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
He gave a quick sniff to clear his stuffy nose. [sniff: noun]
Example
She gave a sniff of disdain at his rude comment. [sniff: noun]
snort
Example
The horse snorted as it trotted along the path. [snort: verb]
Example
He was caught snorting cocaine in the bathroom. [snorting: gerund or present participle]
Example
She let out a snort of laughter at his silly joke. [snort: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Sniff is more commonly used than snort in everyday language. Sniff is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while snort is less common and has more specific connotations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between sniff and snort?
Sniff is a neutral and versatile word that can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Snort, on the other hand, is more informal and can have negative connotations in some contexts, making it less appropriate for formal situations.
