quite cold

USAGE SUMMARY

"quite cold" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you are describing something or someone that is colder than average, or colder than expected. For example, "The air was quite cold this morning."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Scotland is quite cold.

The New York Times - Magazine

We became slightly lost, and quite cold.

The New Yorker

I remember childhood as being quite cold.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The city is strange because it feels quite cold, architecturally.

The Guardian - Travel

It's quite cold but at least it's not raining.

The Guardian

"But it will be quite cold to be sitting still".

The New York Times - Sports

I should have, because love can be quite cold sometimes.

The New Yorker

It's a little before six in the morning and quite cold on the beach.

The New Yorker

The weather within the central regions of these anticyclones is typically clear and quite cold.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In late fall, its polished surface became quite cold to the touch.

The New York Times

Shucked oysters packed in their liquor will keep up to a week if kept quite cold.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "quite cold" to describe a temperature that is noticeably below comfortable, but not severely freezing. It is suitable for both literal weather conditions and figurative descriptions of emotional distance or formality.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "quite cold" in formal or academic papers, where more precise and descriptive language may be preferred. Consider stronger alternatives such as "frigid", "bitterly cold", or specific temperature measurements to convey the degree of coldness more accurately.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "quite cold" functions primarily as a descriptive adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a noticeable degree of coldness. It enhances the description by specifying the intensity of the cold. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

8%

Social Media

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "quite cold" is a versatile phrase used to describe a temperature or atmosphere that is noticeably cold but not extremely so. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct and common across various registers. While generally neutral, it may be substituted with more precise language in formal contexts. The phrase frequently appears in news reports and general descriptions, with science and encyclopedias employing it less often. When writing, consider the desired level of formality and the specific degree of coldness you wish to convey to choose the most appropriate phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rather cold

Indicates a similar level of coldness but with a slightly different emphasis.

very cold

Signifies a higher degree of coldness than "quite cold".

pretty cold

An informal way to express a similar level of coldness.

fairly cold

Expresses a similar level of coldness, maintaining a neutral tone.

somewhat cold

Indicates a slightly lesser degree of coldness.

distinctly cold

Emphasizes the noticeable coldness, highlighting its clarity.

noticeably cold

Highlights the perceptible nature of the coldness.

moderately cold

Indicates a mid-range level of coldness, neither extremely cold nor slightly chilly.

slightly chilly

Suggests a mild degree of coldness, less intense than "quite cold".

bitterly cold

Describes an extremely intense and unpleasant cold.

FAQs

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

You can use "quite cold" to describe weather, objects, or even emotional atmospheres. For example, "The room was "quite cold"", or "His response was "quite cold" and distant".

What are some alternatives to "quite cold"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "rather cold", "very cold", "fairly cold", or "chilly" to convey similar meanings.

Is it appropriate to use "quite cold" in formal writing?

While "quite cold" is grammatically correct, it might be perceived as informal in certain formal contexts. Consider using more precise or descriptive language for academic or professional writing.

What's the difference between "quite cold" and "bitterly cold"?

"Quite cold" indicates a noticeable level of coldness, while "bitterly cold" suggests an extreme, harsh, and unpleasant degree of coldness. The latter is used for more severe conditions.