down with a cold

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "down with a cold" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone who is ill with a cold or experiencing cold symptoms. Example: "I won't be able to attend the meeting today because I'm down with a cold."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

– Patrick Farrell Details: You're coming down with a cold.

The New York Times

By Day 3, I had come down with a cold.

The New York Times

But she came down with a cold the next day.

The New York Times

She told everyone that she was coming down with a cold because of the drafts.

The New Yorker

Don't read this if you are going down with a cold.

The Guardian

Everyone is either coming down with a cold or getting over the flu.

The New Yorker

Can you disinvite a dinner guest who comes down with a cold?

The New York Times

The day the jury was to make its selections, Bouche came down with a cold & had to beg off serving.

The New Yorker

I'd come down with a cold, and the bad shrimp I'd eaten the night before was giving me stomach cramps.

The New Yorker

But when you're struck down with a cold or flu it's the small comforts that make a world of difference.

Independent

One-fifth of people who fly will come down with a cold a few days later, according to one study.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "down with a cold" to describe the state of being affected by a cold, either at the onset, during, or while recovering. It can be used interchangeably with "coming down with a cold".

Common error

Avoid using "down with a cold" when describing more serious illnesses like the flu or pneumonia. While the phrase accurately depicts the experience of having a cold, it is not appropriate for more severe medical conditions.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "down with a cold" is to act as a predicate adjective phrase, describing someone's current state of illness. Ludwig AI confirms the expression is common and acceptable. It indicates a temporary condition of being sick with a cold, as seen in numerous examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "down with a cold" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe someone currently suffering from a cold. As Ludwig AI confirms, this expression is widely used in various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While neutral in register, it effectively communicates a temporary state of illness. Alternatives include "coming down with a cold" or "sick with a cold", offering similar meanings. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately represents the mild illness of a common cold rather than a more serious condition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Coming down with a cold

Focuses on the process of developing a cold, similar to the original phrase.

Developing a cold

Emphasizes the gradual onset of cold symptoms.

Catching a cold

Highlights the acquisition of the cold virus.

Contracting a cold

A more formal way of saying catching a cold.

Suffering from a cold

Focuses on the experience of having cold symptoms.

Struggling with a cold

Emphasizes the difficulty and discomfort caused by a cold.

Afflicted with a cold

Highlights the negative impact of the cold.

Laid up with a cold

Indicates being confined due to a cold.

Beset by a cold

A more dramatic way of saying affected by a cold.

Unwell with a cold

Emphasizes a general feeling of being sick due to a cold.

FAQs

What does it mean to be "down with a cold"?

Being "down with a cold" means that you are currently suffering from a cold. You may have symptoms like a runny nose, sore throat, and cough.

What can I say instead of "down with a cold"?

You can use phrases like "coming down with a cold", "have a cold", or "sick with a cold".

Is it correct to say "I'm going down with a cold"?

Yes, it is correct to say "I'm going down with a cold". It means you feel like you are starting to develop a cold.

What's the difference between "down with a cold" and "recovering from a cold"?

"Down with a cold" indicates you are currently experiencing cold symptoms, while "recovering from a cold" means you are getting better and the symptoms are subsiding.