extreme cold

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "extreme cold" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe very low temperatures that are significantly below normal or comfortable levels. Example: "The region experienced extreme cold this winter, causing many schools to close for safety reasons."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

An obvious concern was the extreme cold.

The New Yorker

But even they die in this extreme cold.

The New York Times

But there is no agreement on what constitutes extreme cold.

The New York Times

Cryosurgery is the destruction of tissue using extreme cold.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Have you ever played a game in the extreme cold?

The New York Times

They endured extreme cold, mud and mosquito-infested forests.

The Guardian - Travel

Can it endure extreme heat or extreme cold?

The New Yorker

Extreme cold drives her into bed with him, fully clothed.

The New Yorker

Their eggs survive extreme cold, but winter thaws are bad for them.

Cornell University

And a bone chilling minus 60 degree C extreme cold temperature rating.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Root systems lose the insulation of snow that protects trees from extreme cold.

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the impact of "extreme cold" on living organisms, consider specifying physiological effects like hypothermia or frostbite for greater precision.

Common error

Avoid using redundant adjectives before "extreme cold" such as "very extreme cold" or "absolutely extreme cold". The word "extreme" already implies the highest degree.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "extreme cold" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. Ludwig shows it describes conditions or situations characterized by very low temperatures. The adjective "extreme" modifies the noun "cold", intensifying its meaning.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Academia

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "extreme cold" is a grammatically sound and very common phrase used to describe conditions of significantly low temperatures. As Ludwig confirms, it functions as a noun phrase across a wide range of contexts, particularly in news, academic, and scientific domains. The phrase's purpose is to characterize a state of intense cold, often to inform or warn about its effects. While generally neutral, its use can lean towards formal or scientific depending on the source. Remember to avoid redundant adjectives and consider more specific terms to enhance clarity. Various alternatives like "severe cold" or "bitter cold" can offer slightly different connotations, offering flexibility in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

severe cold

Emphasizes the intensity and harshness of the cold conditions.

intense cold

Highlights the high degree or strength of the cold.

bitter cold

Conveys a sense of unpleasantness and sharpness associated with the cold.

frigid temperatures

Uses a more scientific term to describe extremely low temperatures.

freezing conditions

Focuses on the state of being at or below the freezing point.

arctic temperatures

Implies temperatures characteristic of the Arctic region.

sub-zero temperatures

Specifies that the temperatures are below zero degrees.

harsh winter conditions

Broadens the scope to include other challenging aspects of winter, not just the cold.

extreme frost

Focuses on the presence and severity of frost formation.

polar chill

Evokes the image of the extreme cold found in polar regions.

FAQs

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

You can use "extreme cold" to describe weather conditions, the impact on infrastructure, or its effects on health. For instance: "The "extreme cold weather" caused widespread power outages", or "Exposure to "extreme cold can be fatal"".

What's a better way to say "extreme cold"?

Alternatives include "severe cold", "intense cold", or "bitter cold". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "extreme cold weather"?

Yes, "extreme cold weather" is grammatically correct. It's commonly used to emphasize the severity of the cold conditions. You might also consider "severely cold weather" as an alternative.

What are the dangers associated with "extreme cold"?

"Extreme cold" can lead to hypothermia, frostbite, and increased risk of heart attack. It can also impact infrastructure, causing burst pipes and power outages. Protecting yourself from "extreme cold exposure" is crucial.