getting chilly

USAGE SUMMARY

"getting chilly" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an informal phrase that implies the weather is becoming cooler or colder. You can use it in informal writing or in casual conversation. Example: I think we should head back inside soon. It's getting chilly out here.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

It was getting chilly.

The New York Times

But it's getting chilly.

The Guardian - Travel

IT IS getting chilly in Kiev.

The Economist

In the hide, it's getting chilly.

The Guardian

ON the verge of winter, it's getting chilly out there.

The New York Times

Last week we lingered on the Riverside field, not wanting the day to end even though the shadows were deepening and the air was getting chilly.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

It may be getting chillier but that doesn't stop the wildlife or the photographers for that matter.

BBC

Someone could get chilly.

The New York Times

Or has the mayor gotten chilly feet?

The New York Times

Wet suits are on hand if it gets chilly.

Independent

Nancy is hardly Siberia but can get chilly and rainy.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "getting chilly", consider adding a descriptive detail to enhance the imagery, such as "getting chilly with the evening breeze".

Common error

Avoid using "getting chilly" in formal writing or professional reports. Opt for more precise and professional alternatives like "the temperature is decreasing" or "it's becoming colder".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "getting chilly" functions as a descriptive expression, indicating a gradual transition towards colder conditions. It's often used to describe weather or ambient temperature as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

22%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "getting chilly" is a common and informal way to describe a gradual decrease in temperature. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and suitable for everyday conversation and casual writing. While highly accessible and easy to understand, it should be used with caution in formal or professional contexts, where more precise language is preferred. Common usages appear in "News & Media" and Wiki sources. When looking for alternatives, consider phrases like "becoming cold" or "turning cool" to express similar ideas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

becoming cold

This alternative focuses on the process of transitioning to a colder state.

turning cool

This option suggests a more moderate decrease in temperature, implying a pleasant change from warm to cool.

growing colder

This phrase emphasizes the gradual increase in coldness.

feeling cold

This alternative shifts the focus to the sensation of coldness experienced by someone.

dropping in temperature

This option is more formal and scientific, describing the temperature decreasing.

the temperature is falling

A more descriptive way of explaining that the temperature is decreasing.

air is cooling

This focuses specifically on the air temperature decreasing.

a nip in the air

This is an idiomatic expression referring to a slight coldness in the air.

winter is coming

This phrase implies a broader seasonal shift toward cold weather.

lowering temperature

This is a more formal way to express a reduction in temperature.

FAQs

What does "getting chilly" mean?

"Getting chilly" means that the temperature is gradually decreasing, and it's starting to feel cold. It's a common way to describe a change in weather or ambient temperature.

What can I say instead of "getting chilly"?

You can use alternatives like "becoming cold", "turning cool", or "growing colder" depending on the context.

Is "getting chilly" formal or informal?

"Getting chilly" is generally considered an informal phrase suitable for everyday conversation and casual writing. In more formal contexts, consider using more precise language like "the temperature is decreasing".

How to use "getting chilly" in a sentence?

You can use "getting chilly" in a sentence like: "I think we should head back inside soon; it's getting chilly out here" or "The evenings are getting chilly now that fall is approaching."