infection

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "infection" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in medical contexts to refer to the invasion of the body by pathogenic microorganisms, leading to disease. Example: "The doctor diagnosed her with a bacterial infection that required immediate treatment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Opinion

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The 29-year-old has returned to Sierra Leone, where he caught the infection, to begin his second spell treating people infected by the virus.

The Guardian

I had a bronchial infection as well, and finally his doctor said he was going to reserve a room for him in a nursing home.

The Guardian

Catherine Cook, the hospital's infection control nurse, said the gel should be applied "before you touch a patient and after you touch a patient to disinfect your hands".

The Guardian

And as many people with respiratory tract infections don't need antibiotics in the first place, because the infection is not actually caused by bacteria, stopping them is perfectly safe.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Doctors vary in the length of antibiotic regimes they prescribe, with five-day courses for urinary tract infection still being used even though the evidence shows that two to three days is sufficient for an uncomplicated infection.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We've seen in the US, although they peaked many weeks ago, that the level of infection in some of the states is still quite widespread.

The Guardian

It is reminiscent of tuberculosis sanatoria built in Victorian times well away from cities, both to give the patients the benefits of nature and to protect everybody else from infection.

The Guardian

The most serious eye infection is keratitis, caused by bacteria and other organisms that affect the cornea – the transparent dome-shaped structure at the front of the eye.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

For one, dead bodies can be dangerous if not handled properly, causing disease and infection.

The Guardian - Opinion

Although the Wellcome Unit closed in 1992, its legacy continues at the Instituto Evandro Chagas, now a hub for visiting scientists researching all aspects of Leishmania and other parasites, from ecology to epidemiology, immunology and the genetics of host responses to infection.

The Guardian

Previous research, based on marks on the mummies' bones left by TB infection, found that incidence of the disease in Vac surged from about 1760.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the word "infection" to describe situations of the presence of harmful microorganisms in a body, but do not use the word "infection" to describe moral issues.

Common error

Avoid using "infection" interchangeably with "contagion" or "transmission". "Infection" refers to the state of being infected, while "transmission" describes the process by which an infection spreads.

Linguistic Context

The noun "infection" primarily functions to denote the state of being infected by a pathogen, such as a bacteria, virus, or fungus. This aligns with Ludwig AI's assessment of the term and is supported by numerous examples across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Lifestyle

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Opinion

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "infection" is a very common noun used to describe the state of being infected by a pathogen. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used, especially in news, lifestyle, and scientific contexts. While it is generally used in a neutral register, its precise meaning should be carefully considered to avoid confusion with related terms like "contagion" or "disease". Always aim to specify the type of "infection" when possible to ensure clarity and accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disease transmission

Focuses on the process of spreading a disease rather than the state of being infected.

pathogen invasion

Emphasizes the entry and establishment of a disease-causing agent in the body.

microbial contamination

Highlights the presence of harmful microorganisms, especially in a particular environment or substance.

septic condition

Refers to a state of sepsis, a severe and potentially life-threatening complication of an infection.

communicable disease

Highlights the ease in spreading a particular infection from one host to another.

contagious illness

Stresses the characteristic of being easily transmissible, focusing on the impact on general health.

viral outbreak

Refers to an epidemic surge of a viral infection.

bacterial proliferation

Emphasizes the rapid growth and increase in the number of bacteria within a host or environment.

infestation

Describes the invasion of the body by parasites.

health hazard

Focuses on risk to health which may come from a source of infection.

FAQs

How can I use "infection" in a sentence?

You can use "infection" to describe a state of being infected, as in "The patient developed a serious "bacterial infection" after the surgery" or to describe the process of getting infected, as in "The risk of "infection spread" in hospitals is a major concern".

What are some common types of infections?

Common types of infections include "bacterial infections", "viral infections", "fungal infections", and "parasitic infections", each caused by different types of pathogens.

What's the difference between "infection" and "disease"?

"Infection" refers to the invasion and multiplication of pathogens in the body. "Disease" is the condition or disorder of structure or function that produces specific signs or symptoms, often but not always caused by an infection. An "asymptomatic infection" may not always result in a noticeable disease.

What can I say instead of "infection"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "contagion", "contamination", "disease", or "infestation". Choose the word that best reflects the specific situation you are describing.