a slight chill

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a slight chill" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a mild feeling of coldness, often in a physical or emotional context. Example: "As the sun began to set, a slight chill filled the air, signaling the arrival of evening."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Food

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

A slight chill fell over relations among neighbors at the Northern Lights.

The New Yorker

Give it a slight chill and enjoy it with burgers or steaks from the grill.

The Washington Post

At other firms, though, a slight chill is in the air.

The New York Times

Give it a slight chill and try it with grilled meats or Indian cuisine.

The Washington Post

For a few weeks there was a slight chill in relations with Cairo.

The Guardian

"I'm also a big fan of light reds this year, with a slight chill on them".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

Coldness foils their delicate flavors and harmonies; a slight chilling emphasizes their virtues.

The New York Times

The cold simply masks all the wonderful aromas and flavors, so give them no more than a slight chilling.

The New York Times - Food

Tawny port is the exception - give it a very slight chill.

The Telegraph

The sun was just beginning to slide out of sight, replaced by a slight crepuscular chill, when the steward returned to ask, "My friend, do you need a hot-water bottle?" The next morning, during our game drive, Behr told me that the safari trade was unlikely to survive.

The New York Times - Magazine

The strength of the photograph also stems from the variety of color, shape and texture in the background, not to mention an instinctive sense of how normal their ride is (very normal), how warm it was that day (mild, but with a slight morning chill) and the nature of the relationship between the two riders (long-practiced familiarity).

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a slight chill" to evoke a subtle feeling of cold, often to create a specific atmosphere or mood in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a slight chill" in situations that demand a more potent description. Overusing it reduces its effectiveness when you need it to convey a genuine sense of cold or fear.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a slight chill" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a sensation or atmospheric condition, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples from news and media.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Lifestyle

15%

Food

10%

Less common in

Travel

3%

Sports

2%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a slight chill" is a noun phrase commonly used to describe a mild sensation of coldness or a subtle sense of unease. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently appears in news, lifestyle, and food-related contexts. While versatile, it's essential to consider the context and avoid overusing it in situations that demand a more intense or dramatic description. To enhance your writing, consider related phrases such as "a mild coldness" or "a gentle coolness" for alternatives. The phrase is most often found in News & Media, Lifestyle and Food writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a mild coldness

Focuses on the temperature aspect, emphasizing the lack of intensity of the cold.

a gentle coolness

Emphasizes the pleasant and non-harsh nature of the cold sensation.

a touch of cold

Highlights the minimal amount of coldness that is present.

a faint coolness

Indicates the subtlety and lack of intensity of the cold.

a delicate coldness

Suggests a coldness that is not overwhelming or unpleasant.

a shiver of cold

Implies a sudden, brief sensation of cold.

a hint of cold

Similar to 'a touch of', but even more subtle, implying a very minimal coldness.

a cool breeze

Specifies the cause of the coldness as a gentle wind.

a slight crispness

Focuses on the invigorating quality of the coldness.

a creeping unease

Shifts the focus to an emotional sense of coldness or discomfort.

FAQs

How can I use "a slight chill" in a sentence?

You can use "a slight chill" to describe a mild feeling of coldness. For example, "There was "a slight chill" in the air as the sun set" or "A slight chill ran down my spine when I heard the creaking door".

What's the difference between "a slight chill" and "a cold breeze"?

"A slight chill" is a general feeling of coldness, while "a cold breeze" refers specifically to a cold wind. "A cold breeze" implies movement of air, while ""a slight chill"" can be present even without wind.

When is it appropriate to use "a slight chill"?

It's appropriate to use ""a slight chill"" when describing a mild sensation of coldness, or a subtle sense of unease. It's often used in descriptive writing to set a mood or atmosphere.

What are some alternatives to "a slight chill"?

Some alternatives to ""a slight chill"" include "a mild coldness", "a gentle coolness", or "a touch of cold", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.