Can you smell paint? vs Can you smell a paint?

The correct phrase is "Can you smell paint?" The use of the article 'a' before 'paint' is not necessary in this context. 'Paint' is a non-count noun, so it does not require an article before it.

Last updated: March 15, 2024 • 1118 views

Can you smell paint?

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

This phrase is used to ask someone if they can detect the odor of paint in the air.

Examples:

Can you smell paint in the room?
I can smell paint coming from the garage.
She asked, 'Can you smell paint on this canvas?'
The room reeked of fresh paint, 'Can you smell paint?' she asked.
He wondered, 'Can you smell paint from the art studio?'

Show examples from the web [+]

Re: Can you smell paint? I think it can be asked as "Can you smell paint?", but I have doubt, is it correct to use "Do you smell paint?" Please ...
Can you smell paint? Celia won't paint the bishop VS The bishop won't be painted .. covered <with / in / by> paint · craned forward under its cream paint
Can you smell paint? Can you smell what smell it is · carbona smell · could smell (or similar sense verbs) · Do you like <the><a> smell of coffee? Does it smell?
... Assure Him That Your Comfortable And Eventually He'll Get Comfortable Too. Why can you smell paint all around a house when a room has been decorated?

Alternatives:

Do you smell paint?
Are you able to smell paint?
Is the smell of paint noticeable to you?
Can you detect the scent of paint?
Are you picking up the smell of paint?

Can you smell a paint?

This phrase is incorrect. 'Paint' is a non-count noun and does not require an article before it.

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Can you smell paint? vs Can you smell a paint?