it got chilly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it got chilly" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a sudden drop in temperature or a change in weather conditions, often in a casual or conversational context. Example: "As the sun began to set, it got chilly, and we had to grab our jackets."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

We'd like duster jackets with stitched seams, crisp shirts and sensible jumpers when it got chilly.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

When it got chilly, my wife actually threw a sweater over the goose.

The New York Times

When it got chilly in Delhi, I flew down to Kerala and spent a few blissful weeks at a seaside Ayurvedic resort.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Wet suits are on hand if it gets chilly.

Independent

If it gets chilly, you can let it back down.

The Guardian - Travel

Unless it gets chilly, in which case, deploy the wind blocker that mounts behind the front seats.

The New York Times

And a pale, Monet-toned dress is lovely, but what to wear with it when it gets chilly?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

When it gets chilly like this — and mind you, 20 degrees is really cold here — morning news anchors remind viewers to wear warm coats, hats and gloves.

The New York Times

Sit in the sun, or eat there in the evening when it is very pretty (and they give you rugs if it gets chilly).

The Guardian - Travel

"At altitude, an unexpected storm can show up out of nowhere, and it gets chilly quick when the sun goes down".

The New York Times

Lawrence Citarelli Jr., the president of First Hampton International Realty, has a $395,000 listing for anyone interested in spending July in a 12-bedroom 12-and-a-half-bath mansion on six acres — with pool, tennis and eight fireplaces (in case it gets chilly).

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it got chilly" to describe a mild drop in temperature, especially when emphasizing a feeling of slight coldness rather than extreme cold.

Common error

Avoid using "it got chilly" in formal or scientific writing. Opt for more precise and objective language like "the temperature decreased" or "the air cooled down."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it got chilly" functions as a descriptive statement, indicating a change in temperature. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct. It describes a state of becoming slightly cold.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it got chilly" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to describe a slight decrease in temperature. As Ludwig AI suggests, it's suitable for informal contexts, while more formal situations might require alternatives like "the temperature decreased". The usage of this phrase is relatively rare, mainly appearing in News & Media and Wiki sources. When writing, remember that "it got chilly" describes a mild coldness, and choosing precise language is essential depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it became cool

Replaces "chilly" with "cool", indicating a slight decrease in temperature.

the temperature dropped

Uses a more scientific term, "temperature", and describes its action.

it turned cold

Uses "cold" instead of "chilly", implying a more significant drop in temperature.

the air cooled down

Focuses on the air temperature specifically.

a cold breeze started

Highlights the introduction of a cold breeze.

it felt colder

Emphasizes the subjective feeling of increased coldness.

the weather cooled

General statement of weather.

there was a chill in the air

Describes the presence of a cold feeling in the atmosphere.

it grew crisp

Uses "crisp" as a more descriptive and evocative alternative to "chilly".

the evening grew cool

Specifies the time of day when the temperature decreased.

FAQs

How can I use "it got chilly" in a sentence?

You can use "it got chilly" to describe a decrease in temperature. For example: "As the sun set, "it got chilly" and we went inside."

What are some alternatives to "it got chilly"?

Some alternatives include "it became cool", "the temperature dropped", or "it turned cold".

Is it appropriate to use "it got chilly" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "it got chilly" is generally considered informal. More formal alternatives like "the temperature decreased" might be preferable in academic or professional contexts.

What's the difference between "it got chilly" and "it got cold"?

"It got chilly" suggests a milder decrease in temperature compared to "it got cold", which implies a more significant drop. "Chilly" describes a slight coolness, while "cold" indicates a lower temperature.