it was chilly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was chilly" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation or weather condition that is cool or cold, typically in a casual or conversational context. Example: "As we stepped outside, we quickly realized it was chilly, so we grabbed our jackets before heading out."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

Well, it was chilly enough inside.

The New York Times

It was chilly at first, but the sun was warm.

The Washington Post

And you thought it was chilly in your living room?

The New York Times

It was chilly already, and the 6-year-old huddled against my side.

The New York Times - Magazine

It was a day of bright sunshine but it was chilly in the shade.

Independent

It was chilly, wet and miserable on Hawk Harrelson Night — an omen.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

It's chilly.

The New York Times

It's sunny, but it's chilly.

The New Yorker

It's chilly but bearable.

The Guardian - Travel

This is New Hampshire, so it's chilly.

The New York Times

Some complain that it is chilly, inhuman.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing descriptively, consider adding details about why it was chilly (e.g. "It was chilly, despite the sun, because of the strong wind") to provide a richer context.

Common error

Avoid using "it was chilly" in formal or scientific writing. Opt for more precise and objective descriptions of temperature, such as "the temperature was low" or specific temperature measurements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was chilly" primarily functions as a descriptive statement about the ambient temperature. It portrays a state of being, specifically, that the surroundings possessed a quality of mild coldness. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a perfectly valid and commonly used expression.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was chilly" is a grammatically sound and common phrase used to describe a state of mild coldness. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is perfectly correct. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it serves to convey a sensory experience or set a scene. While versatile, it's best suited for neutral or informal registers. For formal writing, consider more precise temperature descriptions. Related phrases include "it was cold" and "there was a chill in the air", offering alternative ways to express similar concepts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was cold

Simple substitution of 'chilly' with its more direct synonym, 'cold'.

it was nippy

Informal synonym for chilly, suggesting a slight coldness.

there was a chill in the air

Rephrasing to focus on the ambient coldness rather than a direct description.

the temperature was low

More formal and objective way of stating that it was cold.

a cool breeze blew

Focuses on the breeze being the source of the cold sensation.

it felt crisp

Describes a dry and refreshing type of coldness.

the air had a bite

Figurative expression indicating a sharp, penetrating cold.

there was frost in the air

Focuses on the presence of frost indicating colder temperatures.

a shiver ran down my spine

Describes the physical reaction to feeling cold.

the wind cut right through

Emphasis on wind and its effect in making one feel cold.

FAQs

What does "it was chilly" mean?

The phrase "it was chilly" means that the temperature was mildly cold. It suggests a feeling of slight coldness that might make you want to put on a light jacket or sweater.

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

You can use alternatives like "it was cold", "it was nippy", or "there was a chill in the air" depending on the context.

Is "it was chilly" formal or informal?

The phrase "it was chilly" is generally considered informal. For more formal contexts, you might prefer phrases like "the temperature was low" or specify the actual temperature.

How to use "it was chilly" in a sentence?

You can use "it was chilly" to describe a weather condition, an indoor environment, or a general feeling of coldness. For example: "It was chilly outside, so I wore a scarf", or "It was chilly in the office, even with the heater on".