I feel sick

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I feel sick" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you are describing the physical sensation of feeling unwell. For example: "I feel sick and have a fever, so I'm going to take the day off from work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I feel sick".

The New York Times

God, I feel sick".

The New Yorker

"I feel sick," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

I feel sick about it".

The New York Times - Sports

O.K., now I feel sick.

The New York Times

"I feel sick at heart".

The New York Times

"I feel sick," Varnish said.

The Guardian - Sport

"In fact I feel sick".

The Guardian - Sport

"I feel sick," said one.

The Guardian - Sport

I feel sick with shame.

The Guardian

I feel sick about this.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical symptoms, be specific and avoid vague terms. Instead of just saying "I feel sick", describe the specific symptoms, such as "I have a headache and a fever".

Common error

Avoid using "I feel sick" to describe solely emotional distress; use more appropriate phrases like "I feel disgusted" or "I feel disturbed" to convey emotional reactions more accurately.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I feel sick" functions as a statement of one's current physical condition. It expresses a subjective experience of illness or discomfort. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and readily usable in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61.67%

Science

28.33%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I feel sick" is a common and grammatically correct way to express physical illness or discomfort. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage spans various contexts, from news reports to personal conversations. While versatile, being specific about symptoms is beneficial for clarity. When expressing strong emotions, alternatives like "I feel disgusted" are better choices. Given its prevalence in authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian, understanding its appropriate use is essential for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I am unwell

Formal and direct synonym, suitable in professional contexts.

I don't feel well

A more general expression of feeling unwell.

I feel ill

A more formal and general way to express feeling sick.

I feel nauseated

Specifically indicates a feeling of needing to vomit.

I'm feeling poorly

Indicates a state of poor health, often used in British English.

I'm under the weather

An idiomatic expression indicating mild sickness.

I feel queasy

A sensation of nausea and unease.

I have a queasy stomach

Indicates nausea or discomfort in the stomach.

I'm not myself today

Implies a deviation from one's normal state, which could include sickness.

I'm out of sorts

A general expression indicating a feeling of being unwell or not in good spirits.

FAQs

What does "I feel sick" mean?

The phrase "I feel sick" generally means that you are experiencing physical discomfort or illness, often associated with nausea, stomach upset, or other symptoms of being unwell.

Is it appropriate to say "I feel sick" in formal settings?

While acceptable, using more specific language to describe your condition might be better. For example, stating "I am experiencing nausea" or "I have a headache" can provide clearer information in professional contexts.

What are some alternative ways to say "I feel sick"?

You can use alternatives like "I am unwell", "I don't feel well", or "I feel nauseated" depending on the context.

Can "I feel sick" refer to emotional distress?

While primarily used for physical illness, "I feel sick" can sometimes describe a strong feeling of disgust or unease. However, it's clearer to use phrases like "I feel disgusted" or "I feel disturbed" to avoid ambiguity.