convalescence

USAGE SUMMARY

'convalescence' is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to refer to the period of recovery and rest following an illness or operation. For example: "The patient is making good progress in his convalescence after undergoing a successful operation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They recommended she receive a six-month visa to facilitate a 12-week long convalescence period after the operation.

The Guardian

I knew from experience that the burden of convalescence falls on partners and children, placing a strain on even the most happy families.

The Guardian

Perhaps the main lesson of the protests is that after a long convalescence from the trauma of political strife and dictatorship, Chile is becoming a normal country.

The Economist

In the words of a doctor at a private hospital, "The cost of everything we provide, from surgery to medicines to convalescence, is going to go up, because everything is linked to energy prices".

The Economist

The Italian prime minister, Mario Monti, expressed alarm (which he later withdrew) that the Spanish illness might harm his own country's convalescence.

The Economist

Feeling generous following his return in February after three months' convalescence abroad, King Abdullah announced an extra $36 billion to be spent on welfare and public services.Yet the Saudi stockmarket suggests that something is amiss.

The Economist

But 2009 will, at best, be a year of painful convalescence for the banks.Two forces will weigh them down.

The Economist

A prolonged convalescence is the best that can be expected.

The Economist

This week he emerged from a month's convalescence, marking the occasion with a reshuffle that included sacking his treasury minister.

The Economist

Her month away, and weeks of convalescence, startled the ruling party.

The Economist

Boris Berezovsky, a tycoon whose manipulative skills are matched only by his unpopularity, says he is off for a long convalescence from hepatitis, an illness that did not prevent him from stitching the Unity group together.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "convalescence" to specifically refer to the period of gradual recovery after an illness or medical treatment. It is appropriate in both formal and informal contexts, but consider alternatives like "recovery period" for simpler communication.

Common error

Avoid using "convalescence" to describe the moment of being healed. "Convalescence" refers to the process of recovery, not the instantaneous achievement of a cure. For the latter, use words like "remission", "recovery", or "cure".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "convalescence" is as a noun. It represents a state or period of recovery after an illness or injury, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Reference

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "convalescence" is a noun that describes the period of recovery after an illness or injury. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. It's frequently used in news, encyclopedias, and business contexts, indicating a neutral formality level. When using "convalescence", remember that it refers to the process of recovery, not the instantaneous achievement of a cure. Consider alternative phrases like "recovery period" or "recuperation" for similar meanings. The usage examples and analysis provided offer a comprehensive understanding of how to effectively incorporate "convalescence" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

recovery period

A common and straightforward alternative, indicating the span of time for getting well.

period of recovery

Focuses on the duration of getting better, similar to "convalescence" but less formal.

recuperation phase

Highlights the stage of regaining strength, akin to "convalescence" with a slightly more clinical tone.

post-illness recovery

Directly indicates recovery following a bout of sickness.

healing process

Emphasizes the act of becoming healthy again, a broader term than "convalescence".

time of recuperation

Stresses the duration dedicated to regaining health, like "convalescence" but more descriptive.

phase of healing

Highlights a specific stage within the broader recovery process.

recuperative stage

Specifically refers to the phase where one is actively recovering.

return to health

Focuses on the act of regaining well-being after illness.

period of restoration

Emphasizes the renewal of health and strength.

FAQs

How to use "convalescence" in a sentence?

You can use "convalescence" to describe the period of recovery after an illness or surgery. For example, "After the surgery, she required a long period of "period of recovery" for her convalescence."

What can I say instead of "convalescence"?

You can use alternatives like "recovery period", "recuperation", or "healing process" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "convalescence" or "recuperation"?

Both "convalescence" and "recuperation" refer to the process of recovering from illness or injury, and they are often interchangeable. However, "convalescence" often implies a more gradual return to health, while "recuperation" can refer to a quicker recovery.

What's the difference between "convalescence" and "recovery"?

"Convalescence" specifically refers to the gradual process of regaining health and strength after illness or injury. "Recovery" is a broader term that can refer to the act of becoming healthy again, and is not necessarily gradual.