it looks cold

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it looks cold" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing the appearance of weather or an environment that seems chilly or uninviting. Example: "Looking out the window, I noticed the frost on the grass; it looks cold outside."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

It looks cold.

The New York Times - Books

It looks cold in these pictures, windy and drizzly.

The Guardian - Arts

It looks cold and grey, with the only colour coming from the supporters' red and white flags.

The Guardian - Sport

These photos were taken on top of the Malvern Hills by Lucy Bond - it looks cold.

BBC

It looks cold, distant, inhospitable". But the blue haze - captured last year by Nasa's New Horizons spacecraft - is light from the giant Sun, hidden here behind tiny Pluto.

BBC

Two or three years ago, with those two at full tilt, this would be a completely different team". A late call off as The New Saints FC v Carmarthen falls prey to a frozen pitch but there's no such worries at Anfield, where it looks cold but fine.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

As for the weather, well it is raining, it's pouring and it looks colder than a polar bear's privates out there.

The Guardian - Sport

It looked cold.

The New York Times

But I was hot and thirsty, and it looked cold and refreshing.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Nevertheless, when two tourists saw a baby bison, they decided it looked cold and needed to be rescued.

The Washington Post

It's something that has led me to feel guilt-tinged sympathy for all kinds of inanimate objects throughout my life, from teddies forsaken on tops of wardrobes to under-worn jumpers to – at my most pathological – a leaf fluttering outside my window (it looked cold so I brought it inside).

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use “it looks cold” to describe not only physical environments but also to characterize emotional or atmospheric qualities of a scene or subject. For example, "The design of the room, while modern, looks cold and uninviting."

Common error

Avoid using “it looks cold” when you actually mean to describe a lack of empathy or emotion in a person. Instead, use phrases like “appears detached” or “seems unemotional” for people. For example, instead of saying "He looks cold during the presentation", try "He seems unemotional during the presentation".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it looks cold" functions as a descriptive statement. It primarily expresses an observation about the apparent temperature or lack of warmth of a subject. Ludwig AI shows it often used to describe weather or environments.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it looks cold" is a descriptive statement used to express that something appears to be of a low temperature. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and relatively common, particularly in news and general contexts. While simple and direct, it’s important to consider the context to ensure accurate and appropriate use. When referring to a person's demeanor, alternatives such as “appears detached” may be more fitting. The phrase is considered to have a neutral formality and serves to communicate an observation based on visual cues.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it appears frigid

Focuses on the intensity of the cold appearance.

it seems chilly

Suggests a mild degree of coldness in appearance.

it gives off a frosty vibe

Emphasizes the emotional feeling or atmosphere of coldness that the subject projects.

it projects a glacial aura

Implies an imposing and distant coldness.

it radiates an icy feeling

Highlights the sensation of coldness emanating from the subject.

it feels wintry

Connects the appearance with the characteristics of winter.

it emanates coldness

Directly states the emission of coldness.

a coldness is perceived

More formal and passive way of stating the perception of coldness.

the area appears icy

Highlights the presence of ice and a frozen appearance.

it has a sterile aspect

Focuses on a clinical or uninviting lack of warmth.

FAQs

How can I use "it looks cold" in a sentence?

You can use "it looks cold" to describe the appearance of weather, environments, or objects. For example, "Looking out the window, "it looks cold" outside" or "The metal sculpture, while impressive, "it looks cold" and uninviting".

What are some alternatives to "it looks cold"?

Some alternatives include "it appears frigid", "it seems chilly", or "it gives off a frosty vibe", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "it looks cold" to describe a person's demeanor?

While grammatically correct, using "it looks cold" to describe a person's demeanor might not always be the most appropriate choice. Consider using alternatives like "appears detached" or "seems unemotional" instead to convey a lack of warmth or empathy.

What's the difference between "it looks cold" and "it feels cold"?

"It looks cold" describes the visual appearance of something, suggesting that it appears to have a low temperature. "It feels cold" describes the sensation of coldness when touched or experienced. For instance, "The room looks cold because of the gray walls", versus "The room feels cold because the heater is off".