it was frigid

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was frigid" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe extremely cold weather or an unwelcoming atmosphere in a situation. Example: "As we stepped outside, we quickly realized it was frigid, and we wished we had dressed more warmly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

"It was frigid; it's not how I was taught ballet.

The New York Times - Arts

It was frigid as Bill Moloney, the assistant manager, led us upstairs.

The New York Times

The team visited the Ottawa Lynx for a series early in the season, and it was frigid for one of the games.

The New York Times

Though the room housed the building's furnace, it was frigid in the winter, Mr. Ocasio said, because the room's only window could not be shut.

The New York Times

During the day, there were throngs of people standing and staring, but by four in the morning it was frigid and dark, and the crowd had shrunk to a dozen spectators who couldn't believe what they were seeing.

The New Yorker

It was frigid the night of Feb. 12, 2009, and according to staff members at the safety board, the turboprop's captain, Marvin Renslow, 47, pushed a button designed to protect the plane by priming a low-speed warning system to alert them early and at a higher speed than usual.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

It is frigid out.

The New Yorker

It's frigid.

The New York Times

Sometimes it gets so hot that, even when it's frigid outside, he has to throw open the windows.

The New Yorker

Even if it's frigid outside, and he plans to do nothing but sit on the couch in his boxers.

The New York Times

But even when it's frigid, the city is well supplied with subways, streetcars and buses, as well as an underground web of malls that spans more than six miles and passes more than 300 shops and restaurants (ask for the PATH map at City Hall).

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was frigid" to add a touch of formality or emphasis when describing extremely cold conditions, instead of more common terms like "it was cold" or "it was freezing".

Common error

While "it was frigid" is grammatically sound, it can sound overly formal or dramatic in casual conversation. Consider using simpler alternatives like "it was freezing" or "it was really cold" for everyday situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was frigid" functions as a descriptive statement, using the adjective "frigid" to characterize the state of the environment. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English, effectively conveying a state of extreme cold.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

94%

Wiki

3%

Science

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was frigid" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe extremely cold conditions or an unwelcoming atmosphere. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and suggests using it to add a touch of formality. While more descriptive than casual alternatives, it remains appropriate for neutral reporting, especially in news and media contexts. When aiming for everyday conversation, consider opting for simpler phrases like "it was freezing" or "it was really cold".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was freezing

Replaces "frigid" with a more common synonym, emphasizing the extreme cold.

it was bitterly cold

Adds intensity to the coldness, highlighting its unpleasant nature.

the temperature was glacial

Uses "glacial" to suggest a very slow and intensely cold environment.

the air was icy

Focuses on the tactile sensation of cold air.

it was arctic

Implies conditions similar to those found in the Arctic, suggesting extreme cold.

the room was like a freezer

Uses a simile to emphasize the extremely low temperature of the room.

a cold wave swept through

Describes a sudden and pervasive cold.

winter's icy grip tightened

Emphasizes the harshness and controlling nature of winter's cold.

the environment was unwelcoming

Shifts the focus to a metaphorically cold or hostile atmosphere.

a chill permeated the air

Describes a penetrating cold that affects everything.

FAQs

What does "it was frigid" mean?

The phrase "it was frigid" means that the temperature was extremely cold. It can also be used metaphorically to describe an environment or relationship that lacks warmth or affection.

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

You can use alternatives like "it was freezing", "it was bitterly cold", or "the air was icy" depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Is "it was frigid" formal or informal?

The phrase "it was frigid" leans towards a more formal register compared to phrases like "it was cold". While acceptable in most contexts, consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing.

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

Here's an example: "As we stepped outside, we quickly realized "it was frigid", and we wished we had dressed more warmly."