it was extremely cold

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was extremely cold" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation or environment where the temperature is very low, often to emphasize discomfort or severity. Example: "As we stepped outside, we quickly realized it was extremely cold, and we wished we had dressed more warmly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

It was extremely cold.

The Guardian

When I arrived it was extremely cold.

Independent

It was extremely cold and muddy.

The Guardian - Arts

It was extremely cold for May for three weeks.

The Guardian

At night, it was extremely cold, despite packing as many layers as I could carry.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Clearly it was extremely cold and icing conditions were severe," said Benjamin Benson, a Coast Guard spokesman.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Modern commercial airplanes cruise at a high altitude where it is extremely cold.

Building and Environment

"Where it's extremely cold it's not uncommon for people to drink all day long," said Val Smith, president of International Wine and Spirits, which provided the data on per-capita alcohol consumption.

Forbes

The snow may have stopped but it's extremely cold.

Huffington Post

Along the final stretch it is extremely cold, steep and windy.

WikiHow

While a large comforter may be good when it is extremely cold outside, it is made to keep you warm and can be too much if you overheat easily.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was extremely cold" to clearly and directly describe a very low temperature. Consider adding descriptive details to enhance the reader's understanding of the experience of the cold, such as how it felt or what its effects were.

Common error

While "it was extremely cold" is a correct and clear way to describe the weather, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your descriptions by using synonyms like "bitterly cold" or by focusing on the effects of the cold, such as "the wind cut through us like a knife".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was extremely cold" functions as a descriptive statement, characterizing a past condition or state related to temperature. As shown in the Ludwig examples, this phrase often sets the scene or provides context for a narrative.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

17%

Science

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it was extremely cold" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe very low temperatures. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its frequent use across various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Wiki, and Science. While versatile, writers should aim for variety by using synonyms or focusing on the effects of the cold to avoid repetition. This phrase serves to clearly communicate the temperature while often implying discomfort or hardship, as reinforced by examples extracted from various sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was bitterly cold

Replaces "extremely" with "bitterly", emphasizing the unpleasantness of the cold.

it was freezing cold

Uses "freezing" as a more direct and common synonym for "extremely cold".

it was icy cold

Suggests a coldness characterized by ice, either actual or metaphorical.

it was frigid

Replaces the entire phrase with a single adjective, conveying extreme coldness succinctly.

it was intensely cold

Substitutes "extremely" with "intensely", highlighting the strength of the cold.

the temperature was well below freezing

Describes the cold in terms of the temperature being below the freezing point.

the cold was unbearable

Focuses on the effect of the cold, emphasizing its discomfort.

a bone-chilling cold permeated the air

More descriptive and evocative, emphasizing the penetrating nature of the cold.

winter's icy grip was inescapable

More metaphorical, personifying winter and emphasizing its powerful cold.

the air stung with cold

Emphasizes the sharp, painful sensation of extreme cold.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to saying "it was extremely cold"?

You can use alternatives like "it was bitterly cold", "it was freezing cold", or "it was icy cold" to describe very cold temperatures with slightly different emphasis.

Is "it was extremely cold" a formal or informal way to describe the weather?

"It was extremely cold" is generally considered a neutral expression suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, more descriptive or evocative language might be preferred in creative writing.

Can I use "it is extremely cold" instead of "it was extremely cold"?

Yes, you can use "it is extremely cold" when describing a current situation. "It was extremely cold" refers to a past situation.

How can I make the phrase "it was extremely cold" more descriptive?

You can add details about how the cold felt, such as "the wind chill factor was brutal" or describe the effects of the cold: "it was so cold the water froze instantly".