strong whiff

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "strong whiff" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a noticeable or intense smell or scent, often in a figurative sense as well. Example: "As I entered the room, I caught a strong whiff of freshly baked cookies that instantly made me feel at home."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But the crackdown has a strong whiff of political expediency.

The Economist

The impeachment also has a strong whiff of electioneering.

The Economist

The decision has a strong whiff of protectionism.

The New York Times

But there's a strong whiff of cynicism about the enterprise.

The Guardian

Though the cases are rarely solved, most carry a strong whiff of corruption or business disputes.

The Economist

But there is still a strong whiff of serendipity to it all.

The New York Times - Sports

There is a strong whiff of the science fair in Ms. Jeremijenko's work.

The New York Times

A strong whiff of solvents filled his shed and the rain battered on the roof.

The Guardian

Nevertheless, a strong whiff of wistfulness still hangs in the air.

The New York Times

Schwartz also tried to avoid the strong whiff of cronyism that hovered over some deals.

The New Yorker

"There's a strong whiff of racism in the whole thing," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "strong whiff" to subtly imply an attribute or characteristic without explicitly stating it, adding nuance to your writing. For example, "The proposal had a strong whiff of desperation" subtly suggests the proposal wasn't well-thought-out.

Common error

Avoid using "strong whiff" repeatedly in close proximity. Overuse can dilute its impact and make your writing sound repetitive. Opt for synonyms or rephrase to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "strong whiff" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject complement or object of a preposition. It describes a noticeable or intense sensation, frequently used figuratively to suggest an attribute or quality. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "strong whiff" is a versatile and commonly used noun phrase that effectively conveys the presence of something noticeable, be it a literal scent or a figurative attribute. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely accepted in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While it maintains a neutral register, writers should be mindful of overuse and consider more formal alternatives in academic or technical writing. Remember, the power of "strong whiff" lies in its ability to subtly suggest and imply, adding depth and nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

strong trace

Emphasizes the power of a trace.

unmistakable air

Conveys an atmosphere or feeling that cannot be mistaken.

pronounced hint

Replaces 'whiff' with a synonym that refers to an indirect suggestion.

distinct suggestion

Focuses on an obvious indication rather than a literal smell.

potent indication

Focuses on the effectiveness and influence of the sign.

clear indication

Emphasizes the clarity and obviousness of the hint.

evident sign

Suggests that the presence is easily observed.

noticeable trace

Highlights a detectable but potentially subtle presence.

marked presence

Highlights a noticeable and distinct existence.

heavy dose

Implies a substantial amount of something, not necessarily a smell.

FAQs

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

You can use "strong whiff" to describe a noticeable scent or a figurative sense of something being present. For example, "The room had a strong whiff of smoke" or "The deal had a strong whiff of corruption".

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

"Strong whiff" often implies a brief or passing scent or indication, while "strong odor" usually suggests a more persistent and intense smell. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the fleeting or lasting nature of the sensation.

What can I say instead of "strong whiff"?

You can use alternatives like "distinct suggestion", "clear indication", or "unmistakable air" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "strong whiff" in formal writing?

While "strong whiff" is widely understood, it might be perceived as slightly informal for highly academic or technical writing. In such contexts, consider using more neutral alternatives like "pronounced hint" or "noticeable trace".