a long illness

USAGE SUMMARY

"a long illness" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a period of time in which an individual has had an illness for a long duration. For example, "Natalie has been battling a long illness for the past three years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

After a long illness.

The New York Times

She died peacefully after a long illness.

The New York Times

Passed away after a long illness.

The New York Times

Tahira died following a long illness.

Independent

He died after a long illness.

Independent

Irving, on March 24, after a long illness.

The New York Times

BECK--Franklin B. After a long illness.

The New York Times

On November 15, after a long illness.

The New York Times

She died after a long illness.

The New York Times

Died May 18th after a long illness.

The New York Times

ADAMS--Mason, after a long illness.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing obituaries or memorial pieces, consider using "a long illness" to respectfully acknowledge a person's struggle with health issues before their passing. For instance, "After "a long illness", she passed away peacefully surrounded by family."

Common error

Avoid using "a long illness" to describe conditions that are typically curable within a short timeframe. This phrase is more appropriate for chronic or terminal conditions that persist over an extended period.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a long illness" primarily functions as a noun phrase that often acts as an adverbial modifier, indicating the cause or preceding circumstance related to an event, such as someone's death or a significant life change. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a long illness" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, that describes a prolonged period of sickness. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, often in obituaries or announcements related to someone's passing. While versatile, it's best reserved for chronic or terminal conditions, rather than short-term ailments. Alternative phrases like "protracted disease" or "lengthy sickness" can provide subtle variations in meaning. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the nature and duration of the illness being described.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lengthy sickness

Emphasizes the extended period of being sick, similar to "a long illness".

extended period of ill health

A more formal way of expressing "a long illness", emphasizing the duration and state of poor health.

sustained period of sickness

Stresses the continuous and prolonged nature of the sickness.

protracted disease

Focuses on the extended duration of the disease itself, emphasizing its drawn-out nature.

long-standing health issue

Highlights the fact that the health problem has been present for a considerable amount of time.

lingering malady

Suggests a disease that persists for an extended time, often with a sense of suffering.

serious and enduring sickness

Emphasizes the severity and lasting nature of the illness.

chronic ailment

Highlights the persistent and recurring nature of the health problem.

long-term health condition

Emphasizes the ongoing and managed aspect of the health issue.

debilitating condition over time

Focuses on the weakening effect of the condition and its gradual progression.

FAQs

How can I use "a long illness" in a sentence?

You can use "a long illness" to describe the period someone suffered from a prolonged health condition, such as "He passed away after "a long illness"" or "She battled "a long illness" for many years".

What are some alternative phrases for "a long illness"?

Some alternatives include "protracted disease", "lengthy sickness", or "chronic ailment". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a long illness" in formal writing?

Yes, "a long illness" is suitable for formal writing, especially in obituaries, medical reports, or historical accounts. However, consider more precise medical terminology if the specific condition is known and relevant.

What's the difference between "a long illness" and "a chronic illness"?

"A long illness" simply indicates that the illness lasted for an extended period. "A chronic illness", on the other hand, specifically refers to a condition that is persistent or recurring over a long time, often without complete recovery.