a little chilly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a little chilly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a slight feeling of coldness, often in reference to the weather or an environment. Example: "I stepped outside and immediately felt a little chilly, so I grabbed my jacket."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Were we a little chilly?

The New Yorker

Have you been a little chilly lately?

Cornell University

Have you been a little chilly at night?

Independent

It's a little chilly, but I like that.

The New York Times - Magazine

In October it might be a little chilly and you might be doing outdoors work.

Harvard University

For all this dexterity, though, Little Dragon has often felt a little chilly.

The New York Times - Arts

Their absence makes this elegantly written book feel a little chilly.

The New York Times - Books

The high is 49 and the wind could make the morning commute a little chilly.

The New York Times

If things start to get a little chilly, glide through our cozy hot chocolate shack for a fill up!

Princeton University

It was the only moment in the interview in which things got a little chilly.

The New York Times

Safe to say, the bath water was a little chilly by the end.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing weather conditions or indoor temperatures, use "a little chilly" to convey a mild sensation of cold, suggesting it's not uncomfortably cold but noticeable enough to perhaps warrant a light jacket or sweater.

Common error

While "a little chilly" is generally acceptable, avoid overuse in highly formal writing. Opt for more precise and descriptive language, such as "slightly cold" or specifying the temperature range, to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a little chilly" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun (often implied, such as 'weather' or 'room'). It conveys a mild degree of coldness, suggesting a sensation that is noticeable but not extreme. Ludwig AI confirms this use across numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Academia

19%

Lifestyle

12%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Science

6%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a little chilly" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a mild feeling of coldness. Ludwig AI highlights its frequent usage in News & Media and Academia. While it's perfectly acceptable in most contexts, it's crucial to consider the level of formality when choosing this phrase. Alternatives such as "slightly cold" may be more appropriate for professional or scientific writing. Remember, using "a little chilly" effectively involves understanding its communicative purpose, which is to provide information and express personal comfort. Overusing it in formal settings, where precise language is valued, should be avoided.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

somewhat cold

Implies a similar level of coldness, but is slightly more formal.

slightly cold

Very similar in meaning, emphasizes the small degree of coldness.

a bit cool

Uses "cool" instead of "chilly", suggesting a mild and pleasant coldness.

mildly cold

More descriptive and formal, indicating a low level of coldness.

rather cool

Emphasizes the coolness in a more pronounced way than "a little".

a touch cold

Suggests a very slight feeling of coldness, almost imperceptible.

lightly cool

More poetic, conveying a gentle and subtle coolness.

somewhat frosty

Implies a coldness that might feel sharp or crisp.

slightly brisk

Focuses on the invigorating quality of the coldness.

a shade cool

Similar to "a touch cold", but may also imply a coolness in demeanor or attitude.

FAQs

What's a more formal way to say "a little chilly"?

For more formal writing, consider using phrases like "slightly cold", "moderately cool", or "somewhat cold" to maintain a professional tone. The best choice depends on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "a little chilly"?

It's appropriate in informal and conversational contexts to describe a mild sensation of coldness, such as "It's "a little chilly" outside, so I grabbed a jacket". It's also fine for descriptive writing where a casual tone is desired.

Can "a little chilly" be used to describe a person's demeanor?

While primarily used for temperature, "a little chilly" can, in some contexts, describe a person's demeanor, implying they are somewhat aloof or unfriendly. For example, "She seemed "a little aloof" during the meeting".

What's the difference between "a little chilly" and "a little cold"?

The phrases are largely interchangeable and mean nearly the same thing. "A little cold" might be slightly more general, whereas ""a little chilly"" can sometimes imply a more refreshing or invigorating coldness.