he threw up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he threw up" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who has vomited. Example: "After eating the spoiled food, he threw up all over the kitchen floor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(He threw up).

The New Yorker

He threw up his hands.

The New York Times

Then he threw up.

The New York Times - Books

He threw up his hands cheerfully.

The New Yorker

He threw up his hands and grinned.

The New York Times

He threw up, just once.

The Guardian

"He threw up straight away.

The Guardian

He threw up his hands, scattering ash.

The New Yorker

(Tl dr - he threw up everywhere).

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Right away, he threw up his arms, thrilled.

The New York Times - Magazine

Asked what had happened, he threw up his hands.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he threw up" in contexts where a straightforward and somewhat informal expression of vomiting is appropriate. It's suitable for general conversation and narrative writing.

Common error

Avoid using "he threw up" in formal or professional documents. Opt for more formal alternatives like "he vomited" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

"He threw up" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of vomiting. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its common use in describing instances of illness, disgust, or physical reaction. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he threw up" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe the act of vomiting. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media, but may be less appropriate in formal settings where "he vomited" would be a preferable alternative. The phrase enjoys widespread usage across authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, making it a common and understandable way to describe this physical action. Remember to consider your audience and the level of formality required when choosing between "he threw up" and its more formal synonyms.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he vomited

More formal and direct synonym for expressing the act of vomiting.

he regurgitated

A more clinical and technical term for vomiting.

he was sick

Euphemistic and general way to indicate illness, often implying vomiting.

he lost his lunch

Informal and humorous way to describe vomiting.

he puked

Slang term for vomiting, less formal.

he heaved

Describes the physical action associated with vomiting.

he upchucked

Informal and somewhat crude term for vomiting.

he brought up his food

Descriptive way of saying someone vomited what they ate.

he expelled the contents of his stomach

A very formal and clinical description of vomiting.

he had emesis

A medical term referring to the act of vomiting.

FAQs

What's a more formal way to say "he threw up"?

For a more formal tone, use alternatives like "he vomited" or "he regurgitated", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "he threw up"?

The phrase "he threw up" is suitable in informal contexts, such as casual conversations, personal narratives, or when a less clinical description is preferred. Avoid using it in formal or professional settings.

Are there any slang terms similar to "he threw up"?

Yes, some slang terms include "he puked" or "he upchucked", but these are very informal and should be used with caution depending on the audience.

Is "he threw up" grammatically correct?

Yes, "he threw up" is grammatically correct. "Threw" is the past tense of "throw", and "up" is an adverb in this context, indicating the direction or result of the action.