frigid outside

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "frigid outside" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe extremely cold weather conditions. Example: "I decided to stay indoors today because it's frigid outside."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Sometimes it gets so hot that, even when it's frigid outside, he has to throw open the windows.

The New Yorker

Even if it's frigid outside, and he plans to do nothing but sit on the couch in his boxers.

The New York Times

It was frigid outside, the sun had not yet cleared the reddish mountains, and Coogan lingered, staring at the tall black letters on the prison's high walls: "CERESO" — Centro de Reinserción Social, the place where criminals are supposed to be reformed.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

One butcher shop I saw had no electricity for freezers, so animals were slaughtered daily, their carcasses hung in the frigid cold outside the shop.

Unicef

His suntan, what with the frigid temperature outside, seemed pleasant and warming, like roasted chestnuts; he was standing with a group, all of whom were dialing on cellphones.

The New York Times

Maybe it is the frigid temperatures outside, or the ever-present talk about how to increase the N.F.L.'s revenue, but football in Los Angeles -- or the lack of it -- has been a topic of conversation here this week.

The New York Times

And in contrast to frigid temperatures outside, three of these institutions also provide the perfumed air of tropical greenhouses as a place to warm up and enjoy exotic blooms.

The New York Times - Arts

When the curtain finally lifted at the Gala de la Bienal de Sevilla at City Center, after some superfluous welcoming speeches contrasting the frigid weather outside with the heat that was about to be generated inside, the sights and sounds on the stage weren't, well, especially sizzling.

The New York Times - Arts

Liz, decked out in full winter gear to combat the frigid temperature outside, learned she could grab a copy of the book at midnight the way most people here did: Twitter.

Huffington Post

But the rest of the Crimson were frigid from the outside, missing 14 of 17 attempts.

The New York Times - Sports

(Warning: some viewers may might this language offensive) TV anchors covering the cold weather are showing viewers just how frigid it is outside by freezing a wet T-shirt in two minutes flat.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "frigid outside", consider the context to ensure it accurately reflects the severity of the cold. It's best used when the temperature is significantly below freezing.

Common error

Avoid using "frigid" when "cold" or "chilly" would suffice. "Frigid" implies extreme cold, so reserve it for situations where the temperature is exceptionally low.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "frigid outside" functions as a descriptive phrase, modifying an implied noun (e.g., weather, temperature). It is used to characterize the external environment as extremely cold. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "frigid outside" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for describing extremely cold weather conditions. As Ludwig AI points out, it's suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media, where it serves to inform and warn about the severity of the cold. While there are many alternative phrases, such as "freezing outside" or "bitterly cold outside", "frigid outside" provides a clear and concise way to convey the intensity of the cold. Remember to reserve "frigid" for situations where the temperature is exceptionally low to avoid overuse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

freezing outside

Emphasizes the extremely cold temperature.

bitterly cold outside

Highlights the harshness and unpleasantness of the cold.

bone-chilling outside

Emphasizes the penetrating and uncomfortable nature of the cold.

icy outside

Focuses on the presence of ice and its contribution to the cold.

cold as ice outside

Uses a simile to emphasize the extreme coldness.

arctic conditions outside

Implies extremely cold conditions, similar to those found in the Arctic.

below freezing outside

Specifies that the temperature is below the freezing point of water.

frosty outside

Suggests the presence of frost, indicating cold temperatures.

chilly outside

Indicates a mild coldness, less intense than "frigid".

wintry outside

Implies conditions typical of winter, including cold temperatures and possibly snow or ice.

FAQs

What does "frigid outside" mean?

The phrase "frigid outside" describes a situation where the temperature is extremely cold outdoors. It suggests a severe coldness that can be uncomfortable or even dangerous.

What can I say instead of "frigid outside"?

You can use alternatives like "freezing outside", "bitterly cold outside", or "icy outside" to convey a similar meaning, depending on the specific nuance you want to express.

How do I use "frigid outside" in a sentence?

You can use "frigid outside" to describe the weather conditions, such as: "I decided to stay home because it was frigid outside", or "Despite the frigid outside, they decided to go for a walk".

Is "frigid outside" formal or informal?

"Frigid outside" is generally considered a neutral expression, suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal writing, you might consider more descriptive alternatives depending on the overall tone and purpose.