chilly outside

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "chilly outside" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the temperature or weather conditions when it is cold outside. Example: "Make sure to wear a jacket; it's quite chilly outside today."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

It may be chilly outside but in the world of fashion, spring is well underway heralded in by an array of shiny, new ad campaigns.

Independent

They are wussy pampered things, used to heat and moisture, and a too-sudden exposure to the chilly outside world could kill them.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

When it's chilly outside, grab a seat in Café Bunkier with a mug of coffee.

BBC

When it is chilly outside, there may be cassoulet fortified with crunchy duck confit; in summer a creditable bouillabaisse.

Los Angeles Times

When it is chilly outside, I like to slip on neutral-colored faux fur boots over black athletic capri pants.

Huffington Post

Similar to a chicken pot pie, these are the perfect hot - but affordable - lunch, especially when the weather is a little chilly outside!

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

If it's too chilly to sit outside, hunker down inside with a bottle of regional beer.

Independent

Regal and a little chilly on the outside, Phyllis is an emotional volcano under her poised hauteur.

The New York Times - Arts

The glass doors to his storefront classroom were flung open to the chilly rain falling outside, inviting passers-by to stop, listen, and sometimes contribute to the discussion.

The New York Times

FIVE minutes before the afternoon's first class, the waiting room, chilly from the outside air as the storefront's glass door swung open and shut, hummed with activity and talk.

The New York Times

The ideal place to eat it, I imagined, was a subterranean apartment in London's East End, on an overcast late-winter afternoon, when it was only slightly less chilly indoors than outside in the frozen drizzle.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "chilly outside" to create a sense of contrast, for example, "It's chilly outside, but warm and cozy inside."

Common error

While acceptable, "chilly outside" is more informal. In formal contexts, consider "cold weather conditions prevail" or "low ambient temperatures are present".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "chilly outside" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb (often implied) to describe a condition or state. It indicates the temperature is cold outdoors. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability and common use.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "chilly outside" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to describe cold weather conditions. Ludwig AI confirms this. While not overly formal, it's suitable for many contexts, particularly in news, media, and everyday conversation. More formal alternatives exist, but "chilly outside" strikes a balance between informality and clarity. Remember to consider your audience and purpose when choosing between "chilly outside" and its alternatives, such as "cold outdoors" or "low ambient temperatures".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Cold outdoors

Replaces "chilly" with "cold" and "outside" with "outdoors", maintaining the core meaning.

Cool outside

Substitutes "chilly" with "cool", indicating a milder degree of coldness.

The weather is cold

Expresses the idea as a statement about the weather, using "cold" as the descriptor.

There's a nip in the air

An idiomatic expression suggesting a sharp, cold feeling in the air.

It's freezing outdoors

Replaces "chilly" with "freezing" to convey a much colder temperature.

The air is crisp

Describes the air as being cold and refreshing, often used in autumn.

It's a brisk day

Suggests a cold, invigorating day.

The temperature is low

A more technical way of saying it's cold outside.

Jack Frost is nipping

Personifies the cold weather, using the figure of Jack Frost.

Winter is in the air

Implies that the cold weather is characteristic of winter.

FAQs

How can I use "chilly outside" in a sentence?

You can use "chilly outside" to describe the weather, such as "It's "chilly outside", so remember to wear a coat".

What's a more formal way to say "chilly outside"?

For a more formal tone, you might say "The ambient temperature is low" or "There are cold weather conditions" instead of ""chilly outside"".

What does "chilly outside" imply about the weather?

"Chilly outside" suggests that the weather is cold enough to be noticeable and possibly uncomfortable without proper attire, but not severely cold like "freezing" or "bitterly cold".

Is it correct to say "chilly outdoors" instead of "chilly outside"?

Yes, "chilly outdoors" is a correct and acceptable alternative to "chilly outside". Both phrases are grammatically sound and convey the same meaning.