slightly cold

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slightly cold" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a temperature that is a little lower than comfortable or expected, often in relation to food, drinks, or the weather. Example: "The water in the pool was slightly cold, making it refreshing on a hot day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

Yet even here, the comfort is slightly cold.

The Economist

There was no such explanation for sludgy, bitter and slightly cold decaf.

The New York Times - Food

I thought my penis would burst, but she was slightly cold, not like a Korean woman.

The New Yorker

Ours were slightly cold, slightly soggy and in desperate need of salt.

The New York Times

The air, slightly cold but deeply sweet, carried cries and sobs to my ears.

The New Yorker

And the textures, the slightly cold colors, conveyed an urban sensibility.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

The north is slightly colder and more humid than the south.

Britannica

At slightly colder temperatures only ice was found, suggesting homogeneous freezing.

Nature

We opened with a slightly colder tone as the two women don't know each other.

The Guardian

In slightly colder climes, the Iditarod sled dog race was underway in Alaska.

The Guardian - Travel

Morning temperatures in central Scotland would remain only slightly colder in winter, he said.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing food or beverages, use "slightly cold" to indicate that the item is not at room temperature but also not intensely chilled. For example, "The soup was slightly cold, but still flavorful".

Common error

In formal writing, avoid using "slightly cold" excessively. More precise terms like "cool", "chilled", or specifying the temperature can improve clarity and sophistication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slightly cold" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun. It describes the degree of coldness, indicating a mild or moderate level. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

23%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "slightly cold" is a commonly used and grammatically sound adjectival phrase for describing a mild degree of coldness. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for general use and frequently appears in contexts such as News & Media, Science, and Wiki articles. While it is versatile, it's advisable to use more precise terms in formal writing or when greater accuracy is needed. Consider alternatives like ""a bit chilly"" or ""somewhat cool"" for stylistic variation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a bit chilly

Indicates a minor degree of coldness, similar to "slightly cold" but uses the adjective 'chilly' instead.

somewhat cool

Replaces 'cold' with 'cool', implying a mild lack of warmth.

mildly cool

Uses 'mildly' to soften the adjective 'cool', indicating a gentle coolness.

a touch of cold

Emphasizes the small amount of coldness present.

coolish

A less formal term suggesting a slight degree of coolness.

a little crisp

Describes the air having a refreshing, mildly cold quality.

faintly frosty

Implies a minimal sensation of frost or cold.

lightly chilled

Indicates something has been cooled a little, without being very cold.

barely cold

Highlights the minimal amount of coldness, suggesting it's almost not cold at all.

tepid

More often used for liquids but can describe air; it means neither warm nor cold, but closer to cold.

FAQs

What does "slightly cold" mean?

The phrase "slightly cold" indicates that something has a temperature that is a little lower than comfortable or expected, without being intensely cold.

How to use "slightly cold" in a sentence?

You can use "slightly cold" to describe the temperature of food, drinks, weather, or objects. For example: "The water was "a bit chilly"", "The room felt "somewhat cool"", or "The soup was "mildly cool"".

What can I say instead of "slightly cold"?

You can use alternatives like ""a bit chilly"", ""somewhat cool"", or ""mildly cool"" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "slightly cold" or "slightly cooler"?

Both "slightly cold" and "slightly cooler" are correct, but they have slightly different nuances. "Slightly cold" describes the current state, while "slightly cooler" implies a change in temperature.