scalding hot

USAGE SUMMARY

'scalding hot' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something very hot, such as the temperature of a liquid or the weather. For example, "The coffee was scalding hot, so I had to wait for it to cool down before I could drink it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The New York Times

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

"It was scalding hot".

The Guardian

Blow on it: it's scalding hot.

The New York Times

Instead, I donned rubber gloves and soaked our bedding and clothes in scalding hot water.

The New York Times

Afterward, some scalding hot tea, always in a glass, sucked through a lump of hard sugar.

The New Yorker

It can "turn from lukewarm to scalding hot in a matter of a few economic seconds".

The Economist

She held her hand under a scalding hot tap and felt no pain.

The Guardian

Where do you stand on tea temperature: scalding hot or cool enough to glug?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

That biting coldness is essential with mouth-scalding hot fruit.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

That biting coldness is essential with the mouth-scalding hot fruit.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Another Saturday, another trip in his ashtray of a used Audi to a scalding-hot parking lot.

Vice

The milk goes in first Partially true: milk will degrade (or "denature") if added to scalding-hot water.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "scalding hot" to describe a liquid, ensure the context aligns with the potential for burns or discomfort, enhancing the reader's sensory experience.

Common error

Avoid using "scalding hot" metaphorically when describing situations that don't involve literal heat or the risk of burning. Overusing it can diminish its impact.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "scalding hot" is as a compound adjective. It modifies nouns by describing their temperature as extremely high and capable of causing burns. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is both correct and common.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Wiki

25%

The Guardian - Lifestyle

10%

Less common in

The New York Times

9%

Science

8%

Formal & Business

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "scalding hot" is a compound adjective used to describe something that is extremely hot, particularly liquids, to the point of being able to cause burns. It is grammatically correct and commonly used, as verified by Ludwig AI. While generally neutral in register, it is best suited for news, lifestyle, and general writing, with more formal contexts potentially benefiting from alternatives like "extremely hot". Ludwig's examples showcase its use in various scenarios, highlighting its emphasis on intensity and potential danger. When employing "scalding hot", consider the context to ensure it accurately conveys the intended level of heat and potential harm, and avoid overuse to maintain its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extremely hot

Focuses on the intensity of heat, similar to "scalding hot" but less specific to liquids.

blisteringly hot

Emphasizes the burning quality of the heat, implying potential damage.

scorching hot

Highlights the burning and drying effect of the heat.

boiling hot

Specifically refers to the temperature of a liquid at its boiling point.

sizzling hot

Implies a lively, energetic heat, often associated with cooking.

white-hot

Suggests an extremely high temperature, often used in a metaphorical sense.

red-hot

Indicates intense heat, often with a visual association of glowing red.

burning hot

Directly conveys the sensation of being burned by the heat.

oven-hot

Similar heat than the oven

fiery hot

Implies a heat that is intense and potentially destructive, like fire.

FAQs

How can I use "scalding hot" in a sentence?

You can use "scalding hot" to describe the temperature of liquids like, "The tea was "scalding hot", so I had to wait before drinking it."

What are some alternatives to "scalding hot"?

Some alternatives include "extremely hot", "boiling hot", or "scorching hot", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "scalding hot" too informal for professional writing?

While "scalding hot" is generally acceptable, consider using a more neutral term like "extremely hot" or "very hot" in formal or business contexts to maintain a professional tone.

What's the difference between "scalding hot" and "burning hot"?

"Scalding hot" typically refers to the temperature of a liquid that could cause a scald, while "burning hot" suggests a more general sensation of intense heat, possibly from a solid object or fire.