be sick of

USAGE SUMMARY

"be sick of" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to be tired or fed up with something or someone. Example: "I am sick of listening to your excuses. Just take responsibility for your actions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Mark Zuckerberg might just be sick of people.

The Guardian - Tech

I'm sorry, you must be sick of hearing it now.

Independent

The world will be sick of my face".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

And, pretty soon, we'd be sick of pasta.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Iberians must be sick of the sight of Salvador.

The Guardian - Sport

The moon must be sick of being in poems.

The Guardian - Books

You might be sick of talking about her… Never.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"But after a while, they may be sick of it.

The Guardian

Gus Poyet must be sick of the sight of Hull City.

Independent

The American must be sick of the sight of the world No 1.

Independent

Northampton must be sick of the sight of the Premiership play-offs by now.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context when using "be sick of". While common, overuse can sound overly negative or complaining. Balance it with more constructive expressions when appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "be sick of" in formal writing or professional settings, as it can come across as too informal or overly emotional. Opt for more neutral phrases like "be weary of" or "be dissatisfied with" for a more appropriate tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be sick of" functions primarily as a subject complement, describing the subject's state or feeling. It follows a linking verb (usually a form of "be") and expresses a strong feeling of annoyance or weariness. As confirmed by Ludwig, this is a common expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be sick of" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to express feelings of annoyance, boredom, or frustration. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread usage. While versatile, it's important to consider the context and audience, avoiding it in highly formal situations. Semantically related alternatives include "be tired of" and "be fed up with". As evidenced by the numerous examples, the expression is very frequent in "News & Media", reflecting its capacity to add emotive tone to reporting and opinion pieces. Remember to use it appropriately to convey your feelings effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be tired of

Expresses a feeling of weariness or boredom, similar to being sick of something.

be fed up with

Indicates a state of frustration and impatience, closely mirroring the sentiment of being sick of something.

be weary of

Implies a feeling of exhaustion and impatience, akin to being sick of something.

be done with

Suggests a desire to end or avoid something, similar to being sick of it.

have had enough of

Expresses a limit being reached, indicating dissatisfaction, like being sick of something.

be exasperated by

Highlights a state of annoyance and frustration, similar to being sick of something annoying.

lose patience with

Focuses on the diminishing tolerance for something, close to being sick of it.

be annoyed by

Indicates irritation or displeasure, a milder version of being sick of something.

grow tired of

Implies a gradual loss of interest or patience, leading to a feeling of being sick of something.

have no more tolerance for

Expresses a complete lack of acceptance, similar to being sick of something unacceptable.

FAQs

How can I use "be sick of" in a sentence?

You can use "be sick of" to express strong feelings of annoyance or frustration. For example, "I "am sick of" the constant noise from the construction site".

What's a more formal alternative to "be sick of"?

In formal contexts, consider using alternatives such as "be weary of" or "be dissatisfied with" to maintain a professional tone.

Is "be sick of" appropriate for all types of writing?

While "be sick of" is common in informal conversation and writing, it might not be suitable for formal or academic contexts. Choose your wording based on the audience and purpose of your writing.

Which is correct: "be sick of" or "being sick of"?

Both forms are correct, but they function differently. "Be sick of" is used in simple tenses (e.g., "I will be sick of it soon"), while "being sick of" is used in continuous tenses (e.g., "I am being sick of it").