turned cold

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "turned cold" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a change in temperature or a shift in emotions, often indicating a loss of warmth or affection. Example: "After the argument, her demeanor turned cold, and he could feel the distance growing between them."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The air turned cold.

The New Yorker

My cheeks turned cold.

The New York Times

"Feet turned cold.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Then his fortunes turned cold.

The New York Times

But recently feet have turned cold.

The Economist

The once-hot restaurant had turned cold.

The New York Times - Travel

Alicia has turned cold and hostile.

The New York Times - Books

It's 10.50pm and the night has turned cold.

Independent

Two paces from the... my skin turned cold.

The New York Times

At this phrase, the man's skin turned cold.

The New Yorker

Since the weather turned cold I can barely use my hands because they hurt so bad.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing emotional shifts, use "turned cold" to convey a sudden and noticeable change in someone's attitude or feelings. For example, "Her voice turned cold when she mentioned his name".

Common error

While "turned cold" is versatile, avoid using it excessively in formal writing. Opt for more precise and nuanced vocabulary like "became indifferent" or "lost enthusiasm" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "turned cold" functions primarily as a verb phrase. Ludwig AI indicates it describes a change of state, whether in temperature, emotion, or another condition. Examples include describing weather changes, emotional shifts, or the status of an object.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Academia

12%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "turned cold" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe a change of state, often implying a decrease in temperature or a shift in emotion. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and widely used. With 66 real-world examples, the phrase is most commonly found in news and media, but also appears in academic contexts. While the phrase is generally neutral in register, it's important to consider the context and choose more precise vocabulary in formal writing. Alternatives include "became chilly" or "grew frigid" for temperature changes and "became distant" or "became unresponsive" for emotional shifts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Became chilly

Focuses specifically on a decrease in temperature; less applicable to emotional contexts.

Lost warmth

Directly describes the absence of warmth, suitable for both literal and figurative contexts.

Grew frigid

Implies a more extreme and often emotional coldness than the original phrase.

Became unfriendly

Shifts the focus to a change in demeanor, specifically in interpersonal relationships.

Became hostile

Emphasizes the development of antagonism or opposition.

Worsened

Captures the idea of a condition deteriorating, applicable to a broader range of situations.

Deteriorated

Suggests a gradual decline in quality or condition.

Became indifferent

Indicates a transition to a state of apathy or lack of concern.

Froze over

More literal, pertaining to the formation of ice; applicable in certain temperature-related contexts.

Ran cold

Suggests a process or system losing its heat or enthusiasm.

FAQs

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

You can use "turned cold" to describe a change in temperature, as in "The weather "turned cold" overnight", or to describe a shift in emotions, like "Her demeanor "turned cold" after the argument".

What's the difference between "turned cold" and "became cold"?

"Turned cold" often implies a more sudden or noticeable change, whereas "became cold" suggests a more gradual process. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What can I say instead of "turned cold" when describing someone's feelings?

You can use alternatives like "became distant", "grew aloof", or "became unresponsive", depending on the context.

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

While acceptable, "turned cold" may be perceived as slightly informal. In formal contexts, consider using more precise alternatives such as "diminished", "deteriorated", or "became indifferent" to maintain a professional tone.