It's breath smelt of teeth that have never been cleaned.

Question

Hi

Would you say that the bold part is correct and natural? Someone tried to rape the writer when she was asleep. I think I am having trouble understanding it--or at least I've been parsing it badly.

I body descended over mine.

It's breath smelt of teeth that had never been cleaned. It stank from never having bathed.

Do you find it's correct here?

Thanks,

Tom

KateJS · Accepted Answer

No, it's incorrect - but a very common error by native speakers.

Mr. Tom · Answer

Thanks KateJS--but what about the structure?

breath smelled of teeth

breath may smell of garlic, but dirty teeth? Do you find it OK as a native speaker?

Tom

KateJS · Answer

It's unusual, but in a piece that's written for dramatic impact it seems fine to me.

It's breath smelt of teeth that have never been cleaned.

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