having a stroke

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "having a stroke" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in medical contexts to describe the occurrence of a stroke in a person. Example: "The doctors confirmed that he was having a stroke and rushed him to the emergency room."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Your father's having a stroke".

The New York Times

She's having a stroke.

The Guardian

Are you having a stroke?

The New Yorker

I think you're having a stroke.

The Guardian

She thought she was having a stroke.

The New York Times - Magazine

Could he be having a stroke?

The New York Times

He had been hospitalized recently after having a stroke.

The New York Times - Style

"I said, 'I'm having a stroke.' " He was right.

The New York Times

I thought my husband, Ralph, was having a stroke.

The New York Times - Health

One suspected that he was having a stroke.

The New Yorker

He had been ill since having a stroke in 1996.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about medical situations, maintain clarity. Use "having a stroke" to convey the immediate experience, but provide more specific details about the type of stroke or its effects when available.

Common error

While "having a stroke" is understandable, do not replace detailed medical explanations with this phrase alone. If possible, include details regarding the type of stroke (ischemic, hemorrhagic) for better precision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "having a stroke" functions as a verb phrase, typically used within a clause to describe a medical event. This usage is supported by Ludwig, which confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

18%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "having a stroke" is a grammatically correct and very common verb phrase used to describe the occurrence of a stroke, as confirmed by Ludwig. It serves to inform and describe a medical event, with a neutral register that is suitable for both general conversation and professional reporting. The phrase appears most frequently in News & Media sources, followed by Academia and Science. While acceptable, when writing, prefer precision, if possible, include details regarding the type of stroke (ischemic, hemorrhagic) for better precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

experiencing a stroke

Replaces the verb "having" with "experiencing", offering a slightly more formal tone.

suffering a stroke

Substitutes "having" with "suffering", emphasizing the negative impact of the event.

undergoing a stroke

Similar to "experiencing a stroke" but perhaps suggests a process unfolding.

brain attack

Employs a more direct and alarming term for "stroke", making it less technical.

stroke incident

Replaces "having a stroke" with the incident of a stroke.

stroke occurrence

Uses a noun phrase to describe the event of a stroke.

facing a stroke

Emphasizes the confrontation with a stroke event.

cerebrovascular accident

Replaces "stroke" with its medical term, resulting in a more formal and technical phrase.

vascular event in the brain

Descriptively explains the stroke as a vascular event affecting the brain.

cerebral infarction

Uses a specific medical term for a type of stroke involving blocked blood supply.

FAQs

What are some other ways to say "having a stroke"?

Alternatives include "experiencing a stroke", "suffering a stroke", or even using the medical term "cerebrovascular accident", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "having a stroke" in formal writing?

Yes, "having a stroke" is acceptable in formal writing, especially when addressing a general audience. However, in medical reports, more precise terminology like "cerebral infarction" or "hemorrhagic stroke" may be more appropriate.

What are the initial signs of someone "having a stroke"?

Common signs include sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg (especially on one side of the body), difficulty speaking or understanding speech, vision problems, and severe headache. Time is critical; call emergency services immediately if these signs appear.

How can I reduce my risk of "having a stroke"?

You can lower your risk by controlling blood pressure, maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking, managing diabetes, and eating a balanced diet. Regular exercise and limiting alcohol consumption are also beneficial.