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detected a smell of vs detected smell of

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "Detected a smell of" is commonly used when specifying the particular smell that was detected, while "detected smell of" is more general and can be used when the specific smell is not important.

Last updated: March 15, 2024

detected a smell of

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English when specifying the particular smell that was detected.

This phrase is used when you want to mention the specific smell that was detected. It is followed by the name of the smell, such as "detected a smell of roses."

Examples:

  • The detective detected a smell of gas in the room.
  • She detected a smell of burning coming from the kitchen.
  • I detected a smell of fresh bread as I walked past the bakery.
  • He detected a smell of smoke in the air.
  • The dog detected a smell of food in the house.

Alternatives:

  • detected the smell of
  • noticed a smell of
  • smelled a hint of
  • picked up a scent of
  • sensed the aroma of

detected smell of

This phrase is correct and can be used in English when the specific smell is not important or when referring to a general detection of smell.

This phrase is more general and can be used when the specific smell is not relevant. It can be followed by a description or location, such as "detected smell of smoke in the air."

Examples:

  • The robot detected smell of gas in the room.
  • She detected smell of burning coming from the kitchen.
  • I detected smell of fresh bread as I walked past the bakery.
  • He detected smell of smoke in the air.
  • The dog detected smell of food in the house.

Alternatives:

  • detected the smell of
  • noticed the smell of
  • smelled a hint of
  • picked up a scent of
  • sensed the aroma of

Related Comparisons

spread of vs spread between cause for vs cause of masking of vs masking to extract from vs extract of little trace of blood vs much trace of much trace of vs many traces of

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