thick smell

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'thick smell' is not technically correct in written English.
A better way to phrase it would be 'pungent smell.' For example, 'The pungent smell of smoke filled the air.'.

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

A thick smell of alcohol sweeps my face.

The New Yorker

On a narrow lane lined with shrubs, there was a thick smell of seaweed.

The New York Times

He walked with his head down, savoring the spectrum of unrecognizable aromas — splattered tomatoes and spinach that stuck to the grooves in the road, broken eggs, bits of fish, the thick smell smeared around the cheese counter.

The New Yorker

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Vice

The thick smell of the place affected my breathing.

HuffPost

A thick smell of strange herbs I can't identify pervades the room.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

A miasma of thick smells surrounded his body like an entourage smells of digestion, of socks, of talcum powder, and of armpits.

The New Yorker

A miasma of thick smells surrounded his body like an entourage — smells of digestion, of socks, of talcum powder, and of armpits.

The New Yorker

When we want the thick smells of home cooking overtaking the rooms, people dropping by and bringing with them the usual delights and aggravations.

Los Angeles Times

(These moments call to mind the chapter in "The Education of Henry Adams" when Adams, visiting Washington, D.C., for the first time as a boy, smells "the thick odor of catalpa trees" and knows instantly what slavery is).

The New Yorker

Also, there is a thick, musty smell that acts as a balm to jerky nerves; it is really a rich compound of the smells of pine sawdust, tap drippings, pipe tobacco, coal smoke, and onions.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing smells, consider using more precise adjectives like "pungent", "acrid", or "intense" instead of "thick" to convey the specific qualities of the scent more effectively.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "thick" to describe smells, as it can be vague. Instead, specify the actual qualities of the scent, such as whether it's musky, smoky, or floral, to create a more vivid image for the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "thick smell" functions as a descriptive phrase where "thick" modifies the noun "smell". Although Ludwig AI suggests the phrase isn't technically correct, its function is to describe the intensity or density of an odor.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "thick smell" is used to describe a strong or intense odor, but Ludwig AI indicates that it's not considered technically correct in formal writing. Its grammatical status is therefore classified as incorrect, although it appears in a variety of news and media contexts. Better alternatives include "pungent odor", "heavy scent", or "intense fragrance", which provide more precise and vivid descriptions. When writing, it's best to avoid vague terms and focus on the specific qualities of the scent to create a clearer image for the reader.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Pungent odor

Replaces 'thick' with 'pungent' to emphasize a sharp, penetrating smell.

Overpowering aroma

Substitutes 'smell' with 'aroma' to imply a more pleasant but still intense scent, and 'thick' with 'overpowering' to denote its strength.

Heavy scent

Uses 'heavy' as an alternative to 'thick' to describe the density of the smell.

Intense fragrance

Replaces 'smell' with 'fragrance', suggesting a strong and usually pleasant scent, and 'thick' with 'intense' to denote strength.

Strong odor

Uses 'strong' as an alternative to 'thick' to emphasize the intensity of the smell.

Concentrated scent

Emphasizes the density and potency of the scent, replacing 'thick' with 'concentrated'.

Rich fragrance

Suggests a full-bodied and complex scent, replacing 'thick smell' with 'rich fragrance'.

Lingering aroma

Focuses on the persistence of the smell, replacing 'thick' with 'lingering'.

Pervasive odor

Highlights the way the smell spreads and fills the space, using 'pervasive' instead of 'thick'.

Dense aroma

Uses 'dense' as a synonym for 'thick' to describe the concentrated nature of the aroma.

FAQs

What does it mean to describe a smell as "thick"?

Describing a smell as "thick" usually means it's strong, heavy, or intense, but it's not the most precise way to describe an odor. Consider using adjectives that specify the actual qualities of the scent.

What can I use instead of "thick smell"?

You can use alternatives like "pungent odor", "heavy scent", or "intense fragrance" depending on the specific smell you want to describe.

Is "thick smell" grammatically correct?

While understandable, "thick smell" isn't considered technically correct in formal writing. Alternatives like "strong odor" or "heavy scent" are generally preferred.

How can I make my descriptions of smells more vivid and accurate?

Instead of using vague terms like "thick", focus on specific characteristics such as the smell's intensity, origin, and whether it is sweet, musky, smoky, or floral.