we smell

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we smell" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of perceiving odors or scents, either literally or metaphorically. Example: "As we walk through the garden, we smell the fragrant flowers blooming all around us."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

We smell, we taste.

The New York Times

We smell a sequel!

The New York Times

Should we smell a rat?

The Guardian - Film

So we smell a big rat".

The New York Times

Yet while perfumers can influence what we smell, they cannot affect how we smell their work.

Independent

If we know more about how we smell, can we smell more?

The New York Times - Food

We learn, we feel, we think, we smell.

The New York Times

We smell freedom," he went on, finding the words.

The New York Times

"How long before we smell like old men?" one asks.

The New Yorker

As predicted by Kosuke, we smell pretty bad.

Independent

We smell and taste and scribble and yak.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we smell" metaphorically, ensure the context provides sufficient clues for the reader to understand the figurative meaning. Avoid ambiguity by clearly linking the smell to the anticipated event or situation.

Common error

In professional or academic writing, overuse of "we smell" may appear informal or colloquial. Opt for more precise verbs like "detect", "observe", or "recognize" to maintain a formal tone and enhance clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we smell" functions primarily as a verb phrase, where "we" is the subject pronoun and "smell" is the main verb. It describes the action of perceiving an odor or, metaphorically, sensing something is amiss. Ludwig confirms its correctness and widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "we smell" is a versatile expression used to describe both literal olfactory experiences and figurative feelings of suspicion or anticipation. As Ludwig confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and frequently appears in news and media. While broadly acceptable, its metaphorical usage might be considered informal in certain academic or professional settings, where more precise vocabulary like "detect", "perceive", or "suspect" may be preferred. When used metaphorically, as in "we smell a rat", it implies distrust or the anticipation of trouble, which should be contextually evident.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we detect

Emphasizes a more general sense of discovery or identification.

we perceive

Highlights a more formal or intellectual awareness.

we sense

Implies an intuitive or non-sensory awareness.

we anticipate

Focuses on expecting something to happen, often based on subtle signs.

we suspect

Indicates a feeling of doubt or mistrust.

we discern

Suggests a careful and thoughtful process of distinguishing something.

we recognize

Highlights the identification of something already known or familiar.

we feel

Emphasizes an emotional or intuitive understanding.

we gather

Indicates the accumulation of information leading to a conclusion.

we infer

Highlights the act of drawing a conclusion based on evidence.

FAQs

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

You can use "we smell" to describe the literal act of perceiving an odor, such as "We smell the freshly baked bread". It can also be used metaphorically to indicate suspicion or anticipation, like "We smell a rat in this deal".

What are some alternatives to "we smell"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "we smell" include "we detect", "we perceive", "we sense", or "we suspect".

Is it appropriate to use "we smell" in formal writing?

While "we smell" is grammatically correct, it may sound informal in certain contexts. In formal writing, consider using alternatives such as "we detect" or "we observe" to maintain a more professional tone.

What does it mean when someone says, "we smell a rat"?

The expression "we smell a rat" is an idiom that means "we suspect" deception or foul play. It indicates that something seems suspicious or dishonest.