cold air

USAGE SUMMARY

"cold air" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a literal or figurative cold atmosphere. For example: "The office was filled with cold air after the boss fired the employee."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I felt cold air in my spine.

The New York Times

"It kept funneling cold air down".

The New York Times - Science

Cold air in the mouth".

The Guardian - Books

Cold air burned his cheeks.

The New Yorker

"Cold air helps you think!" he says.

The New York Times

The cold air could have ruined everything.

The New York Times

Cold air on her wet back.

The New Yorker

Cold air plummets from the mountaintop.

The New Yorker

He wrenched it open and inhaled the cold air.

The New Yorker

My chest filled with cold air and gratitude.

The New York Times

A knife blade of cold air keeps prying.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a setting, use "cold air" to evoke a sense of realism and sensory experience for the reader, enhancing their immersion in the scene.

Common error

Avoid using "cold air" as a metaphor too frequently, as it can become cliché. Instead, explore more nuanced descriptions of emotional distance or lack of warmth to maintain the freshness of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cold air" functions primarily as a noun phrase comprised of an adjective ("cold") modifying a noun ("air"). It describes a specific quality of the air. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is correct and usable in written English. Ludwig examples show its role in descriptive contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Wiki

26%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cold air" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for describing the sensation and temperature of the atmosphere. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's perfectly acceptable in written English. Analysis of Ludwig's examples indicates its prevalence in News & Media, Wiki, and Scientific contexts. When using "cold air", it's essential to consider the specific nuance you want to convey, exploring alternatives like "frigid air" or "chilly air" for varying degrees of coldness. While versatile, overusing it metaphorically should be avoided to keep writing fresh. Remember to use it to enhance realism and sensory immersion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

frigid air

Emphasizes a more extreme degree of coldness.

chilly air

Suggests a milder form of coldness, often refreshing.

winter air

Associates the coldness specifically with the winter season.

icy air

Implies a coldness that is sharp and biting, possibly with ice particles.

freezing air

Indicates a temperature at or below the freezing point of water.

bitter air

Highlights the unpleasant or harsh quality of the cold.

arctic air

Connects the coldness to the polar regions, suggesting extreme cold.

crisp air

Describes a coldness that is clean, fresh, and invigorating.

polar air

Similar to arctic air, referring to the cold air masses from the polar regions.

glacial air

Refers to air that is extremely cold, reminiscent of a glacier.

FAQs

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

"Cold air" can be used to describe temperature (e.g., "The "cold air" nipped at her cheeks"), or as part of a larger description (e.g., "The sudden rush of "cold air" announced the arrival of winter").

What are some synonyms for "cold air"?

Synonyms include "frigid air", "chilly air", or "winter air", each carrying slightly different connotations.

Is it correct to say "the air is cold" instead of "cold air"?

Yes, "the air is cold" is grammatically correct and conveys a similar meaning. The choice between "cold air" and "the air is cold" often depends on the specific nuance and flow of the sentence.

When is it appropriate to use "cold air" metaphorically?

While primarily used literally, "cold air" can be used metaphorically to suggest a lack of warmth or enthusiasm in a situation or relationship. However, it should be used sparingly to avoid cliché.