bitter cold

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bitter cold" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe cold weather that is particularly unpleasant or difficult to bear. For example: The morning air was filled with a bitter cold that made it difficult to stay outside for very long.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Bitter cold.

Independent

It was bitter cold.

Columbia University

France had bitter cold in August.

The Economist

I still remember the bitter cold.

University of California, Berkeley

She doesn't do bitter cold anymore.

The Washington Post

It was dusk and bitter cold.

The New York Times - Arts

It was bitter cold, and the place wasn't heated.

The New Yorker

The show went smoothly despite the bitter cold.

The New York Times

In saloons now we sit in bitter cold.

The New Yorker

It's bitter cold in Washington, and it may get worse.

The Washington Post

The broken, bitter, cold and cruel among us.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing weather conditions, use “bitter cold” to convey not only low temperature but also the unpleasant or harsh feeling associated with it.

Common error

Avoid using “bitter cold” to describe temperatures that are merely chilly or slightly below average. Reserve it for genuinely harsh, uncomfortable, and potentially dangerous cold conditions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bitter cold" functions primarily as a descriptive term. It combines an adjective ("bitter") with a noun ("cold") to vividly characterize the intensity and unpleasantness of the cold. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Academia

16%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Science

23%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "bitter cold" effectively communicates a severe and unpleasant cold, commonly found in news, academic, and general contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. Its function is to describe intensely cold weather that causes discomfort, and its register is generally neutral. While alternatives exist, "bitter cold" succinctly captures the harshness of the cold, making it a valuable descriptive term in various writing styles. Remember to use it when describing weather conditions that are not only cold but also particularly unpleasant or harsh and make you feel uncomfortable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intense cold

This alternative focuses on the intensity of the cold, without necessarily implying discomfort or suffering.

extreme cold

This alternative highlights the extremity of the cold, suggesting a deviation from the norm.

severe cold

This alternative emphasizes the seriousness or harshness of the cold.

freezing cold

This alternative focuses on the effect of the cold, implying that things are freezing or likely to freeze.

icy cold

This alternative emphasizes the presence of ice, either literally or metaphorically.

bitterly cold weather

This alternative puts emphasis on the weather itself, and uses adverb "bitterly" instead of adjective + noun

harsh cold

This alternative describes the cold as being severe, stern or rough.

bone-chilling cold

This alternative is a more figurative expression, emphasizing the penetrating nature of the cold.

arctic cold

This alternative implies a coldness similar to that found in the Arctic regions.

glacial cold

This alternative evokes a sense of the immense and enduring cold associated with glaciers.

FAQs

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

You can use "bitter cold" to describe intensely cold weather, for example: "The "bitter cold" made it difficult to stay outside for long."

What are some synonyms for "bitter cold"?

Alternatives to "bitter cold" include "intense cold", "extreme cold", or "severe cold", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "bitter cold" in formal writing?

Yes, "bitter cold" is appropriate for formal writing when accurately describing severely cold conditions. It is commonly found in news reports and academic texts.

What is the difference between "bitter cold" and "freezing cold"?

"Freezing cold" generally indicates a temperature at or below the freezing point of water. "Bitter cold" describes a cold that is intensely unpleasant and often penetrating, not necessarily implying the temperature is at freezing point. They can, however, both be used to describe the same condition.