icy draft

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "icy draft" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a cold breeze or airflow, often in the context of a room or building that feels chilly due to a draft. Example: "As I entered the old house, I was immediately struck by an icy draft that sent shivers down my spine."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

At the very least, you can grab an icy draft Abita ($3.50) from the bar.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

What scraps we have of the frost giants and other inhabitants of the nine Norse worlds are intensely strange, blown in on icy drafts from an elsewhere of heightened bleakness and grandeur.

The New Yorker

When you have had enough of the crowds (it won't take long), duck into the lovely, palm-tree-dotted Plaça Reial for a restorative break and perhaps an icy caña (draft beer; 2.30 euros, or about $3 at $1.35 to the euro) at Karma (Plaça Reial, 10; 34-93-3025-680), one of several cervecerías that line this historic square.

The New York Times - Travel

At the Kabuki Cafe, beer aficionados will find Kirin, Asahi and Sapporo, as well as Kirin Frozen, which is a Kirin Draft topped with an icy foam, also made from Kirin, that helps insulate and keep the beer cold.

Huffington Post

He was not fanciful and he killed 650,000 people to prove it.BRIAN JONESNew YorkSIR—I fear that your draft constitution will be held in icy disregard by Europe for the following reasons.

The Economist

It advises members during executive sessions on legislation, and works together with Admin istration technicians and le gal experts to frame the pol icy decided on by the com mittee into draft legislation.

The New York Times

ICY participated in the study design and conception, performed statistical analysis and helped to draft the manuscript.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

Icy streets.

Columbia University

Icy toes?

Harvard University

Not too icy.

The New York Times

"Icy fingers, grasping".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "icy draft" to vividly describe a cold and unwelcome breeze, especially when emphasizing its penetrating quality. For example, describing the feeling of a poorly insulated room.

Common error

Avoid using "icy draft" to describe a gentle breeze on a warm day. The term implies a significant and unpleasant drop in temperature.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "icy draft" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where 'icy' modifies the noun 'draft'. It describes a specific type of airflow characterized by its coldness, as shown by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "icy draft" is a noun phrase used to describe a particularly cold and unpleasant airflow. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and primarily appears in news and media contexts. While not a common expression, it effectively conveys a sense of chill and discomfort. Consider alternatives like "cold gust" or "chilling breeze" depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Icy blast

Focuses on a sudden burst of icy air.

Cold gust

Focuses on a sudden burst of cold air.

Chilling breeze

Emphasizes the sensation of coldness and its effect.

Sharp breeze

Highlights the sudden and piercing nature of the cold air.

Freezing wind

Highlights the extremely low temperature of the air.

Bitter wind

Emphasizes the unpleasant and harsh quality of the wind.

Arctic blast

Implies a sudden and intense cold air mass.

Frigid air current

Uses more technical language to describe the cold airflow.

Winter chill

Connects the coldness to the winter season.

Cold snap

Refers to a brief period of cold weather.

FAQs

How can I use "icy draft" in a sentence?

You can use "icy draft" to describe a cold and unwelcome breeze, often in an enclosed space. For example: "An "icy draft" snaked through the old house, chilling us to the bone."

What's a good alternative to "icy draft"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "cold gust", "chilling breeze", or "freezing wind".

When is it appropriate to use "icy draft"?

It's appropriate to use "icy draft" when you want to emphasize the unpleasant and penetrating coldness of a breeze or airflow. It suggests a more intense cold than just a "cold breeze".

What's the difference between "icy draft" and "cold breeze"?

"Icy draft" suggests a more intense and often unwelcome coldness compared to a simple "cold breeze". The term "icy" adds a sense of sharpness and discomfort.