Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
going under surgery
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
'going under surgery' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to talk about someone undergoing a surgery. For example, "My grandmother is going under surgery tomorrow, so I will be visiting her in the hospital."
✓ Grammatically correct
Alternative expressions(16)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
60 human-written examples
He is reported as ssaying: "Guru is in a coma and will go under surgery tomorrow afternoon".
News & Media
Read more stories like this: Going under the knife: surgery access should be available to all The future of healthcare: life-saving innovations for the bottom billion Vaccine development: thinking out of the cold box Advertisement feature: Harnessing innovation for health around the world Join our community of development professionals and humanitarians.
News & Media
doggo went under for surgery and now he is DRUGGO pic.twitter.com/ZTJpqapbGq.
News & Media
On May 14, Henry announced he was going under a career-threatening surgery for an injury.
Wiki
At least try one of the solutions in our Plastic Surgery At Home guide before going under the knife or needle.
News & Media
His humour went under-appreciated.
News & Media
Following in the footsteps of Prince, who recently had hip-replacement surgery, the Aerosmith guitarist Joe Perry is going under the knife for knee surgery.
News & Media
— John Donohue Following in the footsteps of Prince, who recently had hip-replacement surgery, the Aerosmith guitarist Joe Perry is going under the knife for knee surgery.
News & Media
By John Donohue August 12, 2008 Following in the footsteps of Prince, who recently had hip-replacement surgery, the Aerosmith guitarist Joe Perry is going under the knife for knee surgery.
News & Media
Websites and reality shows tout life-altering effects from plastic surgery, making going under the knife a reasonable means to achieve beauty.
News & Media
He diagnosed me with both brain damage from going under during all the heart surgeries and vascular Parkinsonism, for which he gave me medications.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When writing about someone's medical procedure, use more formal alternatives like "undergoing surgery" or "having surgery" for clearer and more professional communication.
Common error
Avoid consistently using the phrase "going under surgery" in formal or medical writing. Opt for alternatives that convey a more professional tone and are widely recognized in the medical field.
Source & Trust
60%
Authority and reliability
3.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "going under surgery" functions as a colloquial expression to describe the experience of undergoing a surgical operation. It implies a state of being unconscious due to anesthesia. According to Ludwig, the phrase is considered correct and usable, even though there are no exact examples.
Frequent in
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Less common in
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Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "going under surgery" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe someone undergoing a surgical procedure. While Ludwig indicates that the phrase is usable, it's important to note that it leans towards informality. Alternatives such as "undergoing surgery" or "having surgery" are preferred in more formal or professional settings. Considering the context and audience is crucial when deciding whether to use "going under surgery" or opting for a more sophisticated alternative. Because of that, you should consider "undergoing surgery", "having surgery", or "being operated on".
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
undergoing surgery
Focuses on the process of the surgery itself.
having surgery
A more common and general way to express the experience of surgery.
undergoing a surgical procedure
More formal and specific, emphasizing the medical aspect.
going in for surgery
Emphasizes the act of entering the surgical environment.
being operated on
Focuses on the patient as the recipient of the surgical action.
submitting to surgery
Highlights a sense of yielding to the necessity of surgery.
facing surgery
Emphasizes the anticipation and potential challenges of surgery.
preparing for surgery
Focuses on the steps taken before the surgery.
scheduled for surgery
Highlights the planned nature of the surgery.
hospitalized for surgery
Focuses on the hospital stay associated with the surgery.
FAQs
What does "going under surgery" mean?
The phrase "going under surgery" means undergoing a surgical procedure, often implying anesthesia or a significant medical intervention.
What are some alternatives to "going under surgery"?
You can use alternatives like "undergoing surgery", "having surgery", or "being operated on".
Is it correct to say "going under surgery"?
While understandable, "going under surgery" is less formal. Phrases like "undergoing surgery" are generally preferred in professional contexts.
In what situations is it appropriate to use "going under surgery"?
"Going under surgery" is suitable for informal conversations or personal narratives, but avoid it in medical reports or professional communications. More formal options include "scheduled for surgery" or "preparing for surgery".
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
60%
Authority and reliability
3.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested