I got sick

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I got sick" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a past experience of becoming ill. Example: "Last week, I got sick and had to stay home from work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Then I got sick.

The Washington Post

"I got sick," she recalled.

The New York Times

I got sick of it".

The New Yorker

Sure, I got sick.

The New York Times - Travel

"I got sick," the girl said.

The New York Times

I got sick during the vacation.

The New York Times

I got sick working so hard!

The Guardian - Books

Then I got sick with encephalitis.

The Guardian

I got sick all the time.

The New York Times - Sports

"I got sick of eating," he said.

The New York Times - Health

I discovered that when I got sick at the airport.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the onset of an illness, use "I got sick" to convey a straightforward and commonly understood meaning. Be specific about the symptoms or diagnosis to provide more clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "I got sick" when you mean "I got tired of" something. While "sick" can colloquially mean tired or fed up, it's best to use more precise language to avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I got sick" functions as an intransitive verb phrase, indicating a change of state. It describes the subject's transition into a state of illness. As evidenced by Ludwig, the phrase is frequently used to express the onset of sickness or disease.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I got sick" is a common and generally accepted way to express that one has become ill. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across diverse contexts, from news reports to personal anecdotes. While perfectly suitable for most everyday situations, more formal settings might warrant alternatives like "I fell ill". Furthermore, it's important to distinguish between the literal meaning of falling ill and the colloquial usage expressing weariness, which might require alternative phrasing for clarity. Remember to be specific and clear to avoid confusion when communicating about your health!

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I fell ill

More formal alternative, implying the onset of sickness.

I became unwell

A general term for a decline in health.

I took ill

Less common, but still denotes becoming sick.

I contracted an illness

Focuses on acquiring a specific disease or ailment.

I succumbed to illness

Emphasizes the overpowering nature of the sickness.

I was afflicted with

Highlights suffering and being troubled by the sickness.

I was nauseated

Specifically refers to feeling sick to one's stomach.

I grew tired of

Indicates a feeling of weariness or boredom with something.

I became fed up with

Expresses a stronger sense of discontent or annoyance.

I developed a distaste for

Implies a growing aversion or dislike.

FAQs

What's a more formal way to say "I got sick"?

You can use phrases like "I fell ill" or "I became unwell" for a more formal tone. The phrase "I fell ill" is a good choice in professional or academic writing.

What can I say instead of "I got sick" if I want to be more specific?

If you want to be more specific, mention the illness you contracted. For example, "I caught the flu" or "I contracted pneumonia" are more descriptive alternatives.

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

Yes, "I became sick" is a grammatically correct alternative. While both are acceptable, "I got sick" is slightly more informal.

Can "I got sick" have a meaning other than physical illness?

Yes, colloquially, "I got sick of" something means you grew tired or weary of it. However, be mindful of your audience and context to avoid confusion. In such instances, consider using phrases like "I became tired of" or "I grew weary of".