Which is correct:
"sniffs" or "sniffed"?

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sniffs

The word 'sniffs' is correct when used in the present tense to describe someone or something smelling or inhaling deeply.

Use 'sniffs' when talking about someone or something smelling or inhaling deeply in the present tense.

Examples:

  • The dog sniffs around the garden looking for a bone.
  • She sniffs the flowers to enjoy their fragrance.

Alternatives:

  • smells
  • inhales
  • detects
  • senses
  • perceives

sniffed

The word 'sniffed' is correct when used in the past tense to describe someone or something having smelled or inhaled deeply.

Use 'sniffed' when talking about someone or something having smelled or inhaled deeply in the past tense.

Examples:

  • He sniffed the air to see if he could detect any smoke.
  • The cat sniffed the food before deciding to eat it.

Alternatives:

  • smelled
  • inhaled
  • detected
  • sensed
  • perceived
Both 'sniffs' and 'sniffed' are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Sniffs' is the present tense, while 'sniffed' is the past tense. Therefore, the choice between the two depends on the timeframe you are referring to.

Last updated: March 20, 2024

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