I definitely prefer the heat over the cold/coldness.

[B45]

Can you say:

I definitely prefer the heat over the cold/coldness.

Are both okay here?

 

[2006]

Use "cold".

 

[B45]

Use "cold".

Yes, but is coldness wrong here?

I think it's grammatically correct. But, I guess, a native wouldn't say it?

 

[MikeNewYork]

It's not wrong but it is less natural.

 

[B45]

It's not wrong but it is less natural.

Would you hear a native speaker say something like that?

 

[emsr2d2]

You might hear a native say it.

I prefer heat to cold.
I prefer hot weather to cold.
I prefer the heat to the cold.

 

[B45]

You might hear a native say it.

I prefer heat to cold.
I prefer hot weather to cold.
I prefer the heat to the cold.

How about:

I prefer the heat over the coldness of Alaska.

 

[Raymott]

How about:
I prefer the heat over the coldness of Alaska.

You seem very reluctant to believe people when they say something is not good English! ;-)
We often use parallel terms, such as 'the heat' and 'the cold'.
Why aren't you suggesting, "I prefer the hotness over the coldness"? (No, I don't recommend that. Can you say it? - of course!).

 

[B45]

You seem very reluctant to believe people when they say something is not good English! ;-)
We often use parallel terms, such as 'the heat' and 'the cold'.
Why aren't you suggesting, "I prefer the hotness over the coldness"? (No, I don't recommend that. Can you say it? - of course!).

Yes, I understand. Thank you!