Feel very sick

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Feel very sick" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a state of illness or discomfort, typically in informal contexts. Example: "After eating that questionable food, I started to feel very sick."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

I did feel very sick, like having a bad hangover".

The Guardian

"People with mutated ALDH enzymes become flushed in the face and very often feel very sick after drinking alcohol".

Independent

Dr. Quick said that the disease usually began with watery diarrhea, and that people might not feel very sick at first.

The New York Times

That is all right; I know that I can cultivate restraint, or accept it patiently when it is thrust upon me just as I know that I can walk right down Main Street this minute and buy almost as many Macadamia nuts as I would like to eat, and certainly enough to make me feel very sick for a time, but that I shan't do so.

The New Yorker

"If youre starting to feel very sick, please call your doctor.

Huffington Post

If you feel very sick or are really having trouble eating enough, high-calorie, high-protein nutritional drinks may be appropriate until you are able to tolerate regular foods in sufficient quantities.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

"The first day of rehearsal I looked out and suddenly felt very sick," she said.

The New York Times

Mr Bineris, who is leading the investigation into the tragedy, said: "Mr Shepherd can remember those last moments and how he felt very sick and dizzy.

The Guardian

Still no sign of the joint pain, but I definitely felt very sick.

Vice

I felt very sick and I asked permission to go to the hospital".

Huffington Post

I am the lady who often still feels very sick but no longer feels like she is slowly leaving this world.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the intensity of sickness, consider using specific symptoms alongside "feel very sick" to provide more clarity and detail, for example, "I feel very sick and have a high fever."

Common error

While "feel very sick" is acceptable in many situations, it may sound too informal in professional or academic writing. Opt for more precise and formal alternatives like "experiencing severe nausea" or "suffering from a debilitating illness" in such contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feel very sick" primarily functions as a descriptive phrase. It describes the subject's physical condition, indicating a state of illness or discomfort. This aligns with Ludwig's assessment that the phrase is correct and usable. The verb "feel" links the subject to the adjective phrase "very sick".

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "feel very sick" is a grammatically sound and understandable way to describe a state of illness. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While "feel very sick" is acceptable in various contexts, it's more common in neutral to informal settings like news articles or personal conversations. For more formal situations, consider alternatives such as "experiencing severe nausea" or "suffering from a debilitating illness". Understanding these nuances ensures you communicate effectively and appropriately in any situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Feel extremely ill

This alternative emphasizes the high degree of illness.

Feel terribly unwell

This phrase uses "unwell" to soften the description while still conveying significant sickness.

Feel nauseous

This term focuses specifically on the feeling of wanting to vomit.

Feel dreadful

This expression is a more general term for feeling very bad, which can include sickness.

Feel unwell

This alternative provides a simpler, less intense way to say someone feels sick.

Feel ailing

This option is a more formal way to describe feeling sick or unwell.

Feel poorly

This phrase is a more colloquial way to describe feeling sick.

Feel indisposed

This is a formal and polite way to describe feeling sick, often used to avoid directly stating the illness.

Feel queasy

This term suggests a mild feeling of nausea or sickness.

Feel under the weather

This idiom is a common and gentle way to express that one is feeling ill.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "feel very sick"?

Alternatives include "feel extremely ill", "feel terribly unwell", or "feel dreadful" depending on the severity and context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "feel very sick"?

Yes, "feel very sick" is grammatically correct. It uses the verb "feel" followed by the adverb "very" to intensify the adjective "sick".

Which is more appropriate, "feel very sick" or "am very sick"?

"Feel very sick" is generally more appropriate when describing a sensation or experience. "Am very sick" is grammatically correct but less common; "I feel very sick" is a more natural way to express that you are experiencing illness.

How can I use "feel very sick" in a sentence?

You can use "feel very sick" to describe your physical state, such as "I "feel sick", I can't go to work today", or "After the rollercoaster, I started to feel very sick".