frigid water

USAGE SUMMARY

"frigid water" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it whenever you need to describe icy cold water. For example: "We awoke to find a thin layer of frost on the grass and frigid water in the lake."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The frigid water soon reached his neck.

The Washington Post

Face contorted, he torpedoes into the frigid water.

Independent

Several other passengers were rescued from the frigid water.

The New York Times

Artificial blubber infused with xenon protects divers in frigid water.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Artificial blubber infused with krypton protects divers in frigid water.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

But the frigid water took a huge toll.

The Washington Post

The frigid water of the Metolius is so clear and pure that it is potable.

The New York Times - Travel

Some jumped into the frigid water; some slipped off the wing.

The New Yorker

Two of us ventured into the frigid water until numbness jolted us back to shore.

The Washington Post

Frigid water holds more gasses, including oxygen, than warmer water does.

The New York Times - Science

Mr. Streever, a biologist who lives in Anchorage, remains in the frigid water for five minutes.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In scientific writing, specify "frigid water" when the precise temperature is less critical than the general condition of extreme cold.

Common error

While "frigid water" is acceptable in most contexts, avoid it in highly formal or scientific writing where more precise temperature descriptions are expected. In these cases, specify the temperature range using scientific units.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "frigid water" functions as a descriptive noun phrase where the adjective "frigid" modifies the noun "water". It serves to specify the temperature of the water, indicating it is extremely cold. Examples from Ludwig show its use across different types of sentences to describe various scenarios.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Academia

14%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "frigid water" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe extremely cold water. As evidenced by Ludwig, it appears frequently in news, academic, and scientific contexts. While versatile, it's best to use more precise terms in highly formal settings where specific temperature measurements are needed. Alternatives like "ice-cold water" or "icy water" can offer slightly different nuances. Overall, "frigid water" is a reliable and effective phrase for conveying the idea of intensely cold water conditions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ice-cold water

Emphasizes the presence of ice or the sensation of extreme coldness, implying a temperature near freezing.

icy water

Directly refers to water containing ice or having a temperature close to freezing.

freezing water

Focuses on the process of water turning into ice, indicating a temperature at or below the freezing point.

glacial water

Implies water originating from glaciers, known for their extremely cold temperatures.

bitterly cold water

Highlights the intense and unpleasant sensation of coldness, adding an emotional dimension.

chilling water

Describes water that causes a rapid and significant drop in temperature, often unpleasant.

arctic water

Associates the water with the Arctic region, known for its extremely cold temperatures.

polar water

Similar to arctic water, linking the water's origin to the polar regions.

ice water

Water with added ice.

extremely cold water

A more descriptive way to express the very low temperature of the water.

FAQs

How can I use "frigid water" in a sentence?

You can use "frigid water" to describe extremely cold water, as in "The swimmer gasped as he plunged into the "frigid water"".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "frigid water"?

Alternatives include "ice cold water", "icy water", or "freezing water", each emphasizing a slightly different aspect of the water's extreme coldness.

Is "frigid water" a formal or informal term?

"Frigid water" is generally considered a neutral term suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though more technical terms might be preferred in scientific writing.

What's the difference between "frigid water" and "cold water"?

"Frigid water" implies a significantly lower temperature than "cold water", suggesting a state of extreme coldness that may be near freezing.