I'm sick of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I'm sick of" is correct and commonly used in written English
It is typically used to express frustration or annoyance with something or someone. Example: "I'm sick of constantly hearing excuses from my boss about why our project is behind schedule."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I'm sick of this.

The New Yorker

"I'm sick of that.

The New York Times - Sports

I'm sick of writing.

The New Yorker

I'm sick of it".

The New Yorker

I'm sick of everything, mate.

The Guardian - Sport

Oh, I'm sick of it!

The New Yorker

"I'm sick of this guy!

The New York Times - Sports

I'm sick of the fighting.

The New York Times - Magazine

I'm sick of them".

The New York Times

I'm sick of stressing.

The Guardian - Sport

"I'm sick of Oscar.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I'm sick of" to express personal frustration or annoyance, but be mindful of your audience. In professional settings, consider using a more formal or diplomatic phrasing. Always be mindful of the person you are talking to, as "I'm sick of" can be considered offensive in certain situations.

Common error

While "I'm sick of" is perfectly acceptable in casual conversation, avoid using it in formal writing or professional communications. Instead, opt for more professional alternatives such as "I'm increasingly frustrated with" or "I'm concerned about".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I'm sick of" functions as an idiomatic expression used to convey a strong feeling of annoyance, frustration, or exasperation toward something. It's used to declare one's limit has been reached, as confirmed by Ludwig and its many examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I'm sick of" is a common and correct way to express frustration or annoyance, according to Ludwig. Primarily found in News & Media, it functions as an idiomatic expression to communicate a personal limit of tolerance. While grammatically sound, it's considered informal and may not be suitable for professional or academic contexts. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its widespread use, while also underlining the importance of considering context when choosing this phrase. For more formal situations, consider alternatives like "I'm frustrated with" or "I'm concerned about".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I'm fed up with

Emphasizes the feeling of being completely done with something, often after a long period of tolerance.

I'm tired of

Indicates a state of weariness or boredom, implying a lack of energy or interest.

I'm weary of

Suggests a more profound sense of exhaustion, either physical or emotional, related to something.

I've had it with

Expresses a definitive end to one's patience or tolerance for something.

I can't stand

Conveys a strong dislike or inability to tolerate something.

I'm done with

Signifies the completion of one's involvement or tolerance with something.

I'm over

Indicates that one has moved past something, often implying a loss of interest or patience.

I'm exasperated by

Highlights the feeling of intense irritation or frustration caused by something.

I'm annoyed by

Implies a mild to moderate level of irritation.

I'm irritated with

Similar to "annoyed by", but can also suggest a personal element of frustration.

FAQs

What does "I'm sick of" mean?

The phrase "I'm sick of" is an idiom used to express that you are annoyed, frustrated, or have lost patience with something.

What can I say instead of "I'm sick of"?

You can use alternatives like "I'm fed up with", "I'm tired of", or "I'm weary of" depending on the context.

Is "I'm sick of" formal or informal?

The phrase "I'm sick of" is generally considered informal and is best suited for casual conversations or personal writing. For formal contexts, it's better to use more professional alternatives.

How can I use "I'm sick of" in a sentence?

You can use "I'm sick of" followed by the thing you're frustrated with, such as "I'm sick of the constant delays" or "I'm sick of arguing about this".