a bout of

USAGE SUMMARY

"a bout of" is correct and usable in written English.
You use it to describe an instance or period of something that is usually negative, such as a bout of illness, sadness, or bad weather. Example: I have just recovered from a bout of the flu.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A bout of acne?

Independent

launched a bout of reorganization.

The New Yorker

Or a bout of wheezing.

The New York Times

Next was a bout of bronchitis.

The New York Times

A bout of food poisoning was next.

The New York Times

Just a bout of new year jitters?

The Guardian - Business

Too fierce a bout of repression could backfire.

The Economist

A bout of flu had laid him low in September.

The New Yorker

Both states are plainly in for a bout of instability.

The Economist

And Indian banking is due for a bout of consolidation.

The Economist

The postponement was accompanied by a bout of buck passing.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a bout of" when describing a limited period of illness, emotional distress, or a specific activity. It implies a temporary experience, often with a negative connotation. For instance, "She experienced a bout of anxiety before her presentation."

Common error

Avoid using "a bout of" to describe chronic or long-term conditions. It's more appropriate for temporary and distinct episodes. Instead of saying "He has a bout of diabetes", say "He has diabetes" or "He is managing his diabetes".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a bout of" functions as a determiner and noun, introducing and quantifying a period or instance of something. Ludwig showcases this in examples like "a bout of flu" or "a bout of reorganization".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Academia

24%

Science

22%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a bout of" is a versatile phrase used to describe a limited period or instance of something, frequently with negative connotations. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and widely used. It appears most often in News & Media, Academia, and Science contexts, indicating its broad applicability. When writing, remember that "a bout of" is best suited for temporary episodes rather than chronic conditions. Alternative phrases like "an episode of" or "a period of" can provide similar meanings depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an episode of

Emphasizes a distinct occurrence or event, similar to a single instance within "a bout of".

a period of

Highlights the duration or length of time during which something occurs, akin to the extended nature of "a bout of".

a spell of

Suggests a temporary duration or period, much like the limited timeframe implied in "a bout of".

a wave of

Indicates a sudden increase or surge in something, similar to the intensity that can accompany "a bout of".

a flurry of

Highlights a brief burst or rush of activity, similar to the concentrated nature of "a bout of".

an attack of

Focuses on the sudden and often unpleasant onset of something, comparable to the abrupt beginning of "a bout of".

a touch of

Indicates a mild or slight experience of something, suggesting a less severe form of "a bout of".

an instance of

Highlights a specific occurrence or example, similar to a single event within "a bout of".

a case of

Describes a particular occurrence or situation, often used for illnesses or problems, much like the typical usage of "a bout of".

a phase of

Suggests a stage or period in a process or development, similar to a temporary period described by "a bout of".

FAQs

How do you use "a bout of" in a sentence?

Use "a bout of" to describe a short period of experiencing something, often negative, such as an illness or emotion. For example, "After the stressful week, I had "a bout of insomnia"".

What are some synonyms for "a bout of"?

Alternatives to "a bout of" include "an episode of", "a period of", or "a spell of", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a bout of happiness"?

While "a bout of" is typically used with negative experiences, it can be used with positive ones if the experience is short-lived or unexpected. However, it's more common to hear phrases like "a moment of happiness" or "a period of joy".

What's the difference between "a bout of" and "a wave of"?

"A bout of" suggests a defined period, while "a wave of" implies a sudden surge or rush. For example, you might have "a bout of the flu", but experience "a wave of nostalgia".