it was chilling

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was chilling" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that evokes a sense of fear, unease, or discomfort, often in a dramatic or suspenseful context. Example: "As she recounted the ghost story, the atmosphere grew tense, and it was chilling to hear the details of the haunted house."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

It was chilling to watch.

The Guardian - Tech

I tell you, it was chilling.

The New Yorker

It was chilling to think how many people died.

The New York Times

It was chilling to behold, but who could turn away?

The New York Times - Magazine

"It was chilling to hear," DeAngelis recalled, "and wonderful.

The New York Times - Sports

He said: "It was chilling to work with him.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

The dough should now be more combined and pliable than it was before it was chilled.

WikiHow

It's chilling.

Independent

It is chilling.

Independent

"Today, it's chilling".

The New York Times

And it is chilling stuff.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was chilling" to describe moments that evoke a strong sense of unease, fear, or suspense. It's effective when recounting personal experiences, describing atmospheric settings, or conveying the impact of disturbing events.

Common error

Avoid using "it was chilling" to describe mildly unpleasant situations. Reserve this phrase for scenarios that genuinely evoke a strong sense of fear or unease. Overusing it can diminish its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was chilling" functions as a subjective assessment, conveying a personal experience or reaction to something that evoked a sense of fear, unease, or intense discomfort. According to Ludwig AI, it's correct and commonly used. Examples from Ludwig show its use across various contexts, such as describing a terrifying experience or witnessing something horrifying.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Formal & Business

9%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Science

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it was chilling" effectively conveys a personal experience of fear, unease, or intense discomfort. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use, particularly in news, media, and personal narratives. While versatile, it is best reserved for situations that genuinely evoke strong negative emotions to maintain its impact. Alternative phrases like "it was eerie" or "it was unsettling" can offer nuanced variations in expression. With 51 real-world examples, it's clear that "it was chilling" is a commonly used phrase for vividly expressing unsettling experiences across numerous contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was deeply unsettling

Emphasizes the disturbance and lack of peace caused by the event or situation.

it was spine-tingling

This highlights the thrilling and slightly frightening nature of the experience.

it was bloodcurdling

Emphasizes the extreme terror and horror associated with the situation.

it felt unnerving

This focuses on the feeling evoked, emphasizing unease and anxiety rather than outright fear.

it inspired dread

Focuses on the feeling of intense fear and apprehension caused by the situation.

it sent shivers down my spine

Focuses on the physical reaction of fear and excitement caused by the situation.

it seemed sinister

This suggests a sense of evil or foreboding, implying a deeper, more malevolent quality.

it filled me with foreboding

Highlights the feeling that something bad is going to happen, creating a sense of unease.

it gave me the creeps

This is a more informal way of expressing unease and discomfort, often in response to something strange or unsettling.

it left me breathless

Implies a sense of awe and fear, often in response to something dramatic or overwhelming.

FAQs

How can I use "it was chilling" in a sentence?

Use "it was chilling" to describe something that evokes a sense of fear, unease, or discomfort. For example, "The way he stared was intense; "it was chilling"".

What are some alternatives to "it was chilling"?

You can use alternatives like "it was eerie", "it was unsettling", or "it was frightening" depending on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "it was chilling" in formal writing?

Yes, "it was chilling" is appropriate for formal writing when describing a situation that genuinely evokes fear or unease. However, ensure that the tone aligns with the overall formality of the piece. If the context is overly formal, consider more subdued alternatives like "it was disturbing" or "it was unsettling".

Can "it was chilling" be used to describe positive experiences?

While primarily used for negative or unsettling situations, "it was chilling" can sometimes be used to describe a moment of intense awe or powerful emotion. However, this usage is less common, and it's essential to ensure the context clearly conveys the intended meaning. For instance, the power of a song might be described as ""it was chilling"".