grievously ill

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "grievously ill" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is suffering from a serious or severe illness. Example: "After the diagnosis, the doctor informed us that she was grievously ill and needed immediate treatment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Families mourned the large toll of dead, maimed and grievously ill soldiers.

The New York Times

Soon thereafter, she falls grievously ill and is hospitalized, and a friend of hers lets Kumail know.

The New Yorker

A grievously ill infant, Edgardo, the youngest child of Jewish parents, Salamone and Marianna Mortara, is secretly baptized by a nursemaid hoping to save his soul.

The New York Times - Arts

"He claims to be grievously ill and says he couldn't travel," said Fatima Bhutto, the daughter of Murtaza Bhutto and a critic of Ms. Bhutto and her husband.

The New York Times

When asked about his future, the younger Mubarak prefers to say only that his work in the party is quite enough to keep him busy.But this summer's speculation that the president is grievously ill is now rekindling interest in Gamal.

The Economist

She said the laws were discriminatory for those who were grievously ill or physically disabled who wanted to have some control over their circumstances at the end of their lives.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

One could argue that terminal illness isn't a morally relevant criterion; others who are ill – like Debbie Purdy – suffer grievously.

The Guardian - Opinion

Prospect Park has suffered grievously.

The New York Times

Knox has suffered grievously.

The New York Times - Books

He will be grievously missed.

The New York Times

He is also grievously homesick.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about medical topics, ensure accuracy. Double-check that 'grievously ill' accurately reflects the patient's condition and is supported by medical information. Use more precise medical terminology where appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "grievously ill" in casual conversation or informal writing. The phrase carries a formal and serious tone, which may seem overly dramatic in everyday scenarios. Opt for simpler terms like "very sick" or "seriously ill" for informal communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grievously ill" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun, typically referring to a person. It describes the state of being severely and distressingly sick. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "grievously ill" is a grammatically sound and semantically rich way to describe someone suffering from a severe and distressing illness. As Ludwig AI points out, it is considered correct and usable in written English. While alternatives like "critically ill" or "seriously ill" exist, "grievously ill" carries a formal tone that emphasizes the gravity of the situation. It's commonly found in news and media contexts, conveying a sense of concern and urgency. Therefore, it's best to reserve this expression for situations where the severity of the illness needs to be highlighted, while it is better to avoid in everyday conversations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

critically ill

Indicates a life-threatening illness requiring immediate and intensive care.

seriously ill

A more general term for a severe illness, not necessarily life-threatening.

gravely ill

Emphasizes the seriousness of the illness and suggests potential danger.

terminally ill

Specifies an illness with no cure and a limited life expectancy.

stricken with a severe disease

Highlights the sudden and impactful onset of a serious illness.

suffering from a debilitating condition

Focuses on the weakening and impairing effects of a chronic illness.

in a critical state of health

Describes a precarious and unstable health condition.

affected by a life-threatening illness

Highlights the potential for the illness to result in death.

fighting a major illness

Focuses on battling a severe health challenge.

extremely sick

A simpler, more direct way to describe a high level of sickness.

FAQs

How to use "grievously ill" in a sentence?

You can use "grievously ill" to describe someone suffering from a severe and distressing illness. For example, "The war took a severe toll on everyone. Families mourned the large toll of dead, maimed and "grievously ill" soldiers."

What can I say instead of "grievously ill"?

You can use alternatives like "critically ill", "seriously ill", or "gravely ill" depending on the context.

Is "grievously ill" a formal way to describe someone who is sick?

Yes, "grievously ill" is a formal way to describe someone who is very sick. It emphasizes the severity and distressing nature of the illness. In informal contexts, simpler terms like "very sick" or "extremely sick" may be more appropriate.

What is the difference between "grievously ill" and "seriously ill"?

"Grievously ill" implies a greater degree of suffering and potential danger than "seriously ill". While both describe severe illnesses, "grievously ill" conveys a stronger sense of gravity and distress.