icy air

USAGE SUMMARY

"icy air" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a cold, winter day, or when you're talking about a feeling you get when you're outside in cold weather. For example, "I stepped outside and felt the icy air all around me."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

The marble staircase — a showpiece, Henry said — was a funnel of icy air.

The New Yorker

The small folk there contend with granular snow and icy air.

The New York Times - Books

And breathing the icy air was like sucking slush through a straw.

The Guardian - Travel

He took a walk around his neighborhood, trying to relax in the icy air.

The New York Times - Sports

In your room you are cowering under layers of blankets, with icy air blowing on you from all sides.

The New York Times

I love skiing: the thrill of racing down a tricky trail, the tingle of icy air in your lungs, the mountaintop views, the sips of mulled wine.

The New York Times - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

Summer moviegoing is associated with temperature: the hot blockbuster in the icy air-conditioned theater.

The New York Times

In a regal building that housed the British Far East Command's headquarters during World War II, Hotel Fort Canning has the gleaming white veneer of an old colonial building, though it's filled with 21st-century luxuries like plush, stylish furnishings and essential blasts of icy air-conditioning.

The New York Times - Travel

ON a blazing day in June the country duo Sugarland was holed up in a tour bus in the parking lot of the LP Field here, waiting, in icy air-conditioning, to headline the opening night of the Country Music Association Music Festival, the year's biggest gathering of the genre's fans.

The New York Times - Arts

That would be impressive, by most standards, for a midweek game in the icy April air.

The New York Times - Sports

An executive would breathe in that dank, icy stage air and say: 'Looks great!

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "icy air" to vividly describe the sensation of cold, often in outdoor settings or to evoke a sense of winter.

Common error

Avoid using "icy air" to describe emotions or situations unless the metaphor is very clearly related to physical coldness. Overusing it metaphorically can make your writing sound cliché.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "icy air" primarily functions as a descriptive element, where the adjective "icy" modifies the noun "air". This combination is used to evoke a specific sensory experience related to coldness. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

97%

Formal & Business

1%

Academia

1%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "icy air" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase, primarily found in news and media contexts. As Ludwig AI points out, it serves to vividly describe a cold atmospheric condition. While it’s generally safe to use, be mindful of overusing it in metaphorical contexts. Consider related phrases like "chilled air" or "freezing air" to add variety to your writing. It is important to remember that the goal is to create a strong sensory experience for the reader without sounding cliché.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

chilled air

Focuses on the cooling effect of the air, rather than the presence of ice.

freezing air

Emphasizes the extreme coldness of the air.

bitter air

Highlights the harsh, unpleasant quality of the cold air.

frigid air

Underscores the intensely cold nature of the air.

crisp air

Refers to the invigorating and refreshing quality of cold air.

frosty air

Implies a presence of frost in the air.

wintry air

Associates the air with the characteristics of winter.

glacial air

Connects the coldness of the air with glaciers and icy landscapes.

arctic air

Refers to air originating from the Arctic region, known for its extreme cold.

nipping air

Describes air that is sharply cold and bites at the skin.

FAQs

How can I describe the feeling of "icy air"?

You can describe the feeling of "icy air" as a sharp, biting cold that makes your skin tingle and can take your breath away. It's often associated with winter and snow.

What are some synonyms for "icy air"?

Some synonyms for "icy air" include "chilled air", "freezing air", and "frigid air". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "icy air" to describe someone's personality?

While you can use "icy" to describe a person's demeanor (e.g., "an icy stare"), using "icy air" in that context is less common and might sound awkward. Consider alternatives like "a "superficial air" of detachment".

When is it appropriate to use "icy air" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "icy air" when you want to vividly depict a cold, often outdoor environment. For example, you might write, "The "cold air" stung his face as he walked through the snowy forest".