had an episode

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "had an episode" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a specific occurrence or event, often related to a sudden change in behavior or a medical condition. Example: "After weeks of stability, she unfortunately had an episode that required immediate medical attention."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And for good measure, it had an episode this season which mocked the Simpsons' saga.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

And every few minutes he had an episode of muscle contractions.

The New York Times

His mother had an episode of herpes zoster during pregnancy and a prolonged rupture of membranes that was adequately treated.

Stanford University

Grade 3/4 neutropenia was the main toxicity and appeared in 17 patients, one of whom had an episode of febrile neutropenia.

Clinical Breast Cancer

to gain an understanding of the experiences of women who have had an episode of inflammatory symptoms of the breast during lactation.

Midwifery

Farmers who perceived PPPs as harmful substances or those who had an episode of intoxication in the past reported more frequent use of several PPE items.

Science of The Total Environment

On the first day post-operation two patients were nauseous and one had an episode of vomiting, however, all were discharged within 24 h of surgery.

International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology

In 2006 I had an episode bad enough that, for the first time, I was unable to go to work.

The Guardian

Last year, when his mother accompanied him to see his high school guidance counsellor, she had an episode.

The Guardian

Last week the animated "Life & Times of Tim" on HBO had an episode titled "Strip Club Hostage Situation".

The New York Times - Arts

I haven't had an episode again, knock on wood, in the three years since I went on medication.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience when choosing between "had an episode" and more formal alternatives like "presented with symptoms" or "manifested a condition".

Common error

Avoid using "had an episode" when a more specific term is appropriate. For instance, instead of saying "he had an episode", specify whether it was a seizure, a panic attack, or a migraine.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "had an episode" functions as a verb phrase, typically acting as the predicate of a clause. It describes someone experiencing a specific event or occurrence. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is commonly used to depict a sudden change in behavior or a medical condition.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

39%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "had an episode" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe the occurrence of a specific event or incident. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Its frequency is very common, appearing across various contexts, including news, science, and academia. When writing, it's important to consider the audience and choose more specific terms when appropriate to avoid overgeneralization. Consider the helpful alternatives such as "experienced an occurrence" or "suffered an attack" to provide context to the situation. Overall, "had an episode" is a useful phrase for describing a range of events, but clarity and context are crucial for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

experienced an occurrence

Focuses on the event itself rather than the specific nature of the "episode".

underwent an incident

Similar to occurrence, but slightly emphasizes the event being problematic or noteworthy.

suffered an attack

Implies a sudden and negative experience, often related to health or mental state.

went through a crisis

Emphasizes the severity and challenging nature of the experience.

had a flare-up

Specifically suggests a sudden worsening of a chronic condition.

presented with symptoms

Focuses on the manifestation of a condition, more formal and clinical.

displayed a reaction

Highlights an observable response, often to a trigger or stimulus.

manifested a condition

Describes the appearance or presentation of a specific health issue.

encountered a problem

Indicates the presence of a difficulty or challenge, less specific than "episode".

developed complications

Suggests the emergence of secondary issues as a result of an underlying condition.

FAQs

How can I use "had an episode" in a sentence?

You can use "had an episode" to describe someone experiencing a specific occurrence, such as a medical event or a notable event in a series. For example: "She "had an episode" of dizziness this morning" or "The show "had an episode" focusing on a character's backstory".

What are some alternatives to "had an episode"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "experienced an occurrence", "suffered an attack", or "went through a crisis". The best choice depends on the specific type of event you're describing.

Is it appropriate to use "had an episode" in formal writing?

While "had an episode" is generally acceptable, more formal contexts may benefit from alternatives like "presented with symptoms" (in medical contexts) or "underwent an incident" for general events.

What's the difference between "had an episode" and "had an attack"?

"Had an attack" usually implies a sudden and negative health event, while ""had an episode"" is broader and can refer to any distinct occurrence, including non-medical events. Therefore, "had an attack" is more specific than ""had an episode"".