a chill set in

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a chill set in" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sudden feeling of coldness or an emotional shift, often in a tense or eerie context. Example: "As the sun began to set, a chill set in, making everyone shiver in the evening air."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Formal & Business

Science & Research

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Inside the lunar lander where most of the instruments were "powered down," a chill set in for the astronauts.

The New York Times

A chill set in on Broadway late last month when ticket sales dropped as precipitously as the temperature.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Each side felt snubbed, and a distinct chill set in through June and July.

The New York Times

Later, in front of the courthouse as darkness fell and a cold chill set in, several of the relatives lashed out at the jury and the federal judicial process.

Los Angeles Times

Then the chill set in.

The Guardian

But demand peaked in mid-2007, and the chill set in late last year as some of the world's elite financial institutions collapsed.

The New York Times

But "La Bûche," Danièle Thompson's sly and delicious holiday confection, released in this country three winters ago, before the current geopolitical chill set in, suggests that, at least at the end of December, the two republics still have much in common.

The New York Times

Even before the big chill set in, The King's Mirror describes ships lost and men who perished in ice.

Science Magazine

Many of his best films came long before the chill set in.

Huffington Post

You may, though, feel that the film begins to sag at the moment that the balance turns toward fiction, and that a chill sets in.

The New York Times

And when a chill sets in, he strokes his chin,Imagines sleep, and wonders if the fire will keep.

Johns Hopkins University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a chill set in" to subtly foreshadow a negative turn of events in a narrative, creating suspense without being overly explicit. For example, "As they entered the abandoned house, "a chill set in", hinting at the horrors within."

Common error

Avoid using "a chill set in" solely to describe a drop in temperature if the context requires emphasizing an emotional or atmospheric shift. Instead, opt for a more literal description like "the temperature dropped" if focusing on the physical change is more suitable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a chill set in" functions as an idiomatic expression. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, functioning to introduce a feeling of coldness, unease, or a negative shift in the atmosphere. It adds depth to descriptions by implying more than just a drop in temperature.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

15%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Science & Research

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a chill set in" is a grammatically correct idiomatic expression that describes the onset of coldness, unease, or a negative shift in atmosphere. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's a common phrase used in various contexts, including news, media, and literature. The frequency analysis reveals that it's mostly used in News & Media. When using this phrase, consider the emotional and atmospheric implications to add depth to your descriptions and foreshadow events. Alternatives such as "a cold feeling arose" or "a sense of foreboding took hold" can be used to convey similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a cold feeling arose

Replaces "chill" with a more general "cold feeling" and uses "arose" instead of "set in", indicating a gradual development.

a frosty atmosphere emerged

Emphasizes the unwelcoming nature of the setting.

an atmosphere of unease developed

Focuses on the emotional or atmospheric shift rather than the physical sensation of coldness.

the mood soured

Indicates a negative change in the general atmosphere or emotional state.

a palpable tension began

Shifts the focus from temperature to a feeling of strain and unease.

a sense of foreboding took hold

Emphasizes a feeling of impending doom or negativity.

an uncomfortable silence fell

Highlights the onset of quietness accompanied by unease.

a shiver ran down someone's spine

Highlights a physical reaction to fear or cold, replacing the more abstract "chill".

the temperature dropped noticeably

Focuses specifically on the decrease in temperature.

the air turned cold

A more literal description of a change in temperature.

FAQs

How can I use "a chill set in" in a sentence?

You can use "a chill set in" to describe a sudden feeling of coldness, fear, or unease. For example, "A chill set in as the main character walked through the dark forest".

What are some alternatives to "a chill set in"?

Alternatives include "a cold feeling arose", "an atmosphere of unease developed", or "a sense of foreboding took hold", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a chill set in" in formal writing?

Yes, "a chill set in" is appropriate for formal writing, especially in narrative or descriptive contexts where you want to convey a shift in atmosphere or emotion. However, consider the tone of your overall work and choose vocabulary that aligns with it.

What does "a chill set in" imply beyond just temperature?

"A chill set in" often implies a psychological or emotional coldness, such as fear, unease, or a sense of impending danger, in addition to or instead of a physical drop in temperature.