a cold spell

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a cold spell" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a period of time when the climate is unusually cold. For example: "We've been experiencing a cold spell lately, and the temperatures are starting to drop below freezing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Then there was a cold spell.

The New Yorker

Then, during a cold spell, pipes burst.

The New York Times

Of course, Jeter's decline is more than a cold spell.

The New York Times - Sports

Why they will not: Every gambler hits a cold spell.

The New York Times - Sports

A cold spell and snowstorms helped drive sales of clothing and gift cards.

The New York Times

Don't get caught in a cold spell, now is the best time to invest in a winter coat.

Independent

We may be battling a cold spell right now but in fashion terms spring has well and truly landed.

Independent

If you move someone every time they're going through a cold spell, your lineup's going to be changing too much".

The New York Times - Sports

A cold spell hit Cincinnati last week, sending wind chills below zero just in time for tomorrow's game.

The New York Times - Sports

Bandol, named for a fine Provencal wine, offers dreamy Mediterranean flavors that are especially transporting in a cold spell.

The New York Times - Food

It was during a cold spell in February 2015 that Senator Inhofe was moved to fling his snowball.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a cold spell" to differentiate from long-term climate trends, indicating a short-term deviation from the norm.

Common error

Avoid using "a cold spell" to disprove or downplay long-term climate change trends. "A cold spell" is a short-term weather event, while climate change refers to long-term shifts in global temperatures and weather patterns.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a cold spell" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it correctly and effectively describes a temporary period of unusually cold weather. Examples illustrate its use in various contexts, ranging from agriculture to sports.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

22%

Sports

12%

Less common in

Academia

7%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a cold spell" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe a short period of unusually cold weather. As Ludwig AI validates, its use is appropriate across various contexts, from news reports and scientific articles to everyday conversation. While primarily found in news and media, science, and sports reporting, it maintains a neutral register suitable for broad audiences. Remember to differentiate it from long-term climate trends and be mindful of its impact on sectors like agriculture and energy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a cold snap

Synonymous; suggests a sudden, brief period of cold weather.

a chilly period

Replaces "cold" with "chilly" implying a less severe cold.

a bout of freezing weather

Highlights the intensity and duration (bout) of the cold.

a protracted cold period

Emphasizes that the cold spell is lasting longer than usual.

a freeze

A more concise term, emphasizing the freezing temperatures.

an icy blast

Focuses on the sudden and intense nature of the cold.

a wintry episode

Focuses on the winter-like nature of the event.

a frosty phase

Emphasizes the presence of frost during the period.

a below-average temperature stretch

More descriptive, specifying the temperature deviation.

a period of low temperatures

A general and less idiomatic way to describe the event.

FAQs

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

You can use "a cold spell" to describe a short period of unusually cold weather. For example, "The farmers were worried about the impact of "a cold spell" on their crops."

What are some alternatives to "a cold spell"?

Alternatives include "a cold snap", "a freeze", or "a chilly period", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "a cold spell" and "climate change"?

"A cold spell" refers to a short-term weather event characterized by unusually cold temperatures. Climate change, on the other hand, describes long-term shifts in global climate patterns.

What sectors are most affected by "a cold spell"?

Sectors such as agriculture, energy, and transportation are particularly vulnerable to the effects of "a cold spell" due to potential crop damage, increased energy demand, and travel disruptions.