develop a cold

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "develop a cold" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the process of becoming ill with a cold, typically due to a viral infection. Example: "After spending the day in the rain without a jacket, I think I've developed a cold."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

In other words, just from waiting around For that plain little band of gold, A person can develop a cold.

The New York Times - Books

To paraphrase the sniffly Adelaide in "Guys and Dolls," a poy-son could develop a cold war.

The New York Times

The researchers found that the less sleep people got, the more likely they were to develop a cold.

The Guardian

One of the contenders complained of a sore ankle and took to limping, while the other began to develop a cold and went about sniffing and coughing.

The Guardian - Film

A room full of people may be exposed to a sufferer from a common cold, but only one or two may later develop a cold.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"Adelaide's Lament," Vivian Blaine's showstopper in "Guys and Dolls," is definitive of her situation -- a "female remaining single, / Just in the legal sense," who tends to "develop a cold" when brushed off yet again by her dilatory boyfriend.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

A set of F2 3 populations including 200 individuals and lines derived from a cross between the indica and japonica varieties 'Milyang 23' x 'Jileng 1' was used to locate QTL for low-temperature vigor of germination (LVG) and to develop a cold-response index for vigor of germination (CIVG).

Rice

The chapters "Anger," "Apathy," and "Emptiness" encompassed three emotions that displayed how the most warm, loving woman can develop a cold-hearted, "f you" mentality and demeanor.

Huffington Post

It is all about developing a cold eye with which to look over your own work.

The Guardian

The next day he developed a cold which turned into pneumonia.

Independent

It may help reduce susceptibility to a cold* The antioxidant properties of red wine may make you less susceptible to developing a cold.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To emphasize the gradual onset of a cold, use "come down with a cold".

Common error

While "develop a cold" is grammatically correct, in very informal settings, it might sound overly formal. Opt for alternatives like "catch a cold" or "get a cold" to maintain a casual tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "develop a cold" functions as a verb phrase indicating the process of becoming ill with a cold. It describes the action of contracting a common illness. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "develop a cold" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe the onset of a cold. It's versatile, suitable for both formal and informal contexts, as supported by Ludwig AI and various examples. While alternatives like "catch a cold" might be preferable in very casual settings, "develop a cold" remains a widely accepted and understood expression. Remember to consider your audience and the specific nuance you want to convey when choosing between these options.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

catch a cold

Uses a different verb to express acquiring a cold.

come down with a cold

Emphasizes the gradual onset of the illness.

contract a cold

Implies acquiring the cold from an external source.

get a cold

A more general and informal way of saying one is sick with a cold.

be afflicted with a cold

A more formal and slightly dramatic way of saying one has a cold.

succumb to a cold

Implies a weakening of the immune system leading to the cold.

fall ill with a cold

Highlights the state of being sick.

suffer from a cold

Focuses on the experience of having the cold.

be infected with a cold

Highlights the infectious nature of the illness.

become sick with a cold

A slightly more formal way to express getting a cold.

FAQs

What's a more casual way to say "develop a cold"?

For a more casual tone, use phrases like "catch a cold" or "get a cold". These options are common in everyday conversation.

Is it correct to say "develop a flu" instead of "develop a cold"?

Yes, you can say "develop a flu" to indicate the onset of influenza. The structure is the same as "develop a cold", but it refers to a different illness.

What does "come down with a cold" mean, and how is it different from "develop a cold"?

"Come down with a cold" also means to become sick with a cold, emphasizing the gradual onset of symptoms. While "develop a cold" simply indicates the start of the illness, "come down with a cold" suggests a more progressive experience.

Can you "develop a cold" from being cold?

While exposure to cold temperatures doesn't directly cause a cold, it can weaken your immune system, making you more susceptible to viral infections. So, you don't "develop a cold" from being cold, but being cold can increase your risk of "catching a cold".