going to be sick

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "going to be sick" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when someone feels nauseous or unwell, often as a prelude to vomiting. Example: "After eating that questionable food, I think I'm going to be sick."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I'm afraid I'm -- going to be sick".

The New York Times

"I think I'm going to be sick".

The New York Times - Arts

I thought I was going to be sick.

Independent

— Are you going to be sick again, d'you think?

The New Yorker

She feels "repulsed, like I'm going to be sick.

The Guardian - Arts

Guys are going to be sick, going to be drained.

The New York Times - Sports

Eat them!" and I said "I'm going to be sick!

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Actually, he more than felt sick; he was going to be sick.

The New Yorker

"I thought he was going to be sick," Ms. Burns said.

The New York Times - Food

I thought I was going to be sick on the start line, which didn't help matters.

Independent

You're going to be sick and have a lot of pain,' " Dr. Casarella said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "going to be sick", consider the context. If you want to express a general feeling of illness, it's appropriate. However, if you want to be more specific about the reason for the sickness, consider adding a clarifying phrase (e.g. "going to be sick from food poisoning").

Common error

While "going to be sick" is perfectly acceptable in everyday conversation, it might sound too informal in academic or professional writing. In such contexts, consider using more formal alternatives like "feeling nauseous" or "experiencing nausea".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "going to be sick" functions primarily as a declarative statement indicating an expectation or anticipation of vomiting or feeling extremely nauseous. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples across different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "going to be sick" is a very common and generally acceptable way to express feelings of nausea or the anticipation of vomiting. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is widely used across various contexts, primarily in news and media, but also appearing in academic and scientific writings. Although grammatically correct, it's important to be mindful of the formality of the context. In more formal settings, alternatives such as "feeling nauseous" or "experiencing nausea" might be more appropriate. Ultimately, understanding the nuances of when and how to use "going to be sick" ensures clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feeling nauseous

Replaces the future tense with a present participle emphasizing the sensation of nausea.

about to vomit

Specifies the imminent act of vomiting, providing a more direct meaning.

on the verge of throwing up

Indicates an impending feeling of sickness with more descriptive language.

queasy stomach

Focuses on the stomach discomfort associated with feeling sick.

feeling unwell

Offers a more general description of not feeling healthy.

having nausea

Uses a more formal term for feeling sick.

about to puke

Uses a more informal and direct term for vomiting.

think I might throw up

Expresses uncertainty about the possibility of vomiting.

nauseated

Simple adjective describing the feeling of being sick

sick to my stomach

Emphasizes the feeling of sickness originating in the stomach.

FAQs

How can I use "going to be sick" in a sentence?

You can use "going to be sick" to describe a feeling of nausea or an impending need to vomit. For example: "I think I'm "going to be sick" after that rollercoaster ride" or "If I eat any more, I'm "going to be sick"".

What's the difference between "feeling nauseous" and "going to be sick"?

"Feeling nauseous" describes the sensation of nausea itself, while "going to be sick" implies a stronger likelihood of vomiting. While they're often used interchangeably, "going to be sick" suggests a more imminent and intense experience. Consider "nauseated" as alternative for feeling nauseous.

Which is correct, "I'm going to be sick" or "I'm going to get sick"?

Both are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "I'm "going to be sick"" typically refers to feeling nauseous and possibly vomiting. "I'm "going to get sick"" implies contracting an illness.

What can I say instead of "going to be sick" if I want to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, you could say "I am experiencing nausea", "I feel nauseated", or "I anticipate vomiting". These options are suitable for professional or academic contexts.