. For example, "There was a "strong smell" of gas in the kitchen" or "The "strong smell" of lavender filled the room".

What can I say instead of "strong smell"?

Alternatives include "powerful odor", "pungent aroma", or "intense fragrance", depending on the specific scent and context.

What's the difference between "strong smell" and "strong odor"?

"Smell" is a more general term, while "odor" often implies a less pleasant or more intense scent. Both "strong smell" and "strong odor" can be used to describe a potent scent, but the choice depends on the context and the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "strong smell"?

While "smell" inherently implies an odor, using "strong" emphasizes the intensity of the scent, making it clear that the odor is particularly noticeable or overpowering. It's not necessarily redundant but adds emphasis. "Strong smell" implies a noticeable odor that can't be ignored.