get a fever

USAGE SUMMARY

"get a fever" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used in situations where someone becomes ill and their body temperature rises. For example: - "He got a fever after spending the whole day in the cold rain." - "If you get a fever, make sure to drink plenty of water and get some rest." - "The doctor advised her to come back if she gets a fever again."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

People start running; they get a fever.

The New Yorker

Why would he get a fever now?

The New York Times

The rest may get a fever, nausea or a rash.

The Economist

"He could get a fever tonight and be done.

The New York Times - Sports

Infected animals will first get a fever, then begin to stagger, tremble and suffer convulsions.

The New York Times

I feel guilty when I start feeling sick or get a fever.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

"He got a fever?" "He's got stress," Theresa said.

The New Yorker

"Then he got sick and got a fever and died".

The New York Times

"He got a fever over the summer," she said.

The New York Times

I was so excited I got a fever.

The New Yorker

At summer's end, however, he got a fever and missed a start.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "get a fever" to describe the onset of a fever, often indicating illness or infection. It's a common and easily understood way to express this condition.

Common error

While both phrases are acceptable, "got a fever" implies the process of acquiring the fever, whereas "have a fever" indicates the current state. Use "got a fever" when describing the onset and "have a fever" when describing the condition.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "get a fever" functions as a verb phrase indicating the onset or development of a medical condition. Ludwig AI confirms that it is a correct and commonly used phrase in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "get a fever" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that describes the onset of a fever. As Ludwig AI highlights, this phrase is prevalent in news media, scientific articles, and business communications. While semantically similar alternatives exist, such as "develop a fever" or "come down with a fever", "get a fever" remains a straightforward and widely understood way to express this common medical condition. When using this phrase, consider whether you want to emphasize the start of the condition versus its current state; and seek medical advice when the fever is accompanied by severe symptoms.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

develop a fever

Focuses on the process of developing a fever, rather than simply acquiring it.

come down with a fever

Suggests a sudden onset of a fever, often implying illness.

run a temperature

More clinical and focuses on the elevated body temperature itself.

have a high temperature

Directly indicates an elevated body temperature.

suffer from a fever

Emphasizes the negative experience of having a fever.

experience a fever

More formal way of saying "get a fever".

contract a fever

Suggests acquiring a fever through infection or illness.

fall ill with a fever

Highlights the illness associated with the fever.

be stricken with a fever

Emphasizes the sudden and impactful nature of the fever.

catch a fever

Implies acquiring a fever, often through contagion.

FAQs

What does it mean to "get a fever"?

To "get a fever" means to develop an elevated body temperature, typically due to illness or infection. It indicates the onset of a feverish state.

Is it correct to say "got a fever" instead of "have a fever"?

Both "got a fever" and "have a fever" are grammatically correct. "Got a fever" suggests the process of developing a fever, while "have a fever" refers to the current state of having a fever. The choice depends on the context.

What are some alternative ways to say "get a fever"?

You can use alternatives like "develop a fever", "come down with a fever", or "run a temperature" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When should I seek medical attention if I "get a fever"?

You should seek medical attention if you "get a fever" accompanied by severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, persistent vomiting, stiff neck, or confusion. Also, consult a doctor if the fever is very high or lasts for several days.