I get sick

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I get sick" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that you become ill or unwell, often in a general or habitual sense. Example: "Whenever the weather changes drastically, I get sick and have to stay home from work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I get sick.

The New Yorker

"I get sick on their food".

Independent

I know I get sick a lot.

The New Yorker

If I get sick my voice suffers.

The Guardian - Music

If I get sick, it's gone in two days.

The New York Times

Now, when I get sick of writing (and I get sick of it a lot), I take pictures.

The New Yorker

"I get sick to my stomach," he added.

The New York Times

If I get sick, I can call someone.

The New York Times - Tech

If I miss two months of work because I get sick, well, guess what?

The New York Times - Magazine

"If I get sick, I can't take care of him," she said.

The New York Times

I have friends, so if I get sick I won't be on my own.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When you want to express your feelings to something you see or listen, use “I get sick” followed by “of”. For instance: “I get sick of all these noises in the city”.

Common error

Avoid using "I get sick" when you can describe the specific illness. Instead of saying "I get sick", specify "I have a cold", "I have the flu", or "I have a headache" for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I get sick" primarily functions as an intransitive verb phrase expressing a state change or experience of becoming ill. Ludwig AI examples show it in contexts of physical illness and also in contexts of emotional aversion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

26%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

3%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I get sick" is a versatile and common phrase used to describe the experience of becoming ill or expressing aversion. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, from news media to scientific publications. While the phrase generally maintains a neutral register, specific ailments should be named for increased clarity. Alternative phrases like "I become ill" or "I feel unwell" can be used depending on the desired tone and context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I become ill

Replaces "get" with "become" offering a more formal tone.

I fall ill

Substitutes "get" with "fall", providing a slightly more idiomatic expression.

I am taken ill

Uses a passive construction emphasizing the onset of illness.

I feel unwell

Focuses on the sensation of not being well, rather than the action of becoming sick.

I'm nauseated

Specifically indicates a feeling of nausea.

I'm sick and tired of

An emphatic expression of being completely fed up with something.

I'm disgusted

Indicates a strong feeling of revulsion or aversion.

I'm fed up

Expresses a feeling of being tired or bored with something.

I am tired of

Implies weariness or boredom with something.

I grow weary of

A more formal way of expressing boredom or dissatisfaction.

FAQs

What's the difference between "I feel sick" and "I get sick"?

"I feel sick" describes a current sensation of illness, while "I get sick" indicates the process of becoming ill or a recurring experience of falling ill. For example, you might say "I feel sick after eating that" versus "I get sick every winter".

What can I say instead of "I get sick" to express aversion?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "I'm disgusted by", "I'm tired of", or "I'm fed up with" to express aversion. For example, "I'm disgusted by the violence in that movie" is an alternative to expressing strong dislike.

Is it correct to say "I took sick" instead of "I got sick"?

While "I took sick" might be encountered, it is less common and can sound archaic. "I got sick" is the more standard and widely accepted phrasing. You could also say "I fell ill".

How can I use "I get sick" in a sentence about something I dislike?

You can use "I get sick of" + [the thing you dislike]. For example, "I get sick of the constant traffic noise in the city". Consider alternatives like "I am tired of" or "I am fed up with" depending on the context.