bout of illness

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bout of illness" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a short period of being ill or unwell. Example: "After a brief bout of illness, she was able to return to work feeling much better."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

CF patients are frequently ill, and hyperglycemia returns with each subsequent bout of illness, often several times a year.

Diabetes Care

Sean Wai Keung, 24, planned a trip to Norway after a bout of illness.

The Guardian

The Iron Maiden frontman was diagnosed with a cancerous tumour on his tongue late last year, but seems to have fought his way through this bout of illness.

The Guardian - Music

Salgado described how the project came about: during a bout of illness in the late 1990s, he returned to the ranch in Brazil where he grew up.

The Guardian - Arts

After a bout of illness and months of vague and inconsistent statements, he appeared in the Kremlin Monday to announce that he had dismissed his entire government.

The New York Times

On Tuesday, however, Radcliffe insisted that post-race dehydration, high temperatures, a bout of illness and altitude training could explain her three different abnormal blood values.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

There were also bouts of illness and depression, partly attributed in retrospect to fears of exposure and perhaps guilt.

The New York Times - Books

As a young child, he was prone to bouts of illness and was in and out of hospital.

The Guardian

After initial infection, a syphilitic can spend years alternating between bouts of illness and apparently fine health.

The New York Times - Science

Eva grew up in Dulwich, south London, and was not a particularly strong child, suffering frequent bouts of illness.

The Guardian

Bouts of illness that can be treated — such as an exacerbation of heart failure — are "critical," not "terminal," illness and should not activate a living will.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To add more impact, specify the type of illness following the phrase, such as "a bout of flu" or "a bout of pneumonia".

Common error

Avoid using "bout of illness" to describe long-term or chronic conditions. The term implies a temporary period of sickness, so use it only when the illness is expected to be short-lived.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bout of illness" functions primarily as a noun phrase, serving to identify a specific, usually short-lived, instance of sickness. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's correct in written English and used to describe a short period of being unwell.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

8%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "bout of illness" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a temporary period of sickness. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It is frequently found in news articles, encyclopedias, and scientific publications, indicating its widespread acceptance and neutral register. While "bout of illness" typically refers to physical ailments, it can be used in other contexts. To ensure accuracy, avoid using it for chronic conditions. Alternatives include "spell of sickness" or "period of sickness". Understanding the nuances of this phrase enhances clarity in writing and communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

spell of sickness

Replaces "bout" with "spell", emphasizing a temporary duration of sickness.

period of sickness

Uses "period" to highlight the duration, and "sickness" in place of "illness".

episode of sickness

Replaces "bout" with "episode", focusing on a distinct occurrence of sickness.

attack of illness

Highlights the sudden onset of the illness.

flare-up of illness

Implies a sudden worsening of a pre-existing condition.

relapse of illness

Specifically indicates a return to a state of illness after a period of improvement.

recurrence of illness

Highlights that the illness has happened before and is happening again.

health setback

Broadly refers to a negative turn in someone's health.

sick leave

Refers to time off work or other activities due to illness.

health scare

Emphasizes the alarming or frightening aspect of the illness.

FAQs

How can I use "bout of illness" in a sentence?

You can use "bout of illness" to describe a short period of sickness, as in, "He missed a week of work due to a "bout of illness"."

What's a good alternative to "bout of illness"?

Alternatives include "spell of sickness", "period of sickness", or "episode of sickness", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "bout of sickness" instead of "bout of illness"?

Yes, "bout of sickness" is a perfectly acceptable alternative to "bout of illness" and carries the same meaning.

Can "bout of illness" refer to a mental health condition?

While "bout of illness" typically refers to physical ailments, it can sometimes be used to describe a temporary period of mental distress, though it's less common. Terms like "mental health episode" might be more appropriate.