What are the definitions of “sniff out”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Find something by smell ( usually for dogs ).
Customs use dogs to SNIFF OUT illegal drugs being smuggled in.
- 2Find out information, especially when people don't want anyone to know.
Our rivals are trying to SNIFF OUT our plans for expansion.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “sniff out”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb sniff out is to find something by smell, usually for dogs. For example, it can mean a dog finding hidden objects or substances by using its sense of smell. Another meaning is to discover information, especially when people don't want anyone to know.
What are the different verb forms of “sniff out”?
| Root Verb | sniff out |
| Third Person Singular Present | sniffs out |
| Present Participle | sniffing out |
| Simple Past | sniffed out |
| Past Participle | sniffed out |
Example
The dog can sniff out hidden treats.
Example
She sniffs out the best deals when shopping.
Example
The detective is sniffing out clues to solve the case.
Example
He sniffed out the secret plan of his rivals.
Example
The hidden treasure was sniffed out by the treasure hunter.
What kind of phrasal verb is “sniff out”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“sniff out” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
The dog sniffed out the hidden drugs.
Example
She sniffed out the truth about the situation.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“sniff out” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
The dog sniffed out the hidden drugs.
Example
She sniffed out the truth about the situation.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “sniff out”?
Good things to know
Does “sniff out” have an informal or formal tone?
Sniff out is generally considered informal and is more commonly used in everyday conversations. It may not be suitable for formal writing or professional settings. In such cases, alternatives like 'detect', 'discover', or 'uncover' can be used.
