Contract a fever

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Contract a fever" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the process of becoming infected with a fever, typically due to an illness. Example: "After spending time in the crowded hospital, I was worried I might contract a fever."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

On the meningitis outbreak – eight cases over the past year – Eisgruber said students have heeded warnings to head straight to McCosh Infirmary if they contract a fever, but the University was “very glad” to get the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s permission to import a vaccine to protect students against this strain.

Princeton University

The R658C (TTD) mutation is temperature sensitive in humans, causing patients to lose hair when they contract a fever (Vermeulen et al., 2001).

DMM Disease Models and Mechanisms

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Within a week Wenderaki had contracted a fever.

The New York Times

In 1588 Veronese contracted a fever and died after a few days of illness.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In 1800 he went to Madagascar, where he contracted a fever from which he died.

Encyclopedia Britannica

After contracting a fever, Johannes Kepler died on November 15 , 1630 in Regensburg, in the duchy of Bavaria, now in Germany.

Britannica

There she and her daughter were again put into a cell so cold that her lips chapped, she developed a cough and eventually contracted a fever that led to a brief hospitalisation.

The Guardian

By William Krauss The New Yorker, April 27, 1940 P. 48 Salt Cay, one of the Caicos Islands, had only one volunteer in the World War, a Negro who, upon reaching England contracted a fever and was sent back to Salt Cay where he died.

The New Yorker

The New Yorker, April 27, 1940 P. 48 Salt Cay, one of the Caicos Islands, had only one volunteer in the World War, a Negro who, upon reaching England contracted a fever and was sent back to Salt Cay where he died.

The New Yorker

Salt Cay, one of the Caicos Islands, had only one volunteer in the World War, a Negro who, upon reaching England contracted a fever and was sent back to Salt Cay where he died.

The New Yorker

The one moment in Whitey's life which should make us almost sympathetic is when his son becomes gravely ill after contracting a fever and being put on life support; his tormented wife Lindsey (a brief role for Dakota Johnson) says she is ready to "pull the plug".

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "contract a fever", ensure the context clearly indicates the acquisition of the illness, often implying exposure to a source of infection. For example, "After traveling to the region, she contracted a fever."

Common error

Avoid using "contract a fever" when simply describing someone having a fever without implying a source or cause. Opt for phrases like "develop a fever" or "have a fever" if the context doesn't focus on the acquisition of the illness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "contract a fever" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of acquiring a fever, usually through infection or exposure to a disease. As confirmed by Ludwig, this is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Encyclopedias

22%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Science

14%

Wiki

11%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "contract a fever" accurately describes the act of acquiring a fever, typically through illness or infection. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and suitable for use. While not as common as alternatives like "catch a fever" or "develop a fever", "contract a fever" is appropriate for neutral to formal contexts, particularly in news, encyclopedias, and academic writing. Its primary function is to inform about the acquisition of a fever, often implying a source or cause. To avoid misuse, reserve "contract a fever" for scenarios where the acquisition process is relevant, and use simpler alternatives when merely stating someone has a fever.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Develop a fever

Focuses on the progression of symptoms, rather than the initial acquisition of the illness.

Catch a fever

A more informal way of saying "contract a fever".

Come down with a fever

Indicates the onset of a fever, often implying a gradual process.

Acquire a fever

Emphasizes the acquisition of the fever, often from an external source.

Be stricken with a fever

Implies a sudden and negative impact from the fever.

Succumb to a fever

Suggests a yielding to the illness, often implying a more serious condition.

Suffer from a fever

Focuses on the experience of having a fever and its associated discomfort.

Be infected with a fever-causing agent

Highlights the infectious origin of the fever.

Manifest a fever

Implies the outward display of a fever as a symptom of an underlying condition.

Experience a fever

A general way of stating that someone has a fever.

FAQs

What does it mean to "contract a fever"?

To "contract a fever" means to become infected and develop a fever, often implying exposure to an illness or infection. It suggests the acquisition of the fever from an external source.

What can I say instead of "contract a fever"?

You can use alternatives like "develop a fever", "catch a fever", or "come down with a fever" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "contract a fever" or "have a fever"?

The choice depends on the context. "Contract a fever" implies the acquisition of the fever, while "have a fever" is a more general statement about the current state. If you want to emphasize how someone got the fever, use "contract"; otherwise, "have" is sufficient.

Which is correct, "contract a fever" or "caught a fever"?

Both are correct, but "caught a fever" is more informal and common in everyday speech. "Contract a fever" is slightly more formal and emphasizes the process of acquiring the illness.