Freezing cold

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Freezing cold" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe extremely low temperatures or a very cold environment. Example: "The wind made the already freezing cold night feel even harsher." Alternative expressions include "bitterly cold" and "frigid."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Freezing cold and snow hasn't stopped.

Huffington Post

Freezing cold, but it stays dry.

Huffington Post

It was freezing cold.

The New Yorker

It is freezing cold.

The New Yorker

It's dark, and freezing cold.

Independent

The water was freezing cold.

The Guardian - Film

"It's freezing cold down there.

The New York Times

The room was freezing cold.

The New York Times - Books

It was January, freezing cold.

The Guardian

It's cold, though, freezing cold.

The New Yorker

In the winter it was freezing cold.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing weather conditions or environments, use "freezing cold" to clearly convey the intensity of the cold. For example, "The wind made the already freezing cold night feel even harsher."

Common error

While "freezing cold" is a strong descriptor, using it repeatedly can make your writing monotonous. Consider varying your language with synonyms like "bitterly cold" or "frigid" to add depth and nuance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "freezing cold" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying nouns to describe an extremely low temperature or the sensation of being very cold. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a common and grammatically sound construction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

12%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "freezing cold" is a common and grammatically correct adjective phrase used to describe extremely low temperatures. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, though particularly prevalent in news and media. While synonyms like "bitterly cold" and "frigid" exist, "freezing cold" offers a direct and impactful way to convey the intensity of the cold. Be mindful of overuse, and consider alternatives to maintain variety in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Bitterly cold

Emphasizes the harshness and severity of the cold.

Extremely cold

Directly indicates a very low temperature.

Frigid

A more formal term for extremely cold.

Ice-cold

Suggests a temperature as low as ice.

Sub-zero

Indicates temperatures below zero degrees.

Bone-chilling

Describes a cold that penetrates deeply into the body.

Arctic

Refers to the extreme cold characteristic of the Arctic region.

Wintry

Suggests the cold associated with winter.

Shivering

Describes the sensation of feeling very cold.

Frosty

Suggests the presence of frost due to cold temperatures.

FAQs

How can I use "Freezing cold" in a sentence?

"Freezing cold" is used to describe extremely low temperatures. For example, "The water was freezing cold", or "It's dark and freezing cold".

What can I say instead of "Freezing cold"?

You can use alternatives like "bitterly cold", "extremely cold", or "frigid" depending on the context.

What makes "Freezing cold" different from just saying "cold"?

"Freezing cold" emphasizes a much lower temperature than simply "cold". It conveys a sense of extreme coldness that is more intense and potentially uncomfortable.

Is it redundant to say "Freezing cold", since freezing implies coldness?

While "freezing" alone implies cold, "freezing cold" is often used for emphasis. It's a common way to highlight the severity or unpleasantness of the cold, and therefore not necessarily redundant.