Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
develop a syndrome
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "develop a syndrome" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to psychology, medicine, or health when discussing the emergence of a set of symptoms or conditions associated with a particular disease or disorder. Example: "Over time, the patient began to develop a syndrome characterized by fatigue and joint pain."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
Academia
News & Media
Alternative expressions(1)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
12 human-written examples
When grazing is scarce, cattle may feed on snakeroot and develop a syndrome called trembles.
Encyclopedias
In most cases, patients appear to develop a syndrome with overlapping features of both Parkinson's disease and Lewy body dementia.
Science
Up to 40percentt of older adults who undergo surgery will develop a syndrome of postoperative thinking and memory deficits, known as postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD).
Academia
By using a noninfectious HIV-1 DNA construct lacking the gag and pol genes, three transgenic mouse lines have been generated that develop a syndrome remarkably similar to the human disease.
Academia
Moreover, critically ill patients with declining serum selenium develop a syndrome of low circulating TH and a central downregulation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid axis.
Science
This approach took many years to observe several rare individuals and develop a syndrome.
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
48 human-written examples
He developed a syndrome neurologists call profound amnesia.
News & Media
NeoRx said the four patients developed a syndrome that involves abnormal blood clotting.
News & Media
He developed a syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone following the first two chemotherapy cycles.
Science
There was a report in 1996 where four patients on nicergoline developed a syndrome of chronic pleural thickening/effusion that slowly improved after drug withdrawal.
Three pigs developed a syndrome of multi-organ failure (MOF) before death, which is in keeping with the clinical condition [ 4].
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When writing about medical conditions, use "develop a syndrome" to indicate the gradual emergence of a recognizable pattern of symptoms. This phrasing is commonly accepted in scientific and medical literature.
Common error
Avoid using "develop a syndrome" metaphorically in contexts outside of health or medicine. Instead of saying a project "developed a syndrome" of problems, opt for clearer, more direct language like "encountered a series of challenges".
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "develop a syndrome" functions primarily as a verb phrase, where "develop" acts as a transitive verb taking "syndrome" as its direct object. The verb describes the process of acquiring or manifesting a set of symptoms or conditions.
Frequent in
Science
70%
Academia
20%
News & Media
10%
Less common in
Encyclopedias
0%
Formal & Business
0%
Wiki
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "develop a syndrome" is grammatically correct and primarily used in formal, scientific, and medical contexts to describe the gradual emergence of a cluster of symptoms characterizing a specific condition. As indicated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Although less common, "develop a syndrome" appears in publications from sources such as Arthritis Research and Therapy and BMC Cancer. Related phrases include "acquire a syndrome" and "manifest a syndrome", which offer subtle shifts in emphasis. When using "develop a syndrome", ensure the context is medically or scientifically relevant to avoid misuse.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
acquire a syndrome
Replaces "develop" with "acquire", emphasizing the process of obtaining the syndrome.
contract a syndrome
Similar to "acquire", but suggests a more passive process, as if the syndrome is something one catches.
manifest a syndrome
Shifts the focus to the outward display of the syndrome, rather than the process of its development.
exhibit a syndrome
Similar to "manifest", emphasizing observable signs of the syndrome.
present with a syndrome
Focuses on the patient's clinical presentation, highlighting the syndrome as the reason for seeking medical attention.
experience a syndrome
Emphasizes the subjective aspect of having a syndrome, focusing on the patient's perspective.
succumb to a syndrome
Implies a negative outcome, suggesting that the syndrome has overcome the individual.
be afflicted with a syndrome
Highlights the suffering associated with having a syndrome.
come down with a syndrome
An informal way of saying that someone has started to experience a syndrome.
evolve a syndrome
Suggests a gradual and complex process of the syndrome forming.
FAQs
What does "develop a syndrome" mean?
To "develop a syndrome" means to gradually exhibit a recognizable pattern of symptoms or conditions that collectively define a particular medical or psychological disorder.
What are some alternatives to "develop a syndrome"?
Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "acquire a syndrome", "manifest a syndrome", or "exhibit a syndrome".
Is it correct to say "acquire a syndrome" instead of "develop a syndrome"?
Yes, "acquire a syndrome" can be used as a synonym for "develop a syndrome", though it might suggest a more passive or externally influenced process.
In what contexts is "develop a syndrome" most commonly used?
"Develop a syndrome" is most commonly used in medical and scientific contexts when discussing the progression of a disease or disorder and the emergence of characteristic symptoms.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested