smell a bit vs smell for a bit

Both phrases are correct, but they have different meanings and usage. 'Smell a bit' is used to describe the intensity or duration of a smell, while 'smell for a bit' is used to indicate the duration of time spent smelling something.

Last updated: March 22, 2024 • 1100 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"smell a bit"

This phrase is used to describe the intensity or duration of a smell. It means to detect or perceive a faint or slight odor.

Examples:

This food smells a bit strange.
The flowers in the garden smell a bit like lavender.
The room smells a bit musty.
The perfume smells a bit too strong for my liking.
The air in the forest smells a bit like pine.

Show examples from the web [+]

It might smell a bit of dragon.
I'm afraid the paste does smell a bit.
I'm sorry, but they smell a bit.
Because some people when they sweat they smell a bit and -
I think... I think you do kind of smell a bit, babe.
It smells a bit like... cancer.
It smells a bit iffy in here today.
It smells a bit like roasted peanuts.
Smells a bit like tooth decay.
Smells a bit weird here too, mate.
I mean, it smells a bit, and they bite.
You'd say, "It smells a bit spleeny in here."
You smell a little bit like an old, damp towel.
Although it smells a little bit like the truth.
You know, this whole thing is starting to smell a little bit weird to me.
- He does smell like cigarettes a bit, I guess.
Because there are others who are turned on by a bit of smell.
If it's any consolation, I don't mind the smell of cordite one bit.
There's a bit of paint smell still.
I was a bit worried that the room might smell.

Alternatives:

smell slightly
smell faintly
smell a little
smell a tad
smell a touch

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"smell for a bit"

This phrase is used to indicate the duration of time spent smelling something. It means to take a short amount of time to smell something.

Examples:

I just want to smell the flowers for a bit.
Let's smell the coffee for a bit before tasting it.
She stopped to smell the roses for a bit.
He leaned over to smell the soup for a bit.
Can I smell your perfume for a bit?

Show examples from the web [+]

It might smell a bit of dragon.
I'm afraid the paste does smell a bit.
It smells a bit like... cancer.
It smells a bit iffy in here today.
It smells a bit like roasted peanuts.
Smells a bit like tooth decay.
Because some people when they sweat they smell a bit and -
Smells a bit weird here too, mate.
I mean, it smells a bit, and they bite.
I'm sorry, but they smell a bit.
- He does smell like cigarettes a bit, I guess.
Because there are others who are turned on by a bit of smell.
You'd say, "It smells a bit spleeny in here."
I think... I think you do kind of smell a bit, babe.
You smell a little bit like an old, damp towel.
Although it smells a little bit like the truth.
You know, this whole thing is starting to smell a little bit weird to me.
If it's any consolation, I don't mind the smell of cordite one bit.
There's a bit of paint smell still.
I was a bit worried that the room might smell.

Alternatives:

smell briefly
smell for a short time
smell momentarily
smell quickly
smell momentarily

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smell a bit vs smell for a bit

"smell a bit"

"smell for a bit"

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