gravely unwell

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gravely unwell" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is seriously ill or in a critical health condition. Example: "After the diagnosis, the doctor informed us that she was gravely unwell and required immediate treatment."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

(patient 16) 2. Concomitant prognostication and managing uncertainty  2.1 'Explained to [husband] that [patient] is gravely unwell at present, and that she may not survive this episode.

Annals of Intensive Care

CAM omission was due to either patient discharge, transfer to ICU/ isolation, becoming gravely unwell or researcher error (n=5).

BMJ Open

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

She was then gravely ill, so unwell with pneumonia she was coughing up blood.

The Guardian - Books

Small urchins angle gravely,.

The New Yorker

"Moke," it pronounced gravely.

The New Yorker

Thus filmmakers philosophize gravely".

The New Yorker

Irvine Welsh is unwell.

Independent

His friend nodded gravely.

The New Yorker

The girls nodded gravely.

The New Yorker

"Doctor, I feel unwell".

The New York Times

Garrick was unwell, however.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a patient's condition, use "gravely unwell" to emphasize the seriousness of their illness, suggesting potential life-threatening implications.

Common error

While "gravely unwell" is a valid phrase, its formal tone might be inappropriate in casual settings. Opt for simpler alternatives like "very sick" or "extremely ill" in less formal contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gravely unwell" functions as an adjective phrase describing a state of serious illness. As Ludwig AI indicates, it signifies a condition of great concern. It modifies a noun, typically a person, indicating the severity of their sickness.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "gravely unwell" describes a serious state of illness, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Grammatically correct, it functions as an adjective phrase emphasizing the severity of a health condition. While "gravely unwell" is accurate and usable, its formal tone may not suit all contexts. Alternatives like "seriously ill" or "critically ill" may be more appropriate in informal settings. With limited occurrences across science and news media, its usage frequency is considered rare. Therefore, it's vital to consider the audience and context when using "gravely unwell" to ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seriously ill

Replaces "gravely unwell" with simpler, more common terms to convey the severity of the illness.

critically ill

Emphasizes the critical nature of the illness, highlighting the need for immediate attention.

dangerously sick

Highlights the dangerous aspect of the health condition, indicating potential life-threatening risks.

in critical condition

Focuses on the state of the patient, emphasizing the severity and instability of their health.

in grave health

Uses "grave" as an alternative to "gravely", maintaining the seriousness of the situation.

suffering from a severe illness

Focuses on the suffering caused by a severe illness, highlighting the patient's experience.

facing a life-threatening disease

Emphasizes the potential danger posed by the disease, highlighting its serious nature.

fighting for their life

Highlights the struggle of the patient against a serious illness, emphasizing their resilience.

extremely sick

Replaces "gravely" with "extremely", providing a more direct and less formal description of the illness.

seriously ailing

Uses "ailing" to describe the patient's condition, adding a nuanced perspective on their health.

FAQs

How can I use "gravely unwell" in a sentence?

You can use "gravely unwell" to describe someone's severe illness. For instance, "The doctor informed the family that the patient was "gravely unwell" and required immediate treatment."

What are some alternatives to "gravely unwell"?

Alternatives to "gravely unwell" include "seriously ill", "critically ill", or "dangerously sick", which convey a similar sense of severity.

Is "gravely unwell" a formal or informal phrase?

"Gravely unwell" leans towards a more formal register. In informal contexts, phrases like "very sick" or "extremely ill" might be more appropriate.

What is the difference between "gravely unwell" and "slightly unwell"?

"Gravely unwell" indicates a severe and potentially life-threatening illness, while "slightly unwell" suggests a minor and temporary health issue. The term "slightly unwell" implies a mild discomfort or indisposition, not a serious condition.