Cool MateI know it vs I smell it in the air
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
I know it
Top 2,000 (common)
I smell it in the air
Top 5,000 (fairly common)
Most common: I know it
| I know it | I smell it in the air | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //aɪ nəʊ ɪt//🇺🇸 //aɪ noʊ ɪt// | 🇬🇧 //aɪ smɛl ɪt ɪn ðə ɛə//🇺🇸 //aɪ smɛl ɪt ɪn ðə ɛr// |
| Meaning | I understand it. | I sense something happening or about to happen. |
| Example | When she asked about the math problem, I confidently said, 'I know it.' | I smell it in the air; something is about to change in the company. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 5,000 (fairly common) |
| Collocations | I know it well, I know it for sure, I know it by heart, I know it all, I know it very well | sense a change, feeling in the air, something's coming |
| Common mistakes | Saying 'I know it' when unsure; use 'I think so' instead., Overusing in formal settings; not appropriate for serious discussions. | Using it to describe specific odors instead of feelings., Confusing it with literal smell instead of the metaphorical meaning., Overusing in contexts where more concrete language is needed. |
| Usage notes | Use in conversational contexts to express familiarity or understanding. Avoid in formal writing. | Use this phrase when you have a feeling or intuition about a situation. It’s neutral and can fit in both casual and formal contexts. |
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Frequently asked questions: I know it vs I smell it in the air
What's the difference between I know it and I smell it in the air?
I know it: I understand it. I smell it in the air: I sense something happening or about to happen.
Which is more common: I know it and I smell it in the air?
I know it is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
I know it: When she asked about the math problem, I confidently said, 'I know it.' I smell it in the air: I smell it in the air; something is about to change in the company.
Can I use I know it and I smell it in the air interchangeably?
Not always. I know it and I smell it in the air are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.