ails

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ails" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone or something that is suffering from a physical or emotional problem or illness. Example: "She has been feeling unwell lately, and I wonder what ails her."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And patients who simply want to pop pills for whatever ails them also may balk.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

And even in the teeth of today's economic woes, at least as many Americans seem to think that what ails them is too much government, not too little.But there is a catch.

The Economist

Ask what ails the country and the answer will echo the rapper's ode to the 100-dollar bill, "It's all about the Benjamins".

The Economist

The publication of this green paper, unusually late in a parliament, has been timed to leave politically sensitive decisions until after an election.In this section Suffer the little children Demolishing the dumps Get the council The problems stack up Stop digging What ails the Tories?

The Economist

In two-thirds of cases, the victims were taken hostage, and one female victim in ten was raped.In this section Towards a war of attrition Come and talk to us, says Iraq Where others fear to tread Nairobbery Reprints Related items Kenyan corruption: The view from the slumsJun 27th 2002What ails Nairobbery, as the locals call it?

The Economist

With a fervour that smacks of desperation, Ms Marois is being acclaimed by the members as the answer to all that ails the party.That came as a surprise.

The Economist

There were times when you could not leave your home because people were visibly casing the streets".In this section Suffer the little children Demolishing the dumps Get the council The problems stack up Stop digging What ails the Tories?

The Economist

But clearly, very few children agree with adults that they are in deep trouble.In this section Discontents, wintry and otherwise That curious relationship Breaking the rule book White-out Cash-hungry Caveat surfer What ails them?

The Economist

Wisely, Mr Xi did not set any deadlines.So whatever ails Chinese football, it is not a lack of passion from the country's leaders.

The Economist

This should help persuade households to spend and businesses to invest now rather than let inflation eat away their savings.The second criticism is that more QE will not help because what ails America's economy has nothing to do with high interest rates.

The Economist

The state saw these as a threat, and in 1964, with American backing, set out to smash one of them: Marquetalia.In this section What ails Cuba's health service?

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "ails", ensure the subject is clearly defined. For example, specify what "ails" a person, system, or organization to provide context and clarity.

Common error

While "ails" is grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal or archaic in everyday conversation. Opt for more common alternatives like "troubles" or "bothers" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The verb "ails" functions as a transitive verb, typically used in the third-person singular form to describe what is causing distress or problems. As shown by Ludwig, it commonly appears in questions like "What ails...?".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

0.5%

Wiki

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "ails" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb that describes what causes problems or difficulties. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely accepted and suitable for various contexts, primarily in neutral to formal settings such as news reports and professional documents. While alternatives like "troubles" or "bothers" may be more appropriate for informal conversations, "ails" offers a precise way to inquire about or identify the root cause of an issue. Knowing when and how to use "ails" can help ensure clear and effective communication, adding depth and precision to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

troubles

Replaces "ails" with a more general term for problems or difficulties.

afflicts

A more formal synonym for "ails", suggesting a serious or widespread problem.

plagues

Implies a persistent and troublesome issue, often affecting many people.

is wrong with

A more direct and common way to ask about a problem.

is the matter with

Similar to "is wrong with", but slightly more formal.

is bothering

Suggests a source of worry or concern.

is the trouble with

Another common way to inquire about a problem.

is hurting

Implies damage or harm being caused.

is undermining

Suggests a gradual weakening or damage to something.

is impacting negatively

A more formal and descriptive way of saying something is causing harm.

FAQs

How can I use "ails" in a sentence?

You can use "ails" to describe what is causing problems or difficulties for someone or something. For example, "What "ails the economy"?" or "I wonder what ails him today."

What are some alternatives to the word "ails"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "troubles", "afflicts", "plagues", or "is wrong with".

Is it correct to say "what ails you"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct and commonly used. It's a way of asking what is bothering or troubling someone.

What's the difference between "ails" and "afflicts"?

"Ails" and "afflicts" are synonyms, but "afflicts" often implies a more severe or widespread problem. "Ails" can be used for minor or temporary issues, while "afflicts" suggests something more serious.