cold and hard

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cold and hard" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is both physically cold and emotionally unyielding or unfeeling. Example: "The metal surface felt cold and hard against my skin as I leaned on it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

The table is cold and hard.

The New York Times - Health

Cold and hard and messed up.

The New Yorker

It's cold and hard, but it's beautiful.

The Guardian

How do I stop being so cold and hard?

The New York Times - Style

She looked at him, her expression cold and hard and wounded.

The New Yorker

"You don't want the family to touch Grandmama and feel it cold and hard," he said.

The New York Times

The resulting models are cold and hard to the touch, but they look quite realistic.

The New York Times

If you're feeling cold and hard, Heartless, it's only because you're guarding a lot of vulnerability.

The New York Times - Style

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Pummeling percussion, frenzied pacing, and alien timbres distinctly machine-like, cold and hard are hallmarks of the group's sound.

Vice

The Earth, Herself, is cold and hard as death.

Huffington Post

Be cold and hard with the numbers, but warm and kindhearted with people.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cold and hard" to describe physical sensations like touching a frozen object or to characterize someone's unfeeling demeanor. Ensure the context makes the intended meaning clear.

Common error

Avoid using "cold and hard" too frequently in your writing, as it can become repetitive. Consider using synonyms or rephrasing the sentence to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cold and hard" functions primarily as a descriptive adjective phrase. It is used to modify nouns, providing information about their physical properties or emotional characteristics. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Encyclopedias

14%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

9%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cold and hard" is a grammatically correct adjective phrase widely used in English to describe something physically cold and emotionally unyielding. Ludwig AI validates its proper usage. It is frequently found in news and media, encyclopedias, and wiki articles. When using this phrase, it's important to consider the context to ensure the intended meaning is clear and to avoid overuse. Alternatives such as "icy and inflexible" or "frigid and unyielding" may be considered for variety. It is important to note that this phrase may denote unfeeling demeanor.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

icy and inflexible

Emphasizes the lack of warmth and adaptability.

frigid and unyielding

Highlights the intense coldness and resistance to change.

stony and unfeeling

Focuses on the emotional detachment and lack of empathy.

callous and firm

Suggests a hardened and resolute nature.

harsh and rigid

Implies severity and lack of flexibility.

unresponsive and solid

Highlights the lack of reaction and the physical density.

glacial and immovable

Emphasizes the slow, unrelenting nature and resistance to movement.

impassive and dense

Focuses on the lack of expression and intellectual depth.

frozen and stiff

Highlights the state of being immobilized by cold.

bleak and unbending

Implies a cheerless outlook and an unwillingness to compromise.

FAQs

How can I use "cold and hard" in a sentence?

You can use "cold and hard" to describe a physical sensation, such as "The metal bench was "cold and hard" in the winter air", or to describe someone's personality, such as "His demeanor was "cold and hard", making it difficult to connect with him".

What are some synonyms for "cold and hard"?

Some synonyms for "cold and hard" include "icy and inflexible", "frigid and unyielding", or "stony and unfeeling" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "cold and hard" in formal writing?

Yes, "cold and hard" is appropriate in formal writing, especially when describing factual observations. However, be mindful of the tone and ensure it aligns with the overall purpose of your writing.

When is it better to avoid using "cold and hard"?

Consider avoiding "cold and hard" in contexts where a more nuanced or sensitive description is needed. In those cases, alternatives like "callous and firm" or "harsh and rigid" might be more appropriate.