Taken ill

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Taken ill" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that someone has become sick or unwell, often suddenly. Example: "She was taken ill during the meeting and had to leave immediately."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Had the queen been taken ill?

The Economist

She was taken ill yesterday morning.

The New York Times

Somebody taken ill, a hurt animal?

The Guardian

However, he was taken ill and died in intensive care.

The Guardian

Within a few days, seven older adults had taken ill.

The New York Times

One person has been taken ill on the train".

The Guardian - Business

He was taken ill Friday night after a staff dinner.

The New York Times - Sports

Once, he was taken ill at the Labour Party Conference.

The Guardian

Then the French goalkeeper, Alex Thépot, was taken ill.

The Guardian - Sport

I didn't expect him to be taken ill.

The Guardian

He was taken ill in September and turned back to Goa.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "taken ill" to describe a situation where someone suddenly becomes sick or unwell, especially when the onset is unexpected. For example: "He was "taken ill" during the conference and had to be hospitalized."

Common error

Avoid using "taken ill" when the situation involves severe or life-threatening conditions. While it indicates sickness, it might downplay the seriousness of the situation. In such cases, consider using phrases like "seriously ill" or "critically ill" to accurately convey the severity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "taken ill" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the action of becoming sick. It typically describes a state change, where someone transitions from being healthy to being unwell. Ludwig examples show its common usage in describing sudden onsets of illness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Science

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "taken ill" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe the sudden onset of sickness. Ludwig AI indicates that it is frequently used in news and media, with a neutral register suitable for general communication. While alternatives like "became unwell" exist for more formal contexts, "taken ill" remains a versatile and widely understood expression. Remember to reserve it for describing sudden sickness rather than chronic conditions to ensure accurate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Fell sick

Replaces "taken" with "fell", emphasizing the act of becoming sick.

Became unwell

Substitutes "ill" with "unwell", offering a slightly more formal alternative.

Became sick

Replaces "ill" with "sick", a common and direct alternative.

Took sick

Inverts the phrase structure while retaining the core meaning.

Was afflicted

Uses a more formal term, "afflicted", to describe the onset of illness.

Contracted an illness

Specifies the acquisition of an illness, adding a layer of detail.

Developed a condition

Refers to the development of a health condition, broadening the scope beyond immediate sickness.

Succumbed to illness

Emphasizes the impact and potential severity of the illness.

Was struck down with

Uses a more dramatic expression to convey the sudden onset of illness.

Was indisposed

Offers a polite and somewhat indirect way of saying someone is unwell.

FAQs

How can I use "taken ill" in a sentence?

"Taken ill" is typically used to describe a sudden onset of sickness. For example: "She was "taken ill" at work and had to go home early."

What's a more formal alternative to "taken ill"?

A more formal alternative to "taken ill" is "became unwell". This phrase is suitable for professional or academic contexts.

Is "taken ill" the same as "fell ill"?

Yes, "taken ill" and "fell ill" are largely interchangeable. Both phrases mean that someone has become sick.

When should I not use the phrase "taken ill"?

Avoid using "taken ill" in situations where the illness is chronic or has been ongoing for a long time. It's best suited for describing sudden onsets. In those situations, consider using words like "suffering" or "affected by" instead.