ill people

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'ill people' is correct and usable in written English.
You would use it to refer to people who are unwell, either physically or mentally. For example: "The charity provides aid to ill people in low-income households."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The human rights of mentally ill people are not recognised.

The Guardian - Opinion

And many have noted that very few violent crimes are committed by mentally ill people.

The New York Times

And the vast majority of gun violence is committed by non-mentally ill people.

Independent

All it's accomplished is that deathly ill people are unable to get medicine they need".

The New York Times

They fear hospitals that treat very ill people might suffer a similar fate.

The Economist

Today, there are three times as many mentally ill people in jails as in hospitals.

The New Yorker

Mentally ill people could be moved to a working age payment instead.

The Guardian

Over the ensuing decade, he helped 130 other seriously ill people to die.

Independent

"Three-fourths of all mentally ill people are in jails or penitentiaries," he said.

The New York Times

For the record, viatical policies amount to speculation on how long terminally ill people will survive.

The New York Times - Books

Many mentally ill people have the capacity to lead productive lives in full citizenship.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about "ill people", be mindful of using respectful and sensitive language. Avoid stigmatizing terms and focus on their humanity and needs.

Common error

Avoid assuming that all "ill people" share the same symptoms, experiences, or prognoses. Acknowledge the diversity of individual health conditions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ill people" functions as a noun phrase, where "ill" is an adjective modifying the noun "people". It generally refers to a group or category of individuals experiencing a state of poor health. As Ludwig AI explains, this can be either physical or mental.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "ill people" is a grammatically sound and frequently used term to refer to individuals experiencing poor health, whether physical or mental. Ludwig AI confirms its validity for use in English writing. With a neutral register, it appears most commonly in scientific and news contexts. When using this phrase, it's important to maintain sensitivity and avoid generalizations about specific health conditions. Alternative phrases such as "sick individuals" or "ailing persons" can also be used depending on the specific nuance desired. Always aim for respectful and accurate language when discussing health-related topics.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sick individuals

Replaces "ill" with "sick" and "people" with "individuals", maintaining the same meaning.

those who are unwell

Rephrases the concept using a relative clause, emphasizing the state of being unwell.

ailing persons

Substitutes "ill" with "ailing" and "people" with the more formal "persons".

people suffering from illness

Elaborates on the phrase to explicitly state the condition of suffering from illness.

diseased individuals

Replaces "ill" with "diseased", indicating a more severe or specific medical condition.

persons with ailments

Replaces "ill" with "ailments" offering a more specific reference to sickness.

unhealthy individuals

Uses "unhealthy" instead of "ill", broadening the scope to include general lack of health.

those with medical conditions

Broader term referring to people affected by any kind of medical condition, not necessarily acute illness.

patients

Refers to "ill people" in a medical setting, implying they are receiving treatment.

the infirm

Uses a collective noun to refer to people who are weak or sick, typically due to old age.

FAQs

What are some alternative ways to refer to "ill people" in writing?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "sick individuals", "ailing persons", or "patients".

Is it appropriate to use "ill people" when discussing mental health?

Yes, "ill people" can refer to both physical and mental health conditions. However, ensure sensitivity and consider using more specific terms like "people with mental health conditions" for clarity and respect.

How can I avoid stigmatizing "ill people" in my writing?

Focus on person-first language (e.g., "people with an illness" instead of "the ill"), avoid generalizations, and emphasize their individual stories and experiences rather than defining them solely by their condition.

What is the difference between "ill people" and "sick people"?

While "ill" and "sick" are often interchangeable, "ill" can sometimes imply a more prolonged or chronic condition, whereas "sick" might suggest a temporary ailment. Both terms are generally acceptable, but context and intended nuance may guide your choice.