less cold

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less cold" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a temperature that is not as low as another temperature, indicating a relative warmth. Example: "Today is less cold than yesterday, making it more comfortable to go outside."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

It's less cold".

The New Yorker

You'll be less cold.

The New Yorker

That doesn't make it less cold, of course.

The New Yorker

Air-conditioning that had been icy seemed just a bit less cold.

The New York Times

"A little bit of mercy makes the world less cold and more just," he said.

The Guardian

Mix lots of arugula with somewhat less cold whole wheat penne, lemon zest, olive oil and Parmesan.

The New York Times - Food

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

They should be no less cold-blooded toward Rodriguez.

The New York Times - Sports

But perhaps because those consumers who run Group Health are less cold-hearted than insurance company bureaucrats, Group Health is sometimes seen as too generous, and thus unable to control costs as much as it would like.

The New York Times

The reason, presumably, is that NICE makes its decisions in public and uniformly, rather than ad hoc and behind closed doors and the average citizen, who tends to be less cold-heartedly rational than the average health-care wonk, looks to his religion for comfort as well as for salvation.

The Economist

However, a recent estimate of the ability of the Neanderthal body shape to withstand cold temperatures showed only a small advantage over early modern humans with a less "cold-adapted" body form (Aiello and Wheeler 2003).

Evolution: Education and Outreach

This is less cold-hearted than it sounds: usually, many of the early investors are members of your own diaspora.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing temperatures or conditions, use "less cold" to indicate a relative difference, such as "This room is less cold than the hallway."

Common error

Avoid using "less cold" when you simply mean "warm" or "warmer". "Less cold" implies a comparison, so ensure there's a clear point of reference.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less cold" functions as a comparative adjective phrase, modifying a noun (implicit or explicit) to indicate a reduced degree of coldness. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in describing temperature differences in weather, objects or emotions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "less cold" is a comparative adjective phrase used to describe a reduced degree of coldness. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and versatile, appearing frequently in "News & Media" and "Science" contexts. When writing, ensure "less cold" is used for explicit comparisons rather than absolute statements of warmth. Alternatives such as "warmer" or "not as cold" may be more appropriate depending on the context. Remember to be precise in your comparison rather than using it to mean simply warm.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

warmer

Implies a direct comparison indicating a higher temperature.

not as cold

A straightforward way of saying something is not as intensely cold.

milder

Suggests a gentler or more temperate condition, often used for weather.

slightly warmer

Indicates a marginal increase in temperature.

not so chilly

Informal way of saying something is not very cold.

less frigid

Implies a reduction in extreme coldness.

temperate

Describes a moderate climate without extremes of hot or cold.

balmier

Suggests a pleasantly warm condition, often used for weather.

gentler temperature

Describes temperature that is more agreeable and not harsh

softened cold

Describes the reduction of cold to something more comfortable

FAQs

How can I use "less cold" in a sentence?

Use "less cold" to compare the coldness of two things, for example: "The coffee is "less cold" than it was five minutes ago".

What's a more formal way to say "less cold"?

In formal contexts, you could use "milder" or "not as cold" to maintain a professional tone.

When is it appropriate to use "less cold" instead of "warmer"?

Use "less cold" when you are specifically emphasizing a reduction in coldness, rather than a direct increase in warmth. "Warmer" is appropriate when directly stating a rise in temperature.

What are some alternative phrases for "less cold" in creative writing?

Consider using descriptive phrases like "the air softened" or "the chill subsided" for a more evocative effect, depending on the context.