experiencing a cold

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "experiencing a cold" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the state of having a cold or the symptoms associated with it. Example: "I have been experiencing a cold for the past few days, and it's making it difficult to concentrate at work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Typically, venture-backed startups have recently been experiencing a cold wind, as investors breathe down their necks to cut staff and save costs to survive the economic downturn.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

IN the final days before the election, Florida experienced a cold snap with record lows.

The New York Times

For instance, he observed that Greenland had experienced a cold snap from around the year 1300 to 1800 — the so-called Little Ice Age.

The New Yorker

To identify potential risk factors of AH, we asked if the participants had experienced a cold or any other nasal congesting syndrome (that can be a cofounding factor).

The Journal of Headache and Pain

They are caused by nasal and sinus passage inflammation, and most often occur after a person has experienced a cold or cold-like sickness.

HuffPost

Acording to Bloomberg Businessweek it's been over two months since Hurricane Sandy and the victims are likely to experience a cold few months ahead.

Huffington Post

The group which experienced a cold shock consisted of female mites that were maintained on a leaf disk at 5°C during 7 days.

BMC Genomics

Approximately 70% of the population experiences a cold in a given year, with the age specific incidence approximating 4 to 6 colds per year in children and 1 to 3 per year among adults [ 5- 7].

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

South Africa experiences a cold and chilly Winter from late April to the first week in August.

WikiHow

Clear your child's nose when he or she starts to experience a cold or runny nose.

WikiHow

Also bear in mind that you're more likely to experience a cold and flu during the winter months of October through April.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about health or medical topics, use "experiencing a cold" to maintain a neutral and slightly formal tone. It's appropriate for professional and scientific contexts.

Common error

While "experiencing a cold" is grammatically sound, avoid overusing "experiencing" in your writing. Vary your vocabulary by using alternatives like "having a cold" or "suffering from a cold" to create more engaging and diverse text.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "experiencing a cold" functions as the main verb of a sentence or clause, describing the state of having a cold. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and suitable for use in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "experiencing a cold" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to describe the state of having a common cold. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. While "having a cold" is a simpler and more common alternative, "experiencing a cold" offers a slightly more formal tone suitable for professional, scientific, and news contexts. When writing, it's advisable to vary your language to avoid overuse. Top authoritative sources using this phrase include The New York Times, HuffPost, and Vice, indicating its broad acceptability across various registers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

having a cold

Simple substitution of verb, maintaining the same meaning.

suffering from a cold

Replaces "experiencing" with "suffering from", emphasizing the negative impact.

down with a cold

More informal way to describe having a cold.

affected by a cold

Focuses on being impacted by the illness.

contracting a cold

Highlights the act of getting the cold.

developing a cold

Implies the cold is in its early stages.

catching a cold

Similar to contracting, but slightly more informal.

battling a cold

Emphasizes the struggle against the cold.

fighting off a cold

Highlights the attempt to resist the cold.

struggling with a cold

Similar to battling, indicating difficulty in dealing with the cold.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "experiencing a cold"?

You can use alternatives such as "having a cold", "suffering from a cold", or "down with a cold", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it more appropriate to say "experiencing a cold" or "having a cold"?

"Experiencing a cold" and "having a cold" are both correct. "Experiencing a cold" might be perceived as slightly more formal and clinical, while "having a cold" is more common in everyday conversation.

What does it mean to "experience a cold"?

To "experience a cold" means to have the symptoms and physical sensations associated with a common cold, such as a runny nose, sore throat, and cough.

When should I use "experiencing a cold" in my writing?

Use "experiencing a cold" in situations where you want to maintain a slightly formal or clinical tone, such as in medical reports, health articles, or professional communications. In informal settings, "having a cold" is perfectly acceptable.