develop a fever

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'develop a fever' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to someone getting a fever. For example: "The patient developed a fever after a few days of being unwell."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

The main aim was to ensure those who have been at risk know who to contact if they develop a fever, which is the first sign.

The Guardian

But if I develop a fever or really suffer, I plan immediately to take ciprofloxacin, a powerful antibiotic that is available over the counter in India.

The New York Times

Some camps send children home as soon as they develop a fever — often disrupting the plans that parents had made for those weeks, whether it was a second honeymoon or a chance to paint the kitchen.

The New York Times - Health

He would go back, tussle briefly with the computer, develop a fever, prescribe an afternoon of research, spend a couple of listless hours with his books, go for a walk to clear his head, and return in time for sundowners.

The New Yorker

You've got a headache and maybe a cough and you may develop a fever, with a temperature of up to 104 degrees, or chills which make you shake, sweating, a sore throat, fatigue - oh, and a blocked nose.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

At airports around the world, health authorities have begun giving cards to travelers from Asia, advising them to monitor their health for at least 10 days and to contact a doctor if they develop a fever with a cough or difficulty breathing.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

On March 25, she developed a fever.

The New York Times

Soon after, he developed a fever of 104.

The New York Times - Magazine

Then Massa developed a fever and was taken to Monrovia.

The New Yorker

In 1790 Hahnemann developed a fever that transformed his career.

The Economist

A week later, he developed a fever and a sore throat, followed by a rash.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the onset of a fever, consider using "develop a fever" to clearly indicate the progression of the illness, especially in medical or scientific contexts.

Common error

Be mindful of the timing. "Develop a fever" describes the start of the fever, while "have a fever" describes the state of having a fever.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "develop a fever" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the action of acquiring a fever. It is commonly used to describe the onset of illness, as seen in various examples provided by Ludwig. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

33%

Wiki

26%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "develop a fever" is a common and grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe the onset of a fever. As supported by Ludwig, it functions primarily to inform or report on the beginning of this condition. Its usage is prevalent across various contexts, including news reports, scientific articles, and general health advice, with a neutral to formal register. Ludwig's examples from authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian demonstrate its widespread acceptance. When using the phrase, remember that it specifically refers to the starting point of experiencing a fever, rather than the state of already having one. Consider alternatives like "contract a fever" or "get a fever" for similar meanings, but be mindful of subtle contextual differences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Contract a fever

Uses "contract" instead of "develop", implying acquiring a fever.

Get a fever

A simpler, more common way of saying someone is experiencing a fever.

Come down with a fever

Suggests the onset of a fever, implying a gradual development.

Acquire a fever

Similar to "contract a fever", implying acquisition of the illness.

Experience a fever

More formal and descriptive, focusing on the sensation of having a fever.

Show signs of fever

Indicates the presence of fever symptoms without explicitly stating the fever itself.

Manifest a fever

A more clinical or formal way to describe the appearance of a fever.

Exhibit a fever

Similar to "manifest a fever", used in medical contexts.

Suffer from a fever

Emphasizes the negative experience of having a fever.

Be stricken with a fever

Suggests a sudden and impactful onset of fever.

FAQs

What does "develop a fever" mean?

The phrase "develop a fever" means to begin experiencing a fever, indicating the onset of a rise in body temperature, often due to illness or infection.

What can I say instead of "develop a fever"?

You can use alternatives like "contract a fever", "get a fever", or "come down with a fever" depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to say "develop a fever" or "have a fever"?

"Develop a fever" describes the beginning of the condition, whereas "have a fever" describes the state of experiencing it. Use "develop a fever" to describe the onset and "have a fever" to describe the condition's presence.

When should I seek medical attention after I "develop a fever"?

You should seek medical attention if you "develop a fever" accompanied by severe symptoms, if it persists for more than a few days, or if you have underlying health conditions.