allergic to

USAGE SUMMARY

"allergic to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe having a physical or emotional reaction to something. For example: "I am allergic to the smell of smoke."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Allergic to leather.

The New Yorker

"I'm allergic to wool".

The New Yorker

"I'm allergic to chlorine".

The New Yorker

I'm allergic to them".

Independent

I'm allergic to hip.

The New Yorker

"I'm allergic to eggs".

The New York Times

I'm allergic to technicality.

The Guardian - Film

He was allergic to hay.

The New Yorker

She was allergic to pretense.

The New Yorker

I was allergic to incompleteness.

The New York Times

They are allergic to humans.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing allergies, be specific about the allergen and the type of reaction experienced. For example, instead of saying "I'm "allergic to" something", specify "I'm "allergic to" peanuts and I experience hives".

Common error

Avoid using "allergic to" interchangeably with "intolerant of". An allergy involves an immune response, while intolerance usually involves digestive discomfort. For example, lactose intolerance is different from a milk allergy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "allergic to" functions as a predicate adjective, describing a state of being where someone experiences an adverse reaction to a specific substance. It's a common way to express sensitivity or intolerance, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Wiki

13%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "allergic to" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe having an adverse reaction to a substance. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage across various contexts, predominantly in News & Media. It is important to differentiate between allergies and intolerances, as the former involves an immune response while the latter typically involves digestive discomfort. When using "allergic to", be specific about the allergen and the type of reaction. Alternative phrases include "sensitive to" or "intolerant of", but these carry slightly different connotations. This analysis provides a thorough understanding of the phrase’s usage, common errors, and related expressions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has an allergy to

A more formal way of expressing the same meaning as "allergic to".

sensitive to

Implies a milder reaction than an allergy, suggesting a heightened susceptibility or vulnerability.

intolerant of

Indicates an inability to endure or withstand something, often used in the context of food or environmental factors.

averse to

Suggests a strong dislike or disinclination towards something, reflecting an emotional rather than physical reaction.

can't tolerate

Similar to "intolerant of", suggesting an inability to handle or cope with something.

reacts badly to

Describes a negative physical or emotional response to a substance or situation.

has a reaction to

A general way to indicate that someone experiences adverse effects from something.

susceptible to

Indicates a predisposition to being affected by something, often used in medical contexts.

displays hypersensitivity to

A more technical and formal way to describe an allergic reaction.

shows sensitivity toward

Similar to "sensitive to", but can also imply emotional or intellectual awareness.

FAQs

What does it mean to be "allergic to" something?

Being "allergic to" something means your body's immune system reacts negatively to a particular substance (allergen). This reaction can range from mild symptoms like a rash to severe symptoms like anaphylaxis.

What are some common things people are "allergic to"?

Common allergens include foods like peanuts, milk, and eggs; insect stings; medications; pollen; and pet dander. Reactions vary depending on the person and the allergen.

What can I say instead of "I'm allergic to"?

You can use alternatives like "I'm "sensitive to"", "I "can't tolerate"", or "I have "an allergy to depending on the context"".

What's the difference between "allergic to" and "intolerant of"?

"Allergic to" implies an immune system response, while "intolerant of" typically indicates a digestive issue or discomfort. For example, a milk allergy is different from lactose intolerance.