I become sick

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I become sick" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a change in state or condition, particularly in a general or habitual sense. Example: "Whenever I eat shellfish, I become sick and have to avoid them."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

What happens if I become sick and there are no neighbours to help?

The Guardian

I initially thought that relatives who loved him would be able to care for him should my husband and I become sick or die.

The Guardian - Opinion

To write so much that I become sick of it.

Huffington Post

If I become sick, all the family members will be affected.

BMC Public Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

I became sick and left".

The Guardian

I worked and paid taxes until I became sick.

The New York Times

Then I became sick, and was forced, suddenly, to stop seeking.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"I came to look for a better life," she said, "but then I became sick, and that was it".

The New York Times

She sounded kind of like the way I remembered feeling the first time I became sick in another country.

The New York Times

Then on Saturday I became sick, and did such interesting things as coughing, shaking, and dreaming in a fever.

The New Yorker

After the fall of the dictatorship I had supported the Communist party, but I became sick of them being narrow-minded.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

While "I become sick" is grammatically correct, consider using the more common and natural-sounding alternatives "I get sick" or "I fall ill" for improved clarity and flow in your writing.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "become" when describing health conditions. Phrases like "I get sick" or "I fall ill" often sound more natural and less formal. Using "become" repeatedly can make your writing sound stilted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I become sick" functions as a statement of a conditional or potential state. It describes a transformation from a state of health to a state of illness. As Ludwig explains, it describes a change in condition.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I become sick" is grammatically sound but less frequent than alternatives such as "I get sick" or "I fall ill". As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English, particularly when describing a shift in state or condition. While acceptable, its usage might benefit from considering more common phrases for enhanced clarity and naturalness. The phrase appears in various contexts, including news media, scientific publications, and formal communications, but is relatively uncommon compared to its alternatives. When in doubt, opt for the more conventional options for better flow and readability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I fall ill

This is a more common and direct way to express the same idea.

I get sick

This is a very common and informal way to express the same idea.

I am taken ill

A slightly more formal alternative with the same meaning.

I contract an illness

This suggests acquiring a specific disease.

I am afflicted with sickness

This is a more formal and emphasizes the suffering caused by the illness.

My health deteriorates

This focuses on the declining state of health.

I succumb to illness

This implies being overcome by sickness.

I develop a disease

This focuses on the onset of a specific disease.

I am unwell

A general term for not being in good health.

I start to feel poorly

Indicates the beginning stages of feeling sick.

FAQs

What's a more common way to say "I become sick"?

More common alternatives include "I get sick" or "I fall ill", both of which are generally preferred in everyday conversation and writing.

Is "I become sick" grammatically incorrect?

No, "I become sick" is grammatically correct, but it's less frequently used than alternatives like "I get sick". Ludwig AI confirms that it is correct and usable in written English.

In what contexts might I use "I become sick"?

"I become sick" might be used in more formal or technical contexts, or when emphasizing a process or change of state. However, in most casual situations, "I get sick" is preferred.

What's the difference between "I become sick" and "I am sick"?

"I become sick" describes the process of transitioning into a state of sickness, while "I am sick" describes the current state of being unwell. For example, "Whenever I eat shellfish, I become sick" versus "I am sick today, so I will stay home".