as cold as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'as cold as' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe how cold something is, in comparison to something else that is generally accepted to be cold. For example: She was feeling as cold as a polar bear in the middle of winter.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

The case is as cold as stone.

The New Yorker

And you are as cold as coal.

The New York Times

The man's as cold as they come.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

(Cox has braved water as cold as 28.8 degrees).

The New Yorker

Yet the response was as cold as it was perfunctory.

The Guardian

It was as cold as a meat locker.

The New York Times - Magazine

Mrs. Reagan looked as cold as everybody else.

The New Yorker

The water is as cold as thirty degrees.

The New Yorker

And try to keep your ingredients as cold as possible.

The New York Times - Food

Dangerously sexual male character with eyes as "grey and steely, as cold as knife"?

The Guardian

This is to help make the glass as cold as possible.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as cold as" to create vivid comparisons. For example, "His stare was as cold as ice" effectively conveys emotional detachment.

Common error

Avoid using "as cold as" when describing abstract concepts that don't logically relate to temperature. For instance, saying "His argument was as cold as ice" is confusing; instead, consider "His argument was unconvincing."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as cold as" functions as a comparative adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun by indicating a degree of coldness relative to something else. Ludwig shows it's often used to intensify the description of physical temperature or emotional states.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Wiki

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as cold as" serves as a versatile comparative, employed to emphasize the intensity of coldness in both literal and metaphorical contexts. Ludwig highlights its widespread use, particularly in news and media, showcasing its effectiveness in vividly describing physical and emotional states. The phrase is grammatically correct and widely accepted, offering writers a potent tool for enhancing their descriptive language. Alternatives like "freezing cold" and "ice-cold" can be used for similar emphasis, depending on the specific nuance desired. Remember to use "as cold as" judiciously, ensuring the comparison is logical and adds value to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cold as ice

Inverts the structure while retaining the same meaning and common comparison.

ice-cold

A shorter, more direct way to express extreme coldness.

freezing cold

Emphasizes the intense coldness, simplifying the comparative structure.

bitterly cold

Highlights the unpleasant or harsh aspect of the cold.

icy to the touch

Focuses on the tactile sensation of extreme coldness, rather than a comparative expression.

severely cold

Replaces the comparative element with an adverb emphasizing intensity.

like a block of ice

Uses a different simile to convey extreme coldness through comparison.

cold to the bone

Expresses a deep, penetrating coldness.

frigid temperature

Emphasizes the measurable aspect of extreme cold.

glacial

Metaphorically conveys coldness, often used to describe emotional detachment.

FAQs

What does "as cold as" mean?

The phrase "as cold as" is used to emphasize the degree of coldness by comparing it to something known to be very cold. It often precedes a noun, such as in "as cold as ice" or "as cold as stone".

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

You can use "as cold as" to describe temperature or, metaphorically, to describe a person's demeanor or an object's state. For example, "The room was as cold as a refrigerator" or "Her response was "as cold as ice"".

What are some alternatives to "as cold as"?

Alternatives include "freezing cold", "ice-cold", or describing something as having a "frigid temperature". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "as cold as" metaphorically?

It is appropriate to use "as cold as" metaphorically when describing emotional states, such as a lack of empathy or warmth in someone's behavior. For instance, "His heart was "as cold as stone"" indicates a lack of compassion.