Smell of sth Meaning & Examples: How to Use This Phrasal Verb

What Does “Smell of sth” Mean?

“Smell of sth” means that something gives off a particular scent or odor. It is used to describe the smell coming from a person, place, or object.

Introduction

The phrase “smell of sth” is a common way to talk about the scent or odor that something produces. Here, “sth” stands for “something.” This phrasal verb is often used in everyday conversations to describe how something smells, whether pleasant or unpleasant. Understanding the “smell of sth meaning” helps learners explain and discuss smells clearly. It is useful in many contexts, such as cooking, describing places, or discussing personal hygiene. Knowing how to use “smell of sth” will improve your English fluency and make your descriptions more vivid and accurate.

Quick Info Box

• Phrasal verb: Smell of something (sth)
• Type: Intransitive
• Level: A2
• Short meaning: To have a particular smell or odor

Structure (Grammar Rules)

“Smell of sth” is an inseparable phrasal verb. You cannot separate “smell” and “of.”

Pattern:
Subject + smell + of + noun (something)

Example:
The kitchen smells of fresh bread.

How to Use Smell of sth?

Use “smell of sth” to describe the scent that comes from an object, place, or person. It often refers to the natural or strong odor something produces. It can describe both good and bad smells.

Examples of contexts include food aromas, the smell of flowers, or the odor of smoke.

Examples

When you walk into a bakery, you might say, “The bakery smells of fresh bread.”

• The room smells of paint after the walls were painted.
• Her hair smells of lavender shampoo.
• The garden smells of roses in the spring.
• The old book smells of dust and age.
• The kitchen smells of garlic and onions.

These sentences show how to use “smell of sth in a sentence” naturally.

Common Mistakes

People often confuse “smell of sth” with “smell like sth.” For example,

• Incorrect: The room smells like paint. (Less common and slightly different meaning)
• Correct: The room smells of paint.

Also, avoid separating “smell” and “of.” Saying “smell the of something” is incorrect.

Differences / Synonyms

“Smell of sth” is similar to “smell like sth,” but there is a subtle difference:

• Smell of sth refers to the actual odor coming from something.
• Smell like sth suggests similarity to a smell but not necessarily coming from the object itself.

For example, “The kitchen smells of garlic” means garlic is present there. “The kitchen smells like garlic” means the smell is similar to garlic but may not be from garlic.

Common Collocations

It is useful to know which nouns commonly follow “smell of.” Here are some common collocations:

• Smell of smoke – the odor from burning material
• Smell of flowers – the scent from blossoms
• Smell of food – aroma from cooking or prepared dishes
• Smell of perfume – fragrance from a perfume or cologne
• Smell of rain – fresh scent before or after rain

Related Phrasal Verbs

Here are related phrasal verbs of smell of sth:

• Smell Sth Out
• Smell Sth Up

Real-life Dialogue

Imagine two friends entering a kitchen:

Anna: Wow, it smells of freshly baked cookies here!

Ben: Yes, my mom just took them out of the oven.

Anna: I love that smell. It makes me hungry.

Practice

Choose the correct sentence:

• A) The room smells of fresh paint.
• B) The room smells fresh paint.
• C) The room smell of fresh paint.

Fill in the blank:

The garden smells of _______ in the spring.

FAQ

• Q: Can “smell of sth” be used for bad smells?
  A: Yes, it can describe both pleasant and unpleasant odors.
• Q: Is “smell of sth” separable?
  A: No, “smell” and “of” must stay together.
• Q: What is the difference between “smell of” and “smell like”?
  A: “Smell of” means the scent comes from something; “smell like” means similar to a smell.
• Q: Can I use “smell of” with people?
  A: Yes, for example, “He smells of tobacco.”
• Q: What level is “smell of sth” suitable for?
  A: It is suitable for beginner to intermediate learners (A2 level).