a raw day

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a raw day" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a day that is cold, damp, or unpleasant, often referring to the weather. Example: "Despite the raw day outside, we decided to go for a long walk in the park."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

It was a raw day in the Bronx, which is why the Yankees postponed their game against the Red Sox.

The New York Times - Sports

Somewhere out there, his opponent, a young Democratic incumbent named Eric Gioia, was shaking hands, thanking people for coming out on such a raw day, asking them for their vote.

The New York Times

The St. Patrick's Day parade has always been a must stop for candidates on New York's political circuit, but yesterday it turned into the Rudy and Hillary show as the two contenders for the United States Senate marched in separate contingents on a raw day that turned the knees of bare-legged majorettes bright red.

The New York Times

They greeted the woman with the meat, and she said that it was a raw day.

The New Yorker

On a raw day in February, a group of mourners stands at a grave in Paris's Montparnasse Cemetery.

Independent

The temperature in the afternoon was in the low 50s, but it was a raw day with a cloud-filled sky above and the ground damp underfoot from hours of rain in the morning.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

(The cook in question drank, and "on a raw Wednesday morning, in a few ill-chosen words", her mistress had said so to her face).Cooks always drank.

The Economist

One after another, on a raw Thursday morning at Beulah Baptist Church, people got up to pay tribute to a man who served time in state prison for assault, but commanded the attention and respect of everyone he encountered here.

The New York Times

Stepping out of a damp, raw day into the sanctuary of the limestone-hewn hotel 10 years later, I find Warren hugging the radiator in the sitting room like a man who can never quite get the chill out of his bones.

The Guardian - Travel

It was a raw, wet day.

The New Yorker

It was a raw, drizzly day.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a raw day" to vividly depict weather conditions that are not only cold but also damp and unpleasant, creating a stronger sensory experience for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "a raw day" too frequently in your writing. Vary your descriptions with synonyms like "a chilly day" or "a bleak day" to prevent redundancy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a raw day" functions as a noun phrase, with "raw" acting as an adjective modifying the noun "day". Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability, evidenced by examples found in reliable news sources.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Science

5%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a raw day" is an effective way to depict unpleasant weather, specifically a day characterized by cold, dampness, and general discomfort. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and frequently appears in news and media contexts. While alternatives like "a chilly day" or "a bleak day" exist, "a raw day" provides a more vivid sensory description. When using this phrase, aim for impactful descriptions and consider synonyms to avoid overuse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a chilly day

Focuses specifically on the cold temperature aspect of the weather.

a bleak day

Emphasizes the cheerless and depressing atmosphere of the day.

a cold day

A general description emphasizing the temperature.

a miserable day

Focuses on the unpleasantness and discomfort of the day.

a harsh day

Highlights the severe and unforgiving nature of the day.

an inclement day

A more formal way to describe unpleasant weather.

a grim day

Similar to bleak, but with a slightly more ominous tone.

a bitter day

Emphasizes the intensely cold and sharp quality of the weather.

a severe day

Highlights the intensity of the unpleasant weather conditions.

a dreary day

Emphasizes the dull and depressing qualities of the day.

FAQs

What does "a raw day" mean?

The phrase "a raw day" typically describes a day with cold, damp, and unpleasant weather. It suggests a penetrating chill and discomfort.

What can I say instead of "a raw day"?

You can use alternatives like "a chilly day", "a bleak day", or "a cold and damp day" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a raw day" in formal writing?

While "a raw day" is generally acceptable, consider using more formal alternatives like "an inclement day" or a more descriptive phrase to maintain a professional tone in formal writing.

How can I use "a raw day" effectively in a sentence?

Use "a raw day" to set a specific mood or atmosphere in your writing. For example, "The St. Patrick's Day parade turned into political theater on "a raw day" that turned the knees of bare-legged majorettes bright red."