that smells familiar

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that smells familiar" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that a particular scent or odor reminds you of something you have encountered before. Example: "As I walked past the bakery, I caught a whiff of fresh bread, and it smells familiar, taking me back to my childhood."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Use a towel or blanket that smells familiar if possible.

WikiHow

Get a blanket that smells familiar to the dog.

WikiHow

If you are getting a puppy, you should have something that smells familiar to it.

WikiHow

Hamsters may eventually want to go somewhere secure that smells familiar.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

They found that females later preferred the males that smelled familiar, and were much less aggressive toward those males.

The New York Times - Science

Finally, add the reserved pieces from the gerbils' old nest, so that the cage will smell familiar.

WikiHow

That puff of rebellion will smell familiar to fans of "Persepolis," Ms. Satrapi's memoir in comic form, published in an American edition last month by Pantheon.

The New York Times - Books

This will help the designated area to smell familiar to the puppy and it will help show the puppy that this is an appropriate place to relieve itself.

WikiHow

Even for a newbie like me it smelled familiar, a part of the Oscar narrative that is as reliable as the last-minute scramble for gowns.

The New York Times

In fact, as the scent dried down, it did begin to smell familiar.

The New York Times

I hate hearing that sizzle and smelling that familiar gnarly smell, so the hair tie has become an essential.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "that smells familiar", consider the specific context and what the scent is reminding you of. Adding detail can enhance the reader's understanding and create a stronger connection.

Common error

Avoid using "that smells familiar" without providing any context or explanation. The phrase is most effective when it sets the stage for a more detailed description or memory.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that smells familiar" functions primarily as a declarative statement expressing recognition of a scent. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and serves to introduce a sense of familiarity based on olfactory experience. The examples provided by Ludwig demonstrate its use in various descriptive contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

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, the phrase "that smells familiar" is a grammatically sound and relatively common expression used to denote recognition of a scent. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, predominantly appearing in news, media and wiki-based content. The linguistic analysis reveals its primary function as a declarative statement conveying a personal connection to a smell, with a neutral register that makes it accessible to a broad audience. When employing this phrase, consider providing context to enrich the reader's understanding and avoid overuse without specific detail. Similar phrases include "that scent rings a bell" or "I recognize that smell" for alternative ways to express the same idea.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I recognize that smell

Shifts the focus to the speaker's recognition, using a more direct statement.

that scent rings a bell

Uses the idiom "rings a bell" to indicate recognition, replacing the literal "smells familiar" with a figurative expression.

that aroma is recognizable

Replaces "smells" with "aroma" and "familiar" with "recognizable", providing a slightly more formal tone.

that smell evokes a memory

Highlights the smell's ability to trigger a memory.

I've encountered that smell before

Focuses on past experience of the speaker, expressing familiarity through prior exposure.

that fragrance is reminiscent

Uses "fragrance" to specify a pleasant smell and "reminiscent" to indicate that it evokes memories.

that odor is known to me

A more formal and detached way of expressing familiarity with the smell.

the scent is etched in my memory

Emphasizes the permanence of the memory associated with the scent.

that bouquet is familiar

Uses "bouquet" particularly to describe a mixed aroma, often of flowers or wine, while retaining the sense of familiarity.

the smell is like an old friend

A more figurative way to describe the comfort and recognition associated with the smell.

FAQs

How can I use "that smells familiar" in a sentence?

You can use "that smells familiar" to express recognition of a scent. For example, "As I walked past the bakery, that smells familiar, reminding me of my grandmother's kitchen."

What's a more descriptive alternative to "that smells familiar"?

Consider using phrases like "that scent rings a bell" or "that aroma is recognizable" to add more nuance to your description.

Is it grammatically correct to say "that smells familiar"?

Yes, "that smells familiar" is grammatically correct. The word "that" is acting as a pronoun, "smells" is a linking verb, and "familiar" is a predicate adjective.

What is the difference between "that smells familiar" and "that sounds familiar"?

"That smells familiar" refers to a scent you recognize, while "that sounds familiar" refers to a sound you recognize. They both express a sense of recognition, but through different senses.