almost a sickness

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "almost a sickness" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an intense or obsessive feeling or behavior that resembles a sickness but is not literally one. Example: "Her obsession with collecting rare books has become almost a sickness, consuming her every waking moment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

It's almost a sickness.

The New Yorker

It's almost a sickness with him".

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The only way I know how to describe it is this: that being an entrepreneur is almost like having a sickness -- a feverish, insatiable drive to make the world a better place.

Huffington Post

After almost a year of sickness, she decided to go to one of the HIV-testing centres in Kinshasa.

Unicef

A large poster on the wall declares: "Traditional medicine can cure almost all sicknesses but currently we cannot cure HIV/Aids".

The Guardian

It's a sickness that can infect almost anyone, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion or gender.

The Guardian - Opinion

Scopolamine has been used successfully for treatment of motion sickness for almost a century and the nasal administration was first studied 50 years ago.

European Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences

About half were found to be against gay rallies and same-sex marriage, while almost a third thought homosexuality was the result of "a sickness or a psychological trauma".

The Guardian

In Belgium, all individuals entitled to health insurance (almost 99% of the population) have to register with a sickness fund.

BMC Health Services Research

It's a sickness".

The New York Times - Books

"Homosexuality is a sickness.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "almost a sickness" to describe behaviors or feelings that are intensely consuming or obsessive, but not literally a medical condition. It's effective for highlighting the severity of a fixation or habit.

Common error

Avoid using "almost a sickness" too frequently, as it can lose its impact. Instead, vary your language by using synonyms or more descriptive phrases that specifically capture the nature of the intense feeling or behavior.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "almost a sickness" functions as a descriptor, typically modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate an extreme or unhealthy level of passion, interest, or behavior. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's used to portray intensity without necessarily denoting a clinical condition.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "almost a sickness" is a phrase used to describe something that is intensely consuming or obsessive, though not literally a medical condition. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and can be used to emphasize the severity of a fixation or habit. The phrase is most commonly found in news and media contexts, suggesting a neutral register. While not as strong as terms like "addiction" or "obsession", it effectively conveys a concerning level of intensity. When using the phrase, consider stronger alternatives in more formal settings and avoid overusing it to maintain its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

borderline obsession

Replaces "almost a sickness" with a direct term for excessive fixation, focusing on the psychological aspect.

verging on pathological

Indicates the behavior is nearing a clinical diagnosis, suggesting a more severe level of intensity.

close to an addiction

Frames the behavior as nearly compulsive, highlighting the difficulty in stopping or controlling it.

akin to a mania

Compares the behavior to a state of heightened excitement and obsession, often irrational.

approaching a compulsion

Suggests the behavior is becoming increasingly irresistible and difficult to avoid.

resembling an obsession

Offers a less intense comparison, implying a similarity without fully equating it to obsession.

nearing a fixation

Highlights the growing intensity of focus on something, suggesting it's becoming all-consuming.

tantamount to an ailment

Equates the behavior with a minor illness, highlighting its negative impact on well-being.

tending towards unhealthy

Indicates the behavior is progressing in a detrimental direction, implying a need for intervention.

becoming an unhealthy obsession

More directly acknowledges that an obsession is forming and may be harmful.

FAQs

How can I use "almost a sickness" in a sentence?

You can use "almost a sickness" to describe an intense feeling or behavior that resembles a sickness but isn't one. For example: "Her dedication to her work was "almost a sickness", consuming all her time and energy."

What are some alternatives to "almost a sickness"?

Alternatives include "borderline obsession", "verging on pathological", or "close to an addiction" depending on the specific context and intensity you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "almost a sickness" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "almost a sickness" might be perceived as somewhat informal for academic or highly professional contexts. Consider stronger, more precise language if formality is essential, like "borderline obsession" or similar phrases.

When is it best to use "almost a sickness" rather than "addiction" or "obsession"?

"Almost a sickness" is useful when you want to emphasize the intensity and negative impact of a behavior without directly labeling it a clinical addiction or obsession. It implies a concerning level of fixation without necessarily reaching the threshold of a diagnosed condition.