contract a virus

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "contract a virus" is not correct or usable in standard written English.
The phrase "contract" is most commonly used with agreements or obligations that can be both negotiated and legally binding. In order to use the phrase properly in written English, you could say, "catch a virus" instead. For example, "I caught a virus from my friend and had to take a week off work to recover".

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

While it is impossible for a Mac to contract a virus that was built for a Microsoft NASDAQ MSFTFT) Windows machine, it is wholly possible for someone to engineer a Mac-specific Trojan, as well as other forms of malicious software.

Forbes

Be careful what sites you are downloading from, as you could contract a virus from a dodgy site.

WikiHow

Please note that this method is very risky, as your computer could contract a virus, as well as it being illegal.

WikiHow

One reason for this is that Apples have a more stable platform, and are less likely to contract a virus, meaning you can be focused on music production, rather than upkeep.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

A few days later, Jonny contracted a virus and was out of action for a month.

The Guardian - Music

In early 1978 Seattle Slew contracted a virus that almost killed him.

Britannica

Mertesacker has not played for Arsenal since contracting a virus in August.

Independent

She contracted a virus and nearly died while we were waiting.

The New York Times

She had contracted a virus in the contaminated water, and it took her ten days to recover.

The New Yorker

Additionally, blood doping via transfusion carries the risk of contracting a virus if the blood is tainted.

The Guardian - Sport

Baker contracted a virus, transverse myelitis or inflammation of the spine when she was just 14 months old, which left her unable to use her legs.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the more common and grammatically sound phrase "catch a virus" instead of "contract a virus" to ensure clarity and avoid confusion.

Common error

Avoid using "contract" in the context of illnesses; it's typically used for agreements or legal obligations. Using it with illnesses sounds unnatural. Opt for "catch a virus" or "get a virus" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "contract a virus" functions as a verbal phrase, where "contract" acts as a verb, and "a virus" serves as the direct object. However, Ludwig AI indicates that this usage is not entirely standard; "catch a virus" is more common.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

50%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "contract a virus" is understandable, it's not the most natural or grammatically sound choice. As Ludwig AI points out, "catch a virus" is a more common and accepted alternative. Although some examples exist in news and wiki sources, it's best to opt for "catch a virus" or other similar phrases to ensure clarity and avoid sounding unnatural. When describing the act of becoming infected, these alternatives offer better fluency and are more aligned with standard English usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

catch a virus

Uses a more common verb to describe acquiring a virus.

get a virus

Replaces "contract" with the more informal "get".

become infected with a virus

Emphasizes the state of being infected.

acquire a viral infection

Formal phrasing focusing on the acquisition of an infection.

develop a virus

Focuses on the development of the illness.

suffer from a viral infection

Highlights the experience of suffering from the virus.

be stricken with a virus

Emphasizes the sudden impact of the virus.

come down with a virus

Informal way to describe becoming ill with a virus.

pick up a virus

Suggests unintentionally acquiring the virus.

fall ill with a virus

Focuses on the resulting illness from the viral infection.

FAQs

What's a better way to say "contract a virus"?

A more natural way to express the same idea is to say "catch a virus" or "get a virus". These alternatives are more commonly used and sound more idiomatic.

Is it grammatically correct to say "contract a virus"?

While understandable, "contract a virus" isn't the most grammatically sound phrasing. It's preferable to use alternatives like "catch a virus" or "become infected with a virus".

Which is more common, "contract a virus" or "catch a virus"?

"Catch a virus" is significantly more common and widely accepted. "Contract a virus" sounds somewhat formal and is less frequently used in everyday language.

When should I use "catch a virus" instead of "contract a virus"?

In most contexts, "catch a virus" is a suitable and preferred alternative. It's simple, direct, and widely understood. "Contract a virus" might be acceptable in formal writing, but "catch a virus" is usually better.