Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
a less sick
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "a less sick" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing the level of illness or discomfort, indicating that something is not as severe as another condition. Example: "After taking the medication, I felt a less sick version of myself, ready to tackle the day."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Formal & Business
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
9 human-written examples
Based on these facts, our results may not be generalizable to a less sick population.
Science
Though a less sick patient cohort might tolerate surgery much better than a patient in cardiogenic shock, the immediate survival advantage from mechanical support might not be as obvious.
A full 85% of these patients are INTERMACS profile 1 through 3, although the proportion of profile 1 patients has been decreasing as the expansion of LVAD use to a less sick population increases.
The mortality in hospital (1/79, 1.3 %) and 1 y after the sepsis hospitalization (5/79, 6.3 %) was low, suggesting this may have been a less sick cohort of PICU sepsis patients.
Science
For instance, the very ability of an infant to suckle may be associated with a less sick infant, and the variables used in adjustment may not be entirely independent either of each other or of the outcome.
Science
Such high mortality could have obscured the detrimental impact of β-blockade if studied in a less sick patient cohort, because 80% mortality in the control group can hide a lot of sin.
Science
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
51 human-written examples
That type of medicine is a band-aid and a suppressant--it's not making you any less sick.
News & Media
Can New York sports-page readers be any less sick of hearing about Barry's condition than we are, even if they hear much less?
News & Media
But by the mid-'90s, as the first protease inhibitors were integrated into healthcare and HIV-positive people started getting a little less sick, it became clear there was still a life left to lead.
News & Media
"In today's technologically advanced world, there is little need for office workers to be physically in their cubes while sick," Suzanne Lucas writes for Inc. "We'd all be a lot less sick if we stayed home when we were sick".
News & Media
Patients in period A were less sick (lower SAPS and less rapidly fatal McCabe scores) than those of periods B and C. Energy delivery and balance increased gradually: impact was particularly marked in the cumulated energy balance on day 7 (P < 0.001).
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When describing a patient's progress, use "a less sick" to indicate a specific improvement in their condition rather than a complete recovery. It highlights a relative change.
Common error
Avoid using "a less sick" when the intention is to convey full recovery. Use phrases like "fully recovered" or "back to full health" instead to prevent misinterpretation.
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "a less sick" primarily functions as an adjective phrase. It modifies a noun, indicating a comparative state of reduced illness. As shown by Ludwig, it often describes a patient's improving condition.
Frequent in
Science
44%
News & Media
41%
Formal & Business
15%
Less common in
Wiki
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "a less sick" is a grammatically sound adjective phrase used to indicate a state of improved health or reduced illness. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides examples of its use in various contexts. While "a less sick" is mainly used in science and news media, remember to choose more formal alternatives like "improving condition" for professional contexts. Although acceptable, do not use this phrase when a patient has fully recovered, as it suggests ongoing illness. Instead, using terms such as "fully recovered" would be more appropriate.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
Slightly healthier
This alternative replaces the comparative "less sick" with a more direct indication of improved health, implying a mild improvement.
Somewhat recovered
Focuses on the recovery aspect, suggesting a partial return to health from an illness.
Not as ill
Uses a negative comparison to highlight the reduced severity of the illness.
Feeling better
Shifts the focus to the subjective experience of improved well-being.
On the mend
An idiomatic expression indicating that someone is recovering from an illness.
Partially healed
Emphasizes the healing process, suggesting that the illness is in the process of resolving.
In better health
A more general statement indicating an improved state of overall health.
Improving condition
Focuses on the state of the medical condition and its betterment.
Less unwell
Replaces "sick" with "unwell", offering a slightly more formal tone and emphasizing the absence of well-being.
Recovering well
Highlights both the recovery process and its positive progress.
FAQs
How can I use "a less sick" in a sentence?
You can use "a less sick" to describe an improvement in someone's condition. For example, "After resting, the patient was "a less sick" version of themself than the day before".
What's a good alternative to "a less sick"?
Depending on the context, you could use phrases such as "slightly healthier", "somewhat recovered", or "not as ill" to convey a similar meaning.
Is it appropriate to use "a less sick" in formal writing?
While grammatically correct, "a less sick" might sound informal in some contexts. Consider using more formal alternatives like "improving condition" or "in better health" for a more professional tone.
When should I avoid using "a less sick"?
Avoid using "a less sick" if you want to express that someone has fully recovered. Instead, use phrases like "fully recovered" or "back to full health".
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested