What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
smelled
Example
I smelled the flowers in the garden. [smelled: verb]
Example
The chef smelled the soup to check if it was ready. [smelled: past tense]
sniffed
Example
The dog sniffed the ground to find the bone. [sniffed: verb]
Example
She sniffed the perfume to see if she liked it. [sniffed: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Smelled is more commonly used than sniffed in everyday language, as it is a more versatile term that can be used in a wider range of contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between smelled and sniffed?
Both smelled and sniffed are neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
