cool to the touch

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cool to the touch" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to describe something that has a temperature lower than the surrounding air, often as a result of being touched by something colder. For example, "The metal key felt cool to the touch, as if it had been stored in the refrigerator."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was cool to the touch.

The New York Times - Magazine

The sand was cool to the touch.

The New York Times - Arts

Once the eggs are cool to the touch, start painting.

The Guardian

Set aside until cool to the touch – about 25 minutes.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

And Green is, like Bloomberg, rather cool to the touch.

The New York Times - Magazine

They seemed cool to the touch, and they rang when they were struck.

The New Yorker

The device was surprisingly quiet when running and cool to the touch.

The New York Times

It was strangely, startlingly cold — metals felt cool to the touch, but the diamond was icy.

The New Yorker

The soil surface should feel cool to the touch, barely damp.

The New York Times

But it has also often been a bit aloof, cool to the touch.

The New York Times

The carcasses felt cool to the touch, no longer animals but meat.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a material's properties, use "cool to the touch" to indicate that it doesn't retain heat. For example, "Quartz countertops are popular because they remain "cool to the touch", even in warm environments."

Common error

Avoid using "cool to the touch" to describe a person's personality or demeanor. While "cool" can describe someone's attitude, "cool to the touch" specifically relates to physical temperature.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cool to the touch" functions as an adjective phrase that modifies a noun, describing its temperature. It specifies the tactile sensation experienced upon contact, indicating that the object's surface feels colder than the surrounding environment. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Wiki

25%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

4%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cool to the touch" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe an object's temperature. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively communicates the sensation of coolness upon contact. This phrase is most frequently found in News & Media and Wiki contexts, indicating its broad applicability. While its primary function is descriptive, it enhances communication by providing specific sensory details. For alternatives, consider phrases like "slightly chilled" or "cold to the hand" for nuanced variations. Remember that "cool to the touch" specifically refers to physical temperature and should not be used to describe personality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cold to the hand

Specifies the body part experiencing the sensation, providing a more direct tactile description.

not warm to the touch

Emphasizes the absence of warmth, indirectly implying coolness.

slightly chilled

Describes a mild state of being cold, emphasizing a lesser degree of coolness than "cool to the touch".

having a cool surface

Focuses on the property of the surface being cool, rather than the sensation upon touching it.

pleasantly cold

Focuses on the agreeable aspect of the coldness, suggesting a refreshing sensation.

refreshingly cool

Highlights the invigorating quality of the coolness.

lightly cooled

Implies a subtle reduction in temperature, suggesting a delicate coolness.

ice-cold

Indicates a much lower temperature, suggesting extreme coldness compared to "cool to the touch".

with a chilling effect

Describes the effect of the coldness, rather than the tactile sensation.

just below room temperature

Indicates a temperature slightly lower than the surrounding environment, offering a more technical description.

FAQs

How can I use "cool to the touch" in a sentence?

You can use "cool to the touch" to describe the temperature of an object. For example: "The metal felt "cool to the touch" even after sitting in the sun".

What does it mean when something is described as "cool to the touch"?

When something is described as "cool to the touch", it means that the surface of the object feels colder than room temperature when touched.

What are some other ways to say "cool to the touch"?

Alternatives include "slightly chilled", "pleasantly cold", or "cold to the hand", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "cool to the touch" in formal writing?

Yes, "cool to the touch" is appropriate in formal writing when describing physical properties. It is a clear and descriptive way to indicate an object's temperature.