Became ill

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Became ill" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where someone has transitioned from a state of health to a state of illness. Example: "After returning from the trip, she suddenly became ill and had to see a doctor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He became ill.

The New York Times - Style

Once he became ill.

The New Yorker

Shortly afterward, people became ill.

The New York Times

Then his sister became ill.

The New Yorker

Then she too became ill.

Independent

She never became ill.

The New York Times

She became ill again.

The New Yorker

The wife suddenly became ill and died.

The New York Times

In November 1059 he became ill.

Encyclopedia Britannica

She became ill, and died at 24.

The New York Times

More friends became ill, then more.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the onset of an illness, use "became ill" to clearly and simply state the transition from health to sickness. This phrase is suitable for a wide range of contexts.

Common error

Avoid using unnecessarily complex or archaic language when "became ill" suffices. Simplicity ensures clarity and avoids potential misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

"Became ill" functions as a verb phrase indicating the start of a state of illness. It connects a subject with the condition of being sick. Ludwig AI validates its usability in written English, confirming its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

23%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "Became ill" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe the onset of an illness. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used across various reputable sources, including News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias. While alternatives like "fell sick" or "took ill" exist, "became ill" is a versatile option suitable for diverse contexts. When writing, clarity is key; thus, avoid overcomplicating your language when this straightforward phrase effectively conveys the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Fell sick

Emphasizes the sudden onset of illness.

Took ill

A slightly more formal way to say "became ill".

Became unwell

Uses a more general term, "unwell", instead of "ill".

Contracted an illness

Highlights the acquisition of a specific illness.

Developed an illness

Focuses on the gradual development of a disease.

Was stricken with

Implies a sudden and severe onset of illness.

Succumbed to illness

Suggests a weakening state leading to illness.

Started feeling sick

Describes the initial sensation of illness.

Ailed

A more archaic term for becoming ill.

Suffered from

Implies a prolonged period of illness or a chronic condition.

FAQs

How can I use "Became ill" in a sentence?

You can use "Became ill" to describe someone's transition to a state of sickness, such as, "After the trip, she "became ill" and had to see a doctor."

What are some alternatives to "Became ill"?

Alternatives include "fell sick", "took ill", or "contracted an illness", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "Became ill"?

Yes, "Became ill" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe the onset of sickness.

What is the difference between "Became ill" and "Got sick"?

"Became ill" is slightly more formal than "got sick", but both phrases convey the same meaning. The choice depends on the context and desired tone.