sudden chill

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sudden chill" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an unexpected feeling of coldness, often associated with fear or anxiety. Example: "As she entered the dark room, a sudden chill ran down her spine, making her hesitate at the threshold."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

It is a hearty weapon against hunger or sudden chill in the weather.

The New York Times

But the economy's sudden chill gives Mr. Bush new ammunition for his plans.

The New York Times

The brutal behavior goes unchallenged, and the target feels a sudden chill of isolation that is all too real.

The New York Times - Health

At once, after this joyously sunny opening, the tone darkens: A sudden chill, from a great distance, meets me.

The Guardian - Books

Over time, she has learned to detect a bogle's presence from the sudden chill that seizes her soul or the way the shadows thicken.

The New York Times - Books

"Looks like -" "My wife," Bryce said, as the cart bounced ever closer, the baked skin on his arms tingling with a sudden chill.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

Amid the roar of Rossini's massed forces, it casts a sudden, chill-inducing shadow.

The New Yorker

In the heat-treatment method, glass sheets are tempered at about 650 °C (1200 °F), followed by sudden chilling.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Micelles were prepared by heating PEG PCL block copolymers with distilled water at 60 °C followed by sudden chilling in an ice-water bath.

Colloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces

Her symptoms included irregular appetite, flushed cheeks, unstable pulse, night sweats, high fever, sudden chills, shortness of breath, chest pains, coughing and spitting up blood.

Wikipedia

As temperatures shot into the hundreds last week, the record-breaking six-day heat wave produced a sudden August chill -- between couples who can't agree about air-conditioning.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sudden chill" to effectively convey a distinct and noticeable drop in temperature, a physical sensation of cold, or an emotional feeling of unease.

Common error

Avoid limiting the use of "sudden chill" solely to weather descriptions. Expand its application to evoke a sense of foreboding or an unexpected shift in mood in writing, providing a deeper, more sensory experience for the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sudden chill" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "sudden" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "chill". Ludwig confirms its correct usage in various contexts. It describes a rapid and unexpected decrease in temperature or a sensation of coldness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

12%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Books

8%

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sudden chill" is a versatile expression used to describe an abrupt drop in temperature, a physical sensation of cold, or a metaphorical feeling of unease or fear. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media, it’s also prevalent in scientific and literary contexts. While alternatives such as "abrupt coldness" or "momentary chill" exist, "sudden chill" effectively conveys a distinct and noticeable change. Its application extends beyond mere temperature descriptions, enriching writing by evoking sensory and emotional depth. This analysis underscores its role as a descriptive and evocative tool in the English language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

momentary chill

Indicates a short-lived feeling of coldness or unease.

abrupt coldness

Focuses on the immediate and unexpected nature of the cold sensation.

instantaneous cold

Emphasizes the immediacy of the cold feeling or temperature drop.

unforeseen chilliness

Emphasizes the unexpected and slightly uncomfortable nature of the cold.

unexpected cold snap

Highlights a brief and unpredicted period of cold weather.

immediate coolness

Highlights the prompt arrival of a cooler temperature or sensation.

fleeting cold sensation

Describes a brief and transient experience of coldness.

passing cold

Suggests a brief and quickly disappearing cold feeling.

quick drop in temperature

Focuses on the rapid change in temperature.

precipitous drop in temperature

Similar to quick drop in temperature, but conveys a more dramatic shift.

FAQs

How can I use "sudden chill" in a sentence?

You can use "sudden chill" to describe a temperature drop (e.g., "A "sudden chill" swept through the room when the window was opened"), a physical sensation (e.g., "A "sudden chill" ran down her spine"), or a feeling of unease (e.g., "A "sudden chill" filled the air when he mentioned the old legend").

What are some alternatives to "sudden chill"?

Alternatives include "abrupt coldness", "unexpected cold snap", or "momentary chill", depending on the context.

Is "sudden chill" grammatically correct?

Yes, "sudden chill" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in English.

Can "sudden chill" be used to describe emotions?

Yes, "sudden chill" can be used metaphorically to describe a feeling of fear, unease, or apprehension. For example, "A "sudden chill" went through me when I heard the news."