icy wind

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "icy wind" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
Example: The hikers trudged through the icy wind as they made their way up the mountain.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

There was an icy wind.

The New Yorker

This icy wind is known as the boreas.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In that foxhole moment, Anderson and Coleman blocked the icy wind for each other.

The New York Times - Sports

Four days later, Amador stepped off a bus and into the icy wind whipping through Bloomington.

The Washington Post

Just then a plangent voice and sweet guitar arrives on the icy wind.

The Guardian

Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer, a Green, says the party is "facing an icy wind".

The New York Times

However his creature has more to contend with than the icy wind from the river.

The Guardian - Arts

As I cycled back from the square, an icy wind blew in my face.

The New York Times

The place was Seoul and the icy wind was like a continuing physical pain.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

The icy wind-swept landscapes are breathtaking, and Canadian cinematographer Nicolas Bolduc captures the awesomeness of nature in the movie's best, wordless moments.

Los Angeles Times

Of one thing we can be sure: an extremely icy wind has just blown right through the entire luxury sector.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "icy wind" to vividly describe harsh winter landscapes or the sensation of extreme coldness. It effectively conveys both temperature and the active, biting nature of the wind.

Common error

Avoid using "icy wind" to describe breezes during warmer seasons. The phrase implies a level of cold that would be inappropriate and confusing in such contexts. Instead, use terms like "cool breeze" or "crisp air".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "icy wind" primarily functions as a descriptive element, modifying a noun. It specifies the type of wind, emphasizing its coldness and often its harshness. As Ludwig AI confirms, the structure is grammatically correct and common in English writing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Academia

8%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "icy wind" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe cold, biting winds. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and frequent appearance in various contexts. Primarily found in News & Media, Academia and Encyclopedias, it serves to vividly convey harsh weather conditions, either literally or metaphorically. When using "icy wind", ensure the context aligns with its implication of extreme cold. Alternatives like "freezing gale" or "glacial breeze" can provide nuanced variations, while avoiding misuse in warmer weather contexts maintains clarity and accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

glacial breeze

This alternative emphasizes the origin and extreme coldness, implying a wind originating from a glacier.

freezing gale

This alternative emphasizes the strength and intensely cold nature of the wind.

bitter blast

This alternative focuses on the sharp, unpleasant sensation of the wind.

arctic gust

This alternative highlights the polar origin and sudden nature of the wind.

frigid air current

This alternative uses more scientific language, referring to the movement of very cold air.

wintry squall

This alternative suggests a sudden, brief, and intense burst of cold wind.

nipping breeze

This alternative describes a wind that is cold enough to cause a slight, stinging sensation.

gelid wind

This alternative uses a more archaic and literary term for extremely cold wind.

frosty air

This alternative focuses on the air's ability to produce frost and its overall coldness.

subzero wind

This alternative indicates that the wind's temperature is below zero degrees Celsius or Fahrenheit.

FAQs

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

You can use "icy wind" to describe weather conditions, such as "The "icy wind" made it difficult to walk across the bridge" or "An "icy wind" swept through the deserted streets".

What is another way to say "icy wind"?

Alternatives to "icy wind" include "freezing gale", "glacial breeze", or "bitter blast", all conveying similar concepts of cold and forceful air.

What makes an "icy wind" different from a "cold wind"?

While both describe cold air, "icy wind" suggests a more biting, penetrating cold, often associated with frozen precipitation or sub-zero temperatures. "Cold wind" is a more general term for chilly air movement.

Is it appropriate to use "icy wind" metaphorically?

Yes, "icy wind" can be used metaphorically to describe a cold or hostile atmosphere or a chilling experience. For example, "Her words were like an "icy wind", cutting through the room".