contract influenza

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "contract influenza" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of becoming infected with the influenza virus. Example: "During the winter months, many people are at risk of contracting influenza due to the spread of the virus."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

From a Nash point of view, that makes perfect sense, as the elderly are at greatest risk of dying if they contract influenza.

The Economist

People who live in low-income communities are not only only more likely to contract influenza and end up in the hospital, but are also more likely to experience symptoms resulting in intensive care unit admissions and even death.

The Washington Post

During this season, 5-20% of our population will contract influenza.

Huffington Post

Soon after their arrival members of the household contract influenza, and Annis nurses them until she too becomes infected.

Wikipedia

The perception of not expecting to contract influenza was the predominant barrier to influenza vaccination.

BMC Public Health

The perception of not expecting to contract influenza was the barrier to influenza vaccination.

BMC Public Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

At the end of the war, during the global pandemic, Bourgeois's mother contracted influenza.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

As a child, she drowns, falls off a roof and contracts influenza.

The New York Times - Books

You were recently confined to your hotel room for four days in Australia after contracting influenza subtype H1N1.

The Guardian - Music

In 1918, he finally arranged for her to leave Texas and move to New York, not least because she had contracted influenza.

The New York Times - Books

He contracted influenza, and spent two weeks in the public ward of a hospital in Paris, in hideous circumstances — an experience he wrote about in "How the Poor Die".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In order to avoid redundancy, be mindful of the audience and purpose of the message. While "contract influenza" might be appropriate in some formal settings, consider simpler alternatives like "catch the flu" in everyday conversation.

Common error

Avoid using "contract influenza" in casual conversations. Simpler phrases like "catch the flu" are more appropriate and natural in informal settings. Using overly formal language can sound stilted or unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "contract influenza" functions primarily as a verb phrase where "contract" acts as a transitive verb taking "influenza" as its direct object. It describes the action of acquiring or becoming infected with the influenza virus. Ludwig examples show the phrase used in various contexts to indicate infection.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

35%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "contract influenza" is a grammatically correct way to describe becoming infected with the influenza virus, as confirmed by Ludwig. While not as common as more colloquial alternatives like "catch the flu", it maintains a neutral to formal tone and is frequently used in scientific and news contexts. The phrase functions as a verb phrase, with "contract" acting as a transitive verb. When writing, consider your audience and the setting to determine whether "contract influenza" or a simpler alternative is more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

catch the flu

This alternative uses a more colloquial term, "flu", instead of the formal "influenza".

get influenza

This alternative uses the verb "get" which is a simpler way to express acquiring the illness.

become infected with influenza

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the infection process.

develop influenza

This alternative highlights the development of the disease after exposure.

acquire influenza

This is a more formal way of saying someone has gotten influenza.

be stricken with influenza

This alternative implies a sudden and often severe onset of the illness.

succumb to influenza

This alternative suggests a more serious outcome of contracting the virus.

fall ill with influenza

This phrase describes the state of becoming sick with influenza.

come down with influenza

This is a more informal way of saying someone has gotten influenza.

be afflicted by influenza

This alternative suggests suffering as a result of contracting the virus.

FAQs

How can I use "contract influenza" in a sentence?

You can use "contract influenza" to describe the act of becoming infected with the influenza virus. For example: "During flu season, many individuals "contract influenza" despite vaccination efforts."

What's a simpler way to say "contract influenza"?

A simpler and more common way to say "contract influenza" is to "catch the flu". This alternative is suitable for everyday conversations.

Is it more correct to say "contract influenza" or "get influenza"?

Both "contract influenza" and "get influenza" are grammatically correct. "Contract influenza" is often preferred in more formal or scientific contexts, while "get influenza" is more commonly used in general conversation.

What factors increase the likelihood of contracting influenza?

Several factors can increase the likelihood of contracting influenza, including close contact with infected individuals, weakened immune systems, and lack of vaccination. Taking preventative measures such as frequent handwashing and avoiding crowded places can help reduce the risk.