which smells

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'which smells' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a particular object or sensation. For example, "The flowers, which smells sweetly, filled the room with a pleasant aroma."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Tarte's cheek stains also smell delectable and come in three different colors: Tickled Peach, which smells like peaches; Flush, which smells like berries; and Sunkissed, which smells like coconut.

The New York Times - Magazine

So they are behaving in a very demanding way, which smells to some like nationalism.

The New York Times - Magazine

The Bedford L stop, which smells like boiled pomade and garbage, was already a terrible place.

The New Yorker

"Yeah, as opposed to this place, which smells of cigarettes," Mr. Evans broke in, laughing.

The New York Times

The space smells of freshly milled wood, except for the model shop, which smells of epoxy.

The New Yorker

The Body Shop Tea Tree range, from £3, thebodyshop.co.uk Simple, naturally antiseptic range which smells great.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

And don't forget Nicotiana alata, the white flowering tobacco, which smells like jasmine.

The New York Times - Style

The author carries his younger nephew, Theo, into the house, which smells vaguely of sunscreen, citrusy disinfectant.

The New Yorker

When the weed rots, it emits hydrogen sulphide (H2S), a colourless and highly poisonous gas which smells of rotten eggs.

Independent

The final vision of a cat-filled basement "which smells of unbathed flesh, meat, baby powder" chills the soul.

Independent

Dr. Herz calls the process in which smells become positively or negatively ingrained in memory "odor associative learning".

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "which smells", ensure the noun it modifies is clearly defined and that the sentence flows naturally. For example, "The lavender, which smells wonderful, is used in aromatherapy."

Common error

Avoid using "that" instead of "which" when the clause is nonrestrictive (adds extra information but isn't essential to the sentence's meaning). "Which" is appropriate in nonrestrictive clauses, while "that" is typically used for restrictive clauses.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "which smells" functions as a relative clause modifying a noun. It adds descriptive information about the scent associated with that noun. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Wiki

18%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "which smells" is a grammatically correct and commonly used relative clause that adds descriptive sensory information, specifically about scent, to a noun. It is primarily used in neutral contexts such as News & Media, but also appears in Wiki and Scientific writing. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's validity and broad applicability. To enhance clarity and avoid errors, ensure that the noun being modified is clearly defined and use "which" for nonrestrictive clauses. Remember to consider alternatives such as "that has a scent" or "that emits an odor" for subtle variations in meaning or formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that has a scent

This alternative uses a more generic term "scent" instead of the specific verb "smells".

whose scent is

This uses a possessive structure to describe the scent.

that gives off a scent

Similar to 'that emits an odor' but uses scent.

that emits an odor

This alternative is more formal, using "odor" instead of "smells".

that has an aroma

This alternative uses "aroma", often associated with food or drink.

that gives off a fragrance

This alternative uses "fragrance", implying a pleasant smell.

that carries a smell of

This alternative emphasizes the act of carrying or conveying the smell.

that has the odor of

Similar to that has a scent of but use odor instead. More specific and direct.

that is scented with

This phrase emphasizes the presence of a particular scent.

with a smell reminiscent of

This compares the smell to something else.

FAQs

How do I use "which smells" in a sentence?

Use "which smells" to add descriptive information about a noun. For example, "The rose, "which smells" divine, is my favorite flower".

What's the difference between "which smells" and "that smells"?

"Which smells" introduces a nonrestrictive clause, adding extra information, while "that smells" introduces a restrictive clause that's essential to the sentence's meaning. For example, "The perfume that smells strongly is overpowering" (restrictive) vs. "The perfume, "which smells" lovely, is expensive" (nonrestrictive).

Can I use "who smells" to describe a person?

No, "who" refers to people. You would typically not use "smells" to describe a person directly. Instead, describe the scent they are wearing, such as, "The woman who is wearing perfume smells of roses".

What are some alternatives to "which smells"?

Consider using alternatives such as "that has a scent", "that emits an odor", or "that gives off a fragrance" depending on the specific context and desired level of formality. These phrases, like "which smells", can add detail and sensory information to your writing.