What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
tang
Example
The salsa had a tangy flavor that complemented the chips. [tangy: adjective]
Example
The wine had a tang of citrus that lingered on the palate. [tang: noun]
Example
The comedian's jokes had a tang of sarcasm that kept the audience engaged. [tang: noun]
smell
Example
I could smell the fresh bread baking in the oven. [smell: verb]
Example
The flowers had a sweet smell that filled the room. [smell: noun]
Example
Her sense of smell was so acute that she could identify different perfumes blindfolded. [sense of smell: noun phrase]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Smell is more commonly used than tang in everyday language. Smell is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while tang is less common and is often associated with food and drink.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between tang and smell?
Both tang and smell are neutral in terms of formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
