it was very cold

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was very cold" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation or environment where the temperature was low. Example: "During our hike in the mountains, it was very cold, and we had to wear extra layers to stay warm."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

I didn't know where to go, it was very cold.

The Guardian

It was very cold.

The Economist

Well, it was very cold.

The Guardian - Sport

"It was very cold that night.

The New York Times - Sports

"It was very cold," he added with a laugh.

The New Yorker

It was very cold, but there was no wind.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

It is very cold".

The New York Times

But it's very cold.

The Guardian - Sport

"But it is very cold.

The New Yorker

"It's very cold in Siberia.

The New Yorker

In England it's very cold.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing cold weather, be specific about the effects. Instead of just stating "it was very cold", describe how the cold affected people or the environment, such as "it was so cold that the water froze overnight".

Common error

Avoid simply saying "it was very cold" repeatedly. Vary your descriptions with more sensory details like "the wind chill cut through our coats" or "our breath formed clouds in the air" to create a more vivid experience for the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was very cold" functions as a descriptive statement, indicating the state of being of the weather or environment. Ludwig examples confirm its use in various contexts to describe low temperatures.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Formal & Business

18%

Science

18%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was very cold" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe low temperatures. Ludwig AI validates this with numerous examples across diverse sources like news articles, business documents, and scientific reports. While the phrase is straightforward, enriching your descriptions with sensory details can make your writing more engaging. Considering alternatives like "it was bitterly cold" or "it was frigid" can also add nuance to your expression. Remember to provide context by illustrating the effects of the cold, rather than merely stating that "it was very cold".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was extremely cold

Emphasizes a higher degree of coldness.

it was bitterly cold

Suggests a coldness that is harsh and unpleasant.

it was frigid

Implies an intensely cold environment.

the temperature was freezing

Focuses on the temperature reaching freezing point.

the weather was freezing

Describes the weather condition as extremely cold.

it was freezing

A more concise way of expressing extreme cold.

the air was icy

Highlights the icy quality of the air.

it was frosty

Indicates a coldness associated with frost.

it was arctic

Compares the cold to that of the Arctic region.

a cold wave swept through

Describes the arrival of cold air with a more figurative expression.

FAQs

What does "it was very cold" mean?

The phrase "it was very cold" means that the temperature was significantly low, often causing discomfort or requiring extra layers of clothing to stay warm.

How can I make my description of the cold more vivid than just saying "it was very cold"?

Instead of just saying "it was very cold", try using sensory details. Describe how the cold felt on your skin, what you saw (like frost or ice), and how it affected your surroundings. Phrases like "the air was icy" or "it was frosty" can add more depth to your description.

What are some alternatives to "it was very cold"?

Some alternatives include "it was extremely cold", "it was frigid", or "it was bitterly cold", which all convey a stronger sense of coldness. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to express.

Is "it was very cold" grammatically correct?

Yes, "it was very cold" is grammatically correct. The structure follows the standard Subject-Verb-Adverb-Adjective pattern.