not too cold

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not too cold" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a temperature that is mildly cold, indicating that it is not excessively cold. Example: "The weather today is pleasant, with temperatures hovering around 60 degrees, which is not too cold for a walk in the park."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Not too cold.

The New York Times

Still water — not too cold".

The New Yorker

It's not too cold?" she asks.

The New York Times

And if the weather's not too cold.

The New York Times

As always, serve cool but not too cold.

The New York Times - Food

"Cold but not too cold," O'Rourke specifies, about the weather.

The New Yorker

It's not too cold and hip for its own good.

The New York Times - Arts

Not too much at a time and not too cold works for me!

Cornell University

"He's not too warm, he's not too cold," said Kevin Long, the Yankees' hitting coach.

The New York Times - Sports

"Nuclear plants like Goldilocks weather – not too hot, not too cold, but just right," he wrote.

The New York Times

To sum up, the Goldilocks recovery — not too hot, and not too cold — is intact.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When talking about liquids and foods, you may use "not too cold" to indicate a temperature that is gently cooled, and that is ready for consumption.

Common error

Avoid stacking too many negative phrases together. While "not too cold" is acceptable, combining it with other negatives can make your writing convoluted. For instance, instead of saying "It's not too cold, and it's not too windy", try "It's pleasantly calm and cool".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not too cold" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or adjective. It indicates the extent or degree to which something is cold. Ludwig confirms its proper usage in numerous contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Wiki

35%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "not too cold" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a temperature that is moderately cool, as verified by Ludwig. It's versatile, fitting well in news, general writing, and even scientific contexts. To enhance your descriptions, consider alternatives such as "mildly cool" or "comfortably cool" for stylistic variation. Remember to use this phrase to convey moderation and avoid stacking negatives for clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not excessively cold

Highlights the absence of extreme coldness.

mildly cool

Focuses on the slight coolness, omitting the comparative aspect.

comfortably cool

Emphasizes the comfortable aspect of the temperature.

slightly chilly

Highlights a light degree of chilliness.

pleasantly cool

Emphasizes the enjoyable nature of the cool temperature.

barely cold

Indicates a minimal degree of coldness.

moderately temperate

Uses a more formal term to describe a balanced temperature.

agreeably mild

Focuses on the pleasant and gentle aspect of the temperature.

lightly cooled

Describes something that has been gently cooled.

tepid

Implies something is neither too hot nor too cold, often referring to liquids.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "not too cold"?

You can use alternatives like "mildly cool", "comfortably cool", or "slightly chilly" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "not too cold"?

Yes, the phrase "not too cold" is grammatically correct and widely used in English to describe a temperature that is moderately cool.

What does "not too cold" imply about the temperature?

The phrase "not too cold" suggests that the temperature is cool, but not to an extreme or uncomfortable degree. It implies a tolerable or even pleasant coolness.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use "not too cold"?

It is appropriate to use "not too cold" in various contexts, such as describing weather conditions, the temperature of a room, or the ideal serving temperature of a beverage.