I threw up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I threw up" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the act of vomiting, often in informal contexts. Example: "After eating that questionable food, I threw up and felt much better afterward."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

"I threw up.

The New York Times - Magazine

I threw up my arms.

The New York Times

Second lesson, I threw up.

The New York Times

I threw up my First Communion breakfast.

The New Yorker

I threw up the whole time.

The New York Times

I coughed until I threw up.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

"I throw up a lot".

The Guardian - Film

Fucking hell: what if I throw up?

The Guardian - Opinion

I throw up yarnand go for a run.

The New Yorker

I throw up and start shaking and sweating.

The Guardian - Music

"I never know how much to take before I throw up".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I threw up" in informal settings or when speaking casually. In formal writing or medical contexts, consider more precise alternatives like "I vomited" or "I experienced emesis".

Common error

While "I threw up" is common, overuse can sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "I vomited" or "I was sick" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I threw up" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of vomiting. Ludwig AI shows its prevalent use across various contexts to describe this specific physical action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I threw up" is a common and straightforward way to describe the act of vomiting. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and frequently used in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While acceptable in informal settings, more formal alternatives like "I vomited" may be preferred in professional or medical writing. The usage analysis highlights its prevalence in everyday language, offering valuable insights for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I vomited

A more formal and direct synonym for "I threw up".

I was sick

A general term indicating illness, often implying vomiting.

I heaved

Implies a forceful expulsion of stomach contents.

I regurgitated

A more technical term for bringing up stomach contents.

I brought up my food

A literal description of the act of vomiting food.

I upchucked

An informal and somewhat humorous way to describe vomiting.

I lost my lunch

An idiomatic expression for vomiting, indicating the recent meal.

I got sick to my stomach

Describes the feeling of nausea that often precedes vomiting.

I expelled stomach contents

A clinical and detailed description of vomiting.

I experienced emesis

A highly formal and medical term for vomiting.

FAQs

What's a more formal way to say "I threw up"?

In formal contexts, consider using more clinical or direct terms such as "I vomited", or "I experienced emesis".

Is "I threw up" appropriate for all types of writing?

While acceptable in casual conversation, "I threw up" may not be suitable for formal or professional writing. Consider /s/I+vomited or other alternatives in such cases.

What are some less direct ways to say "I threw up"?

You could use expressions like "I was sick", or "I lost my lunch" to describe the act of vomiting less directly.

How does "I threw up" differ from "I felt nauseous"?

"I threw up" describes the act of vomiting, while "I felt nauseous" describes the sensation of feeling sick to your stomach, which may or may not lead to vomiting. They are related but not interchangeable.