What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
sniffing
Example
The dog was sniffing around the yard, trying to find the source of the scent. [sniffing: present participle]
Example
She sniffed the flower to enjoy its fragrance. [sniffed: past tense]
smelling
Example
I can smell the aroma of coffee from the kitchen. [smell: verb]
Example
She has a keen sense of smelling and can identify different fragrances. [smelling: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Smelling is more commonly used than sniffing in everyday language. Smelling is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while sniffing is less common and often associated with specific behaviors such as animal behavior or drug use.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between sniffing and smelling?
Both sniffing and smelling can be used in various formality levels, allowing them to be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, sniffing can have negative connotations when associated with suspicious behavior or drug use, making it less appropriate in formal settings.
