chill wind

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "chill wind" is a perfectly acceptable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it to describe a cold wind or the feeling of a cold wind, such as in the example sentence, "The chill wind whipped through the trees."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Are three divisions the answer to avoiding autumn's chill wind?

Independent

What of the chill wind behind those battlement walls?

The Guardian - Sport

It rippled through the stands with the chill wind.

The New York Times - Sports

Then winter came and a chill wind blew.

The Guardian

Hard times indeed, and there is a chill wind blowing.

The Guardian

The chill wind on her cheek was Elizabeth's breath.

The New York Times

Morning on the Loop, Round 4, and a chill wind is blowing.

The New Yorker

"The whole house shook," Mr. Motschmann recalled, a chill wind whipping around his 133-acre farm.

The New York Times

Or maybe you are feeling the chill wind of social opprobrium.

The New York Times - Science

But the chill wind sweeping the industry tore away these claims.

The Economist

A chill wind may be felt for some time to come.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "chill wind" to evoke a sense of coldness, discomfort, or a metaphorical sense of impending adversity in your writing. It can add a vivid and evocative touch to descriptions of weather or difficult situations.

Common error

Avoid using "chill wind" too frequently, especially in contexts where a more literal or specific description of cold weather or adversity would be more effective. Overuse can diminish its impact and make your writing seem repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "chill wind" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI indicates it's a common and acceptable phrase in English. Examples from Ludwig show its use in describing weather and metaphorical situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "chill wind" is a common and acceptable English expression, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It's primarily used to describe a cold wind, both literally and metaphorically. Its communicative purpose is to evoke a sense of coldness, discomfort, or impending adversity. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media contexts, maintaining a neutral register. Alternatives like "cold breeze" or "icy blast" can be used for variety. While grammatically sound, overuse should be avoided to maintain its impactful effect in writing. Using "chill wind" effectively can add depth and sensory detail to your descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cold breeze

Refers to a gentle but cold air current, similar to a "chill wind" but milder.

icy blast

Emphasizes the sudden and intense coldness, highlighting a forceful cold air.

bitter gale

Focuses on the severity and strength of the wind, adding a sense of harshness.

arctic air

Highlights the extreme coldness, linking it to polar regions.

wintry gust

Connects the wind to the winter season, suggesting a seasonal cold.

cold snap

Describes a sudden period of cold weather, related to the effects of a "chill wind".

economic downturn

Metaphorically represents a period of financial hardship or decline, similar to the unpleasantness of a "chill wind".

unfavorable climate

Implies a negative or challenging environment, akin to the discomfort caused by a "chill wind".

adverse conditions

Highlights the difficulties and challenges faced, mirroring the harshness of a "chill wind".

social disapproval

Represents the feeling of being ostracized or facing negative judgment, metaphorically like feeling a "chill wind" of rejection.

FAQs

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

You can use "chill wind" to describe a cold weather condition, as in "A "chill wind" swept through the valley". It can also be used metaphorically, such as "The news sent a "chill wind" through the company".

What are some synonyms for "chill wind"?

Alternatives to "chill wind" include "cold breeze", "icy blast", or "wintry gust", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "chill wind" in formal writing?

Yes, "chill wind" can be used in formal writing, particularly in descriptive or narrative contexts. However, consider the tone and audience to ensure it aligns with the overall style. In business writing, it might be more appropriate to use a phrase like "economic downturn".

What does "chill wind" mean metaphorically?

Metaphorically, "chill wind" can represent a sense of unease, threat, or negative impact, such as an impending crisis or a hostile environment. It suggests something unpleasant or unwelcome is approaching or being felt.