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. [sniffed: past tense]
Example
The dog sniffed around the room, trying to find the source of the smell. [sniffed: past participle]
smell
Example
I can smell the delicious aroma of freshly baked bread. [smell: verb]
Example
The smell of the ocean always reminds me of my childhood vacations. [smell: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Smell is more commonly used than sniff in everyday language. Smell is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while sniff is less common and more informal, often used in specific situations where a quick detection of a scent or odor is required.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between sniff and smell?
While smell is versatile and can be used in various formality levels, sniff is typically associated with a casual and informal tone, and may not be appropriate in formal contexts.
