it got cold

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it got cold" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe a situation when the temperature has suddenly become colder. For example: "We were enjoying a sunny day at the beach, but then it got cold and we decided to leave."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

Hyundai broke up before setting up in the zone, however, and North Korea dragged its feet over opening up rail links there, ostensibly because it got cold feet over allowing South Korea to play such a large direct role in its economy.

The New York Times

It Got Cold!

Cornell University

Then it got cold outside.

The New York Times

His father would even take Lily home when it got cold out.

The New York Times

When it got cold, God rubbed her shoulders and she kissed Him on the neck.

The New Yorker

At night it got cold, so I used to bring the pullover over my knees.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

It got colder before the wooly mammoth evolved its shaggy coat.

Communicative and Integrative Biology

When it got colder, he pulled on a Jeff Gordon sweatshirt.

The New York Times

It got colder as we climbed, and the terrain was desolate.

The New York Times - Travel

It gets cold.

The New Yorker

"It gets cold there".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it got cold" to describe a change in temperature, particularly when the initial state was warmer. For example, "We enjoyed the sunshine until it got cold."

Common error

Avoid using "it got cold" to describe a consistently cold environment. Instead, use it to express a change from a warmer to a colder state. For example, instead of saying "The Arctic is where it got cold", say "The Arctic is consistently cold".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it got cold" functions as a statement describing a change in temperature. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to indicate a transition to a colder state. Examples from Ludwig show this phrase used across various narratives and contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Academia

18%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it got cold" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a decrease in temperature. As verified by Ludwig AI, it's suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media, and academia. While the phrase is generally neutral in tone, more formal settings may require more precise language. When you want to add variety to your writing, you may choose alternatives as "the temperature dropped" or "the air turned chilly". Be mindful to use it to describe a change rather than a constant state. Ludwig's examples illustrate the breadth of situations where this phrase can be appropriately used.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the temperature dropped

Focuses on the numerical measure of temperature decreasing.

the air turned chilly

Emphasizes the feeling of coldness in the air.

a chill set in

Highlights the gradual onset of coldness.

it became frosty

Suggests a coldness that leads to frost formation.

the weather turned freezing

Emphasizes extreme cold weather.

the mercury plummeted

Uses a more technical term to describe a rapid temperature decrease.

a cold snap arrived

Indicates a sudden, brief period of cold weather.

winter's grip tightened

A more metaphorical way of saying winter became colder.

the breeze grew icy

Highlights the sensation of the cold breeze.

frost descended

Focuses on the formation of frost due to the cold.

FAQs

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

"It got cold" indicates a general decrease in temperature, while "it got colder" implies a comparative change, meaning it was already cold and became even more so.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "it got cold"?

Use "it got cold" to describe a noticeable drop in temperature, especially when contrasting it with a previously warmer state. It's suitable for describing weather changes, indoor environments, or even metaphorical situations.

What are some alternative ways to say "it got cold"?

You can use phrases like "the temperature dropped", "the air turned chilly", or "a chill set in" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "it got cold" formal or informal?

"It got cold" is generally considered a neutral to informal phrase suitable for everyday conversation and writing. More formal contexts might call for more precise or descriptive language about temperature changes.