beginning to chill

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "beginning to chill" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a process of becoming cooler in temperature or a gradual relaxation of tension or stress. Example: "As the sun began to set, the air was beginning to chill, signaling the arrival of evening."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

He and two others of the five had been members of the Communist Party, and hostility toward Communists and gays was deepening, a product of the cold war atmosphere that was beginning to chill America.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Both Roy and Susanne began to chill.

The New Yorker

The air-conditioning began to chill Noah and he finally went to the couch and sat and covered himself with a throw his daughter Laverne had given him for his sixty-fifth birthday.

The New Yorker

By now it was beginning to get dark and, our set-up complete, we prepared more meat and began to chill out after hours of hard work in the hot sun.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But that view was not unanimous, and some American experts said Russia's move could exacerbate a trend toward a more unstable nuclear balance -- especially if the current thaw between East and West began to chill.

The New York Times

Laurent Murawiec, an analyst with the RAND Corporation, a nonprofit research group, said the post-Soviet thaw on investigation, research and comment on the secret services has begun to chill again.

The New York Times - Tech

In the Gobi Desert at dusk one day, she began to shiver from the evening chill.

The New York Times

Some of the old obsessions resurfaced in Mr. Greenaway's next two features, but a chill was beginning to set in. "A Zed and Two Noughts" (1985) was an inquisition into grief, decay and the number two, as twin zoologists (brothers Brian and Eric Deacon) cope with their wives' deaths in an auto accident by creating time-lapse films of decomposing organisms from apples to zebras.

The New York Times

Then, as the light was beginning to fade and the shadows' chill settled on us, we followed a path through the woods that led to Retreat Cove, a secluded inlet where a single sailboat bobbed in waters flecked gold by the sun.

The New York Times - Travel

Last year's production of Pippin, performed by the Little Theatre/ACT Quest drama camp ensemble, is total chills from beginning to end.

Vice

While that chill is just beginning to creep up on Amelia, Winston and Jamie, they are still enjoying the waning fire of a time when restlessness and even anxiety are luxuries.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "beginning to chill" to describe emotions or relationships, ensure the context is clear to avoid misinterpretation. For instance, specify what is "beginning to chill", such as "the atmosphere" or "their friendship".

Common error

Avoid using "beginning to chill" to describe something that is already cold. This phrase implies a gradual transition, not a current state. For example, instead of saying 'The already frozen room was beginning to chill', use 'The room was already chilled' or 'The room was beginning to warm up'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "beginning to chill" functions primarily as a verb phrase indicating a process of gradual cooling. It often describes a transition from a warmer state to a colder one, either literally in terms of temperature or metaphorically in terms of atmosphere or emotion. As Ludwig AI pointed out, the phrase is generally correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "beginning to chill" is a grammatically correct and understandable verb phrase that typically indicates a gradual decrease in temperature, be it physical or emotional. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is generally usable in written English. Though uncommon, the phrase is versatile, appearing in varied contexts from news to descriptive writing. When using "beginning to chill", clarity is key to avoiding misinterpretations, particularly when referring to non-physical conditions. Consider related phrases like "starting to cool down" for temperature-related contexts and "becoming less friendly" for emotional or interpersonal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

starting to cool down

Replaces "beginning" with "starting" and "chill" with "cool down", emphasizing a decrease in temperature.

starting to get cold

Substitutes "chill" with "get cold", highlighting a decline in temperature.

starting to become colder

Replaces "chill" with "become colder", focusing on a gradual decrease in temperature.

starting to lose warmth

Shifts the focus to the reduction of warmth instead of the increase of cold.

becoming less friendly

Extends the meaning to interpersonal relationships, indicating a reduction in friendliness.

the atmosphere is souring

Implies a decay in the pleasantness of a situation or environment.

the mood is turning frosty

Conveys a sense of increasing emotional coldness or tension.

the relationship is cooling off

Specifically indicates a decrease in the warmth of a relationship.

relations are deteriorating

Signifies a decline in the quality of interactions or connections.

things are going downhill

Suggests a negative progression or decline in overall circumstances.

FAQs

How can I use "beginning to chill" in a sentence?

You can use "beginning to chill" to describe a gradual decrease in temperature, like "As the sun set, the air was beginning to chill." It can also describe an emotional climate, such as "After the argument, the atmosphere in the room was beginning to chill."

What's a more formal way to say "beginning to chill"?

In a more formal context, consider alternatives like "starting to cool down" or "becoming colder". These options maintain the sense of gradual change with a slightly more elevated tone.

Can "beginning to chill" refer to something other than temperature?

Yes, "beginning to chill" can be used metaphorically to describe a deteriorating atmosphere or relationship. For example, "Their initial excitement faded, and a "chill began to settle" over the project."

What are some synonyms for "beginning to chill" that emphasize emotional distance?

If you want to emphasize emotional distance, you could use phrases like "becoming less friendly" or "relationship is cooling off". These highlight the decline in warmth or affection.