a cold winter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a cold winter" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing the temperature or conditions of a winter season. Example: "This year, we are expecting a cold winter with heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's a cold, winter afternoon.

Independent

A cold winter of learning lies ahead.

Independent

It was a cold winter night.

The New Yorker

"It's getting to be a cold winter out there".

The New York Times

This typically happens on a cold winter day.

Yale University

This seemed to be more than just a cold winter.

The Guardian - Arts

Finally, on a cold winter dawn, the police moved in.

The Guardian

Some believe a cold winter benefits some species.

The Guardian

I first visited this restaurant on a cold winter weeknight.

The New York Times

"It was a cold winter, so they all come in here," Penders said.

The New York Times - Sports

It's not as if Melville compared the color of his whale to a cold winter rain.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about the economic impact of "a cold winter", consider mentioning increased heating costs, potential disruptions to transportation, and the impact on agriculture.

Common error

Avoid using "a cold winter" as evidence against global warming. A localized or short-term weather event does not negate long-term climate trends.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a cold winter" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where 'cold' acts as an adjective modifying the noun 'winter'. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable. It often serves as a descriptive element within a sentence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

28%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

7%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a cold winter" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, as verified by Ludwig. It functions primarily as a noun phrase, describing a period marked by low temperatures and harsh conditions. Its usage spans across various contexts, including News & Media, Academia and general conversations, exhibiting a neutral formality level. When using the phrase, remember that while it effectively conveys a sense of harshness, it should not be misused as evidence against climate change. Consider alternatives such as "a harsh winter" or "a bitter winter" to add nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a harsh winter

Replaces 'cold' with 'harsh', emphasizing the severity and unpleasantness of the winter.

a freezing winter

Substitutes 'cold' with 'freezing', highlighting the extremely low temperatures.

a frigid winter season

Replaces 'cold' with 'frigid' and adds 'season' to explicitly state the time of year.

an icy winter

Uses 'icy' instead of 'cold', focusing on the presence of ice and its associated conditions.

a bitter winter

Emphasizes the unpleasantness and severity of the cold, using 'bitter' as a descriptor.

a severe winter

Replaces 'cold' with 'severe' to stress the intensity of the winter weather.

a glacial winter

Compares the winter to a glacier, implying extreme cold and prolonged duration.

a chilling winter

Uses 'chilling' instead of 'cold', focusing on the penetrating and discomforting aspect of the cold.

a bleak winter

Highlights the somber and depressing atmosphere often associated with cold winters.

a frosty winter

Emphasizes the presence of frost and freezing conditions, suggesting a specific type of cold.

FAQs

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

You can use "a cold winter" to describe weather conditions, as in "The meteorologists predict "a cold winter" this year". It can also be used metaphorically, such as "That company is facing "a cold winter" due to the economic downturn".

What phrases are similar to "a cold winter"?

Similar phrases include "a harsh winter", "a freezing winter", or "a bitter winter". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it accurate to use "a cold winter" as an argument against climate change?

No, using "a cold winter" as an argument against climate change is inaccurate. Weather patterns are short-term events, while climate change refers to long-term trends. A single "a cold winter" doesn't negate the overall warming trend of the planet.

What are the implications of anticipating "a cold winter"?

Anticipating "a cold winter" can have implications for energy consumption, transportation, and agriculture. Preparations may include stocking up on heating fuel, preparing for potential travel disruptions, and protecting crops from frost.