What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
sniff
Example
She sniffed the flowers to enjoy their fragrance. [sniff: verb]
Example
The dog gave a loud sniff before wagging its tail. [sniff: noun]
Example
He had to sniff several times to clear his stuffy nose. [sniff: verb]
inhale
Example
She took a deep breath to inhale the fresh mountain air. [inhale: verb]
Example
The doctor instructed him to inhale deeply and hold his breath for a few seconds. [inhale: verb]
Example
He coughed after accidentally inhaling some smoke from the campfire. [inhaling: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Inhale is more commonly used than sniff in everyday language. Inhale is a versatile word that covers a wide range of contexts, while sniff is more specific and often used in the context of smelling or clearing the nose.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between sniff and inhale?
Inhale is generally more formal than sniff. Inhale can be used in both formal and informal contexts, while sniff is more casual and informal.
