dead sick

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dead sick" is correct and usable in written English, though it is informal.
It can be used to express extreme illness or, in slang, to indicate something is very impressive or cool. Example: "After that flu, I felt dead sick for a week, but now I'm finally recovering."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

He thinks about these men now, wondering whether they feel pleased or, like him, dead sick with terror.

The Washington Post

As flood waters recede on some properties, the graziers face the task of scouring the land for dead, sick and injured animals.

The Guardian

Thousands of H.I.V.-positive people are now contributing to the economy who might, without the drugs, be dead, sick or draining resources in hospital care.

The New York Times - Magazine

If you're dead sick of all the Apple/iPhone news filling the front pages of all your favorite blogs, fear not: Today is the WWDC '08 Keynote!

TechCrunch

* Do not handle or pick up any animal that is dead, sick or acting strangely.

Los Angeles Times

The U.S. Geological Survey reported that 335 dead, sick or injured otters were found in 2011, a record high.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

There are undoubtedly more dead or sick animals at sea that have gone undetected, officials said.

The New York Times

I trusted the MoD and now my friends are all either dead or sick.

The Guardian

Contrary to Floyd Norris's assertions (Editorial Observer, Nov. 13), Salomon Brothers is neither dead nor sick.

The New York Times

Unhappy Christmases are each unhappy in their own way – dead mum, sick child, vegetarian dinner – but still.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Mr Yanukovych did not sign this resolution, and fled.There were no constitutional provisions for this: Mr Yanukovych was neither dead nor sick, and he had not been impeached.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dead sick" to convey a sense of extreme illness or, informally, to express strong approval or admiration. Be mindful of your audience, as this phrase is considered informal.

Common error

Avoid using "dead sick" in formal writing or professional settings. Opt for more neutral or formal alternatives like "extremely ill" or "severely unwell" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dead sick" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun (often implied, such as a person). It intensifies the degree of sickness, indicating a severe state of illness or, informally, signifies something is exceptionally good. Ludwig AI indicates that this is correct and usable in written English, though informal.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "dead sick" is an informal adjectival phrase used to describe extreme illness or, in slang, to express that something is very impressive. While grammatically correct, it's best suited for casual settings and should be avoided in formal writing. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is indeed usable, but context matters. When formality is required, consider alternatives like "extremely ill" or "seriously unwell". The examples from news, science, and wiki sources demonstrate the range of its usage, though it remains relatively rare. When in doubt, opt for a more neutral phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Very sick

A simpler and more direct way to express that someone is experiencing significant illness.

Extremely ill

Replaces the idiomatic "dead sick" with a more straightforward description of severe illness.

Seriously unwell

Offers a slightly more formal way to describe a severe state of sickness.

Gravely sick

Similar to "dead sick" but often used to emphasize the life-threatening nature of an illness.

Terribly sick

Uses "terribly" to amplify the degree of sickness, maintaining a similar level of intensity.

Critically ill

Indicates a state where the illness is at a critical or dangerous stage.

Deadly ill

Emphasizes the potentially fatal nature of the sickness, adding a stronger sense of danger.

Severely ailing

A more formal phrase to describe someone suffering from a severe illness.

In critical condition

Describes the patient's state as precarious and requiring immediate medical attention.

In dire straits

More figurative, suggesting a situation of extreme distress or danger, often due to illness.

FAQs

How can I use "dead sick" in a sentence?

You can use "dead sick" to describe feeling extremely ill, as in "After catching the flu, I was "dead sick" for days." It can also be used informally to mean something is very impressive, such as "That concert was "dead sick"!"

What are some alternatives to saying "dead sick"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "extremely ill", "seriously unwell", or "gravely sick" to describe severe illness. For informal approval, consider using "amazing" or "fantastic".

Is "dead sick" grammatically correct?

Yes, "dead sick" is a grammatically correct phrase, although it's considered informal. It's fine to use in casual conversation but may not be appropriate for formal writing.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "dead sick"?

Use "dead sick" in informal settings when you want to emphasize how unwell someone is or to express strong approval. Avoid using it in professional, academic, or very formal contexts.