chilling air

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "chilling air" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe air that is cold or creates a sense of discomfort or unease, often in a figurative sense. Example: "As I stepped outside, the chilling air sent shivers down my spine."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

These systems included water immersion chilling, air chilling and air chilling with evaporative cooling using water sprays.

International Journal of Food Microbiology

But the courtroom confession in February, which was overheard by reporters, carried a chilling air of veracity.

The New York Times

Visitors walk through an atmospheric ice blue undulating crevasse, feel chilling air, see and hear water cascading down a waterfall, then enter an exhibit showing how glaciers shaped modern-day land forms.

The New York Times

Walcott has been taken up by academics with no ear for his verse but devout sympathy for his themes, academics who write with just the high-minded, chilling air of words like "populations" and "identities".

The New York Times - Books

Sometimes it would be as far as the sea shore, but this bathing naked and alone in the green Mediterranean depressed him and caused him to dress hurriedly in the already chilling air". Still, one can't help thinking that as political punishments go, there are worse places to be confined than an unspoiled fishing village in the south of Italy.

The Guardian - Books

The technology is not very complex; making gases for the most part comes down to either running chemical processes or chilling air.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

The cold Benguela Current flows northward along the coast, chilling the air above it and thus producing fog.

Britannica

As it evaporates, it absorbs the heat, chilling the air inside the machine.

Forbes

A breeze chilled the air, but Burress was warming up.

The New York Times - Sports

Thomaz rolled onto his back and breathed in the room's chill air.

The New Yorker

The chill air was heavy with the scent of alluvial earth.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "chilling air" to evoke a sense of coldness that is both physical and potentially unsettling. It can be effective in setting a scene or conveying a mood.

Common error

Avoid using "chilling air" in purely technical or scientific writing where a more precise term like "cold air" or a specific temperature measurement would be more appropriate. Reserve it for descriptive or narrative contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "chilling air" primarily functions as a modifier + noun. The adjective "chilling" modifies the noun "air", describing its quality. Ludwig's examples show it used descriptively, setting a scene or conveying a feeling.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "chilling air" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe air that is not only cold but also evokes a sense of discomfort or unease. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides examples from diverse sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. Though not extremely common, the phrase appears mainly in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Scientific contexts. When using "chilling air", consider its descriptive power and avoid it in purely technical contexts where precise measurements are required. Related phrases include "cold air" and "frigid air", each with nuances that alter the overall effect. Use it to enhance descriptions and create a memorable sensory experience for your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cold air

Direct synonym focusing on the temperature aspect, lacks the potential for figurative usage.

frigid air

Emphasizes extreme coldness; more intense than "chilling air".

bitter air

Suggests a sharp, penetrating coldness, often associated with winter.

icy air

Similar to "frigid air" but can also imply a lack of warmth in a figurative sense.

wintry air

Specifically connects the coldness to the winter season.

crisp air

Suggests a refreshing, clean coldness, less severe than "chilling air".

arctic air

Implies an extremely cold and harsh environment.

freezing air

Focuses on the action of causing something to freeze, indicating severe cold.

gelid air

A more formal and less common synonym for very cold air.

frosty air

Implies the presence of frost, indicating a cold and possibly icy atmosphere.

FAQs

How can I use "chilling air" in a sentence?

You can use "chilling air" to describe a cold or unsettling atmosphere, such as "The "chilling air" made me shiver" or "A "chilling air" of uncertainty filled the room".

What are some alternatives to "chilling air"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "cold air", "frigid air", or "bitter air" to describe coldness. If you're aiming for a more figurative sense, consider "unsettling atmosphere" or "foreboding ambiance".

Is "chilling air" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "chilling air" is suitable for formal writing, especially in descriptive or narrative contexts. However, in technical or scientific writing, more precise terms may be preferred.

What's the difference between "chilling air" and "cold air"?

"Cold air" simply describes the temperature of the air, while "chilling air" implies that the coldness is unpleasant or creates a sense of unease. "Chilling air" often has a stronger emotional or sensory impact than ""cold air"".