"I felt chilly" vs "I had a chill"

Question

"I felt chilly" vs "I had a chill"

Both phrases are correct, but they convey slightly different meanings. 'I had a chill' implies a temporary feeling of coldness or shivering, while 'I felt chilly' suggests a general sensation of being cold. The choice between them depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Last Updated: March 15, 2024

'I felt chilly' is used to describe a continuous or ongoing feeling of coldness. It is more commonly used in formal or descriptive contexts.

Examples:

I felt chilly in the drafty room.
She felt chilly without a jacket in the cold weather.
After being outside for a while, I started to feel chilly.
He felt chilly despite wearing multiple layers of clothing.
The temperature dropped, and I suddenly felt chilly.

Alternatives:

I felt cold
I was cold
I was feeling cold
I felt a cold sensation
I felt the cold

This phrase is used to describe a sudden feeling of coldness or shivering that passes quickly. It is often used in informal contexts.

Examples:

After walking in the rain, I had a chill and had to change into dry clothes.
She had a chill when she entered the cold room.
I had a chill down my spine when I heard the eerie noise.
He had a chill after swimming in the cold water.
The sudden gust of wind made me have a chill.

Alternatives:

I felt a chill
I got a chill
I shivered
I felt cold for a moment
I felt a sudden cold sensation

Answer 1

I felt chilly

This phrase is correct and commonly used to express a general sensation of being cold.

Answer 2

I had a chill

This phrase is correct and commonly used to express a temporary feeling of coldness or shivering.

"I felt chilly" vs "I had a chill"

I felt chilly

I had a chill

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