a cold draught

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a cold draught" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a chilly current of air, often in the context of a room or building where the temperature feels uncomfortable due to the airflow. Example: "As I sat by the window, I couldn't help but shiver from the cold draught that swept through the room."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Three years later, Imroz was driving home from court when he felt a cold draught grip his chest.

The Guardian

At a pool spray [photo call] in the East Room, I feel a cold draught behind me and turn to see Steve Bannon lurking in the corner.

The Guardian - Books

It needs to be tucked in tightly too, otherwise it feel like I have a cold draught whistling up my jumper, literally spine-chilling.

Independent

Listening to Wounded Rhymes, the album she released last week, you can feel a cold draught of Scandinavian air undercutting the hazy LA heat.

The Guardian - Music

In the last years of the Nixon presidency he found himself fighting against wiretapping and the bullying of journalists, "a cold draught" through the door, but pulled on his mittens and got on with the job.

The Economist

Not a bad deal, considering that 24 metical equal about 1 dollar in the U.S. The ferry was in no danger of coming, so Esther and I nosed around the town for a cold draught of Coca-Cola.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Christopher Guest's new docu-comedy A Mighty Wind ("It's a-blowin' peace and freedom / It blows equa-li-tee!") should send a nice cold draught up the skirts and tattered trouserlegs of the now-geriatric folkie community of the early 1960s.

The Guardian - Film

Sure enough the stall was piled with net bags full of caracóis, destined for some of Lisbon's countless tavernas, where the chewy little morsels are a popular snack, especially in summer, washed down with a cold imperiais (draught beer).

The Guardian - Travel

In the delicately sinister last stanza, the cold draught that turns the pages of the women's books evokes a lingering, pervasive influence.

The Guardian - Books

His fluency slips from the room like that cold draught again.

The Guardian - Film

In a classic ghost narrative, it is often the children and the dogs who are first to feel the cold draught, the creep and slither of the uncanny.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a physical sensation, consider the specific qualities of the air current: Is it sharp, persistent, or sudden? Choose adjectives that reflect these nuances to enhance the imagery.

Common error

Avoid using "a cold draught" metaphorically unless the connection to literal coldness is clear. Overusing it in abstract situations can dilute its impact and make your writing less precise. For instance, instead of saying "a cold draught of reality," consider more direct phrases like "a harsh dose of reality".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a cold draught" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence to describe a specific type of air current. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a commonly used construction to depict a chilling air movement.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a cold draught" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe a chilling current of air. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is correct and usable in written English, typically serving to evoke a feeling of discomfort. While the phrase appears across various contexts, it is most frequently encountered in News & Media and Scientific sources, as well as Wiki resources. Although not extremely common, "a cold draught" effectively conveys a specific sensory experience. When using the phrase, it's beneficial to consider the specific qualities of the air current to enhance the imagery and avoid overuse in non-literal situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a chilly breeze

Replaces "draught" with "breeze", focusing on a gentle cold air movement.

a freezing gust

Emphasizes the intensity of the cold air.

a wintry gust

Connects the draught to winter.

a chilling wind

Focuses on the chilling effect of the wind.

a brisk draught

Describes the draught as lively and invigorating, though still cold.

a sharp draught

Highlights the sudden and intense nature of the draught.

a piercing draught

Emphasizes the invasive quality of the draught.

a gelid draught

Uses 'gelid' to intensify the feeling of coldness.

an icy draught

Replace "cold" with "icy", to intensifies the sensation of coldness.

a nipping draught

Implies the draught is sharp and slightly painful.

FAQs

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

You can use "a cold draught" to describe a chilling current of air, often in the context of a room or building where the temperature feels uncomfortable. For example, "As I sat by the window, I felt "a cold draught" on my neck".

What's a more vivid alternative to "a cold draught"?

Consider using alternatives that emphasize the intensity or source of the cold air. Phrases like "a chilling wind" or "a freezing gust" can provide a stronger sensory experience for the reader.

Is it correct to say "a cold draft" instead of "a cold draught"?

Yes, "draft" and "draught" are both acceptable spellings, though "draught" is more common in British English. Both "a cold draft" and ""a cold draught"" are grammatically correct and carry the same meaning.

Can "a cold draught" be used metaphorically?

While primarily used to describe a physical sensation, ""a cold draught"" can be used metaphorically to describe something unpleasant or unwelcome that affects one's mood or atmosphere, though this usage is less common and should be done with careful consideration of the context.