developed a cold

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "developed a cold" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the onset of a cold or illness that someone has started to experience. Example: "After spending the day in the rain without an umbrella, I developed a cold and had to stay home from work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

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

Independent

Even when tests came back negative, more were ordered, and she was hospitalized as a precaution when she developed a cold.

The New York Times

As a result, both men are misinformed about the other, and both have developed a cold contempt for the other's position.

The New York Times

We wake up in a slight gloom: in place of yesterday's sun, there are low clouds, with the threat of worse weather on the way; I've developed a cold; and our aching muscles are beginning to tell on our moods.

The Guardian - Travel

For that to happen, Coupang developed a cold chain logistics network in just one month.

TechCrunch

There was no difference in the cold symptoms reported between the two groups in the first few days, but four to five days later twice as many people in the cold-water group said they had developed a cold.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

In order to characterize the salient properties of this novel enzyme, we developed a cold-inducible, cold shock protein cspD2 gene promoter-based expression plasmid in the genetic model system, Halobacterium sp. NRC-1, and overexpressed the H. lacusprofundi bga gene.

BMC Biotechnology

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

The Guardian

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the onset of a cold, consider the context. "Developed a cold" is suitable for formal and neutral settings, while phrases like "caught a cold" might be better for informal conversations.

Common error

Avoid using "developed a cold" when the symptoms suggest something more than a common cold. If there's fever, severe cough, or difficulty breathing, it could be the flu or another respiratory infection.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "developed a cold" functions as a verb phrase indicating the commencement or experience of an illness. It describes the action of someone beginning to suffer from a cold, as supported by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "developed a cold" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe the onset of cold symptoms. Ludwig's analysis indicates its prevalence in news, scientific, and general contexts. While phrases like "caught a cold" are more common, "developed a cold" offers a suitable alternative, particularly in neutral or slightly formal settings. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's validity, reinforcing its reliability for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

caught a cold

This is a more common and direct way to say someone got infected with a cold.

came down with a cold

Indicates that the person is now experiencing the symptoms of a cold.

contracted a cold

Suggests the cold was acquired from an external source.

succumbed to a cold

Implies a lack of resistance or vulnerability to catching a cold.

picked up a cold

Informal way of saying someone caught a cold, often from someone else.

started to feel unwell with a cold

Focuses on the initial feeling of sickness related to a cold.

began experiencing cold symptoms

Highlights the start of the symptomatic phase of a cold.

was stricken with a cold

Emphasizes the sudden and negative impact of contracting a cold.

fell ill with a cold

General way of saying someone became sick with a cold.

taken ill with a cold

Similar to "fell ill", but slightly more formal.

FAQs

What does "developed a cold" mean?

The phrase "developed a cold" means that someone has started to show symptoms of a common cold, such as a runny nose, cough, and sore throat.

What are some alternative ways to say "developed a cold"?

You can use alternatives like "caught a cold", "came down with a cold", or "contracted a cold" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "developed a cold"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to say "developed a cold". It follows standard English grammar rules and is widely used.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "developed a cold"?

It is appropriate to use the phrase "developed a cold" when you want to describe the onset of cold symptoms in someone, indicating that they are starting to experience the illness.