it feels chilly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it feels chilly" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a sensation of coldness in the air or environment. Example: "As I stepped outside, it feels chilly, so I decided to grab a jacket before heading out."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

If it feels chilly now, it's because the heat's turned down.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

It felt chilly and legalistic not quite Dukakis on capital punishment for wife-murderers, but perilously close.

The New Yorker

Such linguistic precision in the face of gore rubbed me wrong in other stories -- it felt chilly and mannered, a stylistic tic -- but in this one it fits.

The New York Times - Books

But he did receive a congratulatory sheet cake from the crew, with whom he then posed for pictures, prompting him to ask, "There is somebody flying the plane, right?" When he arrived at the White House, he largely ignored shouted questions from reporters, remarking only that it felt "chilly" in Washington.

The New York Times

"(I am transparent)." The frequent bubbling-up of lines from "The Waste Land" recalls the surest source of Burroughs's inspiration as an artist, and the inevitable site to which he returns in the shadow of death: " 'I feel chilly and grown old.

The New York Times - Books

Even though the tank is said to be at body temperature, I felt chilly.

Vice

But aside from its polemical heat, "Glittering Images" feels chilly and too caught up in the parsing of styles and historical epochs to generate the kind of enthusiasm to which it aspires.

The New York Times - Books

But in the center, there is a wide, empty area that feels chilly and forbidding.

The New York Times

The photographs, devoid of the human form, show a world of few colours, one that feels chilly and inhospitable.

BBC

This simply means that the material feels chillier when wet.

The New York Times

Feeling chilly is just one of many feelings and behaviors that can be passed along in a contagious manner.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it feels chilly" to describe a mild sensation of coldness, suitable for informal and descriptive writing. It is particularly effective when conveying a sensory experience.

Common error

Avoid using "it feels chilly" in formal or scientific writing where more precise and objective language is preferred. Instead, opt for phrases like "the temperature is low" or provide specific temperature readings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it feels chilly" primarily functions as a descriptive expression, indicating a sensory perception of coldness. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. Examples demonstrate its use in various contexts to convey a subjective experience of temperature.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it feels chilly" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe a mild sensation of coldness. According to Ludwig, this phrase is correct and usable in written English. It's most frequently found in news and media, as well as in wikis, and serves to convey a subjective sensory experience. While versatile, it's best suited for informal contexts and descriptive writing, and should be avoided in highly formal or scientific contexts where objective measurements are more appropriate. For alternative phrasing, consider "it feels cold" or "there's a chill in the air".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it feels cold

Direct synonym, replacing "chilly" with a more general term for coldness.

it feels a bit cold

Adds a qualifier to indicate a slightly lower intensity of cold.

the air feels cold

Similar to "it feels cold", but specifying that it's the air that feels cold.

it feels cool

Uses "cool" as a milder alternative to "chilly".

it feels crisp

Emphasizes the refreshing and invigorating aspect of the cold air.

it feels brisk

Highlights the lively and stimulating nature of the cold.

there's a chill in the air

Shifts the focus to the general atmosphere, indicating coldness in the air.

i feel a chill

Changes the subject to a personal feeling of coldness rather than an environmental sensation.

it feels refreshing

Suggests a positive aspect of the cold, emphasizing its invigorating quality.

the temperature is low

Focuses on the measurable temperature being low, a more objective description.

FAQs

What does "it feels chilly" mean?

The phrase "it feels chilly" describes a mild sensation of coldness, often referring to the weather or a room's temperature. It suggests a feeling that is cooler than comfortable, but not extremely cold.

What can I say instead of "it feels chilly"?

You can use alternatives like "it feels cold", "it feels cool", or "there's a chill in the air" depending on the context.

Is "it feels chilly" the same as "it is chilly"?

While similar, "it feels chilly" emphasizes the sensory experience, whereas "it is chilly" states a more objective condition. "It feels chilly" focuses on how someone perceives the temperature.

When is it appropriate to use "it feels chilly" in writing?

The phrase "it feels chilly" is appropriate for informal writing, descriptive passages, or when conveying a subjective experience of temperature. Avoid in scientific reports or very formal contexts.