getting sick

USAGE SUMMARY

'getting sick' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe the process of becoming ill, for example, "I started getting sick last night and now I have a fever."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And of getting sick.

The New York Times

Could they be getting sick?

The New York Times - Tech

I'm scared of getting sick.

The New Yorker

"I don't like getting sick.

The New York Times - Health

Getting sick is a risk.

The New York Times - Magazine

Arab kept getting sick.

The New York Times

Are people getting sick now?

The Washington Post

Getting sick of Nike yet?

The Washington Post

"My babies are getting sick".

The New York Times

People are already getting sick".

The Guardian

Meanwhile, people keep getting sick.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the onset of an illness, consider using "getting sick" to convey a clear and direct message. It's suitable for most contexts, from informal conversations to professional communications.

Common error

While "getting sick" is generally acceptable, overuse in formal or scientific contexts might sound too casual. Opt for alternatives like "becoming ill" or "contracting an illness" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "getting sick" functions as a gerund phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence or following a preposition. It describes the process of becoming ill. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage and acceptability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "getting sick" is a common and acceptable phrase used to describe the process of becoming ill. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts. While generally neutral in tone, more formal alternatives like "becoming ill" may be preferable in certain settings. It appears most frequently in news, media, and business contexts, with a slightly lower frequency in science and formal writing. The phrase serves primarily to describe the onset of an illness or express concern about falling ill. Understanding its nuances allows for more effective communication in both formal and informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

becoming ill

Uses a more formal synonym for "sick".

becoming unwell

Replaces "sick" with a more general term for poor health.

contracting an illness

Emphasizes the acquisition of a specific illness.

falling ill

Offers a more literary and slightly less common alternative.

taking ill

Presents a slightly more old-fashioned way of expressing the same idea.

developing a disease

Focuses on the onset of a specific medical condition.

experiencing illness

Shifts the focus to the subjective experience of being ill.

succumbing to sickness

Highlights the process of being overcome by illness.

ailing

A single-word verb form that means becoming sick.

losing health

Focuses on the decline in overall health status.

FAQs

How can I use "getting sick" in a sentence?

You can use "getting sick" to describe the process of becoming ill. For example, "I'm worried about "getting sick" before my vacation" or "He started "getting sick" after the trip".

What are some alternatives to "getting sick"?

Some alternatives include "becoming ill", "falling ill", or "contracting an illness". The best choice depends on the context and desired level of formality.

Is "getting sick" formal or informal?

"Getting sick" is generally considered neutral and suitable for most situations. However, in highly formal or scientific writing, alternatives like "becoming ill" may be preferred.

What's the difference between "getting sick" and "becoming sick"?

While both phrases mean the same thing, "becoming sick" is often perceived as slightly more formal than "getting sick". They are largely interchangeable, but consider your audience when choosing.