grew cold

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "grew cold" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
Example sentence: As the night drew near, the air grew cold.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

A silence fell; eyes grew cold.

The New York Times

The air around me grew cold.

The New York Times - Books

The weather grew cold and there was snow.

The New Yorker

Night descended suddenly, and at once it grew cold.

The New Yorker

Over the years, it is true, the peace between Israel and Egypt grew cold.

The Economist

This request made, the girls went to deliver their little cooked dishes before they grew cold.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

The night grew colder.

The New Yorker

As night fell, the weather grew colder.

The New York Times

Meanwhile, his tent leaked, and the nights grew colder.

The New Yorker

He grew colder, despite the warm June air.

The Guardian

The night grew colder, damper, and darker, and the group around the incinerator fire grew uneasy.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a gradual decline in temperature or emotional warmth, "grew cold" is often more appropriate than stronger terms like "froze" or "became icy".

Common error

While acceptable, "grew cold" might sound less impactful in formal contexts. Opt for more precise alternatives like "diminished" or "waned" depending on the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grew cold" functions as a copular verb + adjective, indicating a change of state. It describes the process of something becoming cold, whether physically or emotionally. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "grew cold" is a grammatically sound and usable expression, typically employed to depict a gradual transition towards a state of coldness, be it physical or emotional. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While suitable for various contexts, it's most commonly found in news and media sources and is considered to have a neutral register. Related phrases include "became frigid" and "cooled down". In formal writing, more precise alternatives may be considered. While not overly frequent, "grew cold" effectively conveys a progressive decrease in temperature or emotional warmth.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

became frigid

Suggests a sudden and intense drop in temperature or a rapid decline in warmth, either physically or emotionally.

became icy

Implies a development of coldness, either in temperature or in emotional disposition.

chilled

Focuses specifically on a drop in temperature, often used to describe food or drink.

cooled down

Indicates a gradual reduction in temperature, enthusiasm, or intensity.

lost warmth

Emphasizes the absence of heat or affection, suggesting a decline in emotional connection or temperature.

froze over

Indicates a surface becoming covered with ice or a situation becoming stagnant or unresponsive.

turned chilly

Implies a change in temperature, often sudden, creating a cold atmosphere.

became indifferent

Describes a shift in attitude towards apathy or lack of interest.

lost interest

Signifies a decline in enthusiasm or engagement.

became apathetic

Describes a state of indifference or lack of concern, indicating a detachment from emotional or physical sensations.

FAQs

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

You can use "grew cold" to describe a decrease in temperature, as in "The night air "grew cold"", or a decline in affection, as in "Their relationship "grew cold" over time".

What are some synonyms for "grew cold"?

Alternatives include "became frigid", "cooled down", or "lost warmth", depending on whether you're referring to temperature or emotion.

Is it correct to say "grew coldly"?

While grammatically possible, "grew coldly" is less common and may sound awkward. "Grew cold" is usually preferred to describe a gradual process.

How does "grew cold" differ from "turned cold"?

"Grew cold" suggests a gradual change, while "turned cold" can imply a more sudden shift. For example, "The soup "grew cold" as we talked" versus "He "turned cold" after the argument".