inflammation

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'inflammation' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to pain, redness, swelling, and heat in an area of the body caused by an injury or an illness. Example sentence: The doctor diagnosed the patient with an inflammation of the knee joint.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He is diagnosed with a condition called uveitis (inflammation in the middle layers of the eye) and started on treatment.

The Guardian

The authors propose a mechanism for milk's harmful effects – its high content of D-galactose (galactose is a sugar), which is shown to cause oxidative stress, inflammation and ageing in animal studies.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Over time, forcing the body to stay awake also affects blood pressure and levels of inflammation, resulting in an increased susceptibility to heart disease and cancer.

The Guardian

Over-eating for long periods of time leads to chronic inflammation, which can contribute to Type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

The Guardian

"Inflammation is the first line of defence against injury," he says.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The causes can vary, from a defective gene to a head injury, but one common mechanism of the condition is chronic inflammation throughout the whole body.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In one small pilot study, Cole found loneliness can trigger inflammation, which is the body's way of helping immune cells reach infections and encouraging the healing of wounds.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

She died in Nottingham City hospital of viral acute myocarditis, inflammation of the heart muscle, after suffering palpitations, her family said.

The Guardian

This results in ketones replacing glucose as an alternative fuel – and this transition from glucose to fat metabolism reduces the systemic inflammation that can underlie epilepsy and many other diseases.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But this bubbling background inflammation is fertiliser for everything that kills us.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

This results in an excessive immune response and leads to low grade inflammation throughout the body.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about medical conditions, use "inflammation" to accurately describe the body's response to injury or infection. Be specific about the location and type of inflammation for clarity.

Common error

While "inflammation" can metaphorically describe heated debates or social unrest, it's best to reserve it for literal medical or scientific contexts to avoid weakening its impact and precision.

Linguistic Context

The noun "inflammation" functions as a descriptor of a physiological state, indicating a bodily response to injury or infection. Ludwig's examples illustrate its role in describing various medical conditions and processes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Lifestyle

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "inflammation" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun that describes the body's response to injury or infection. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It appears predominantly in news, scientific, and lifestyle contexts, maintaining a neutral to formal tone. When using the term, ensure accuracy in describing the location and type of inflammation, and avoid overuse in non-medical settings. Related terms include "inflammatory response", "swelling", and "redness". The frequency of use is 'very common', and authoritative sources like The Guardian and The Economist frequently employ the term.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inflammatory response

Focuses on the body's reaction to injury or infection, highlighting the process rather than the state.

painful swelling

Emphasizes the sensation of discomfort caused by enlargement and pressure.

tissue swelling

Emphasizes the physical symptom of enlargement in affected tissues.

localized redness

Highlights the specific visual symptom of reddening in a particular area.

immune activation

Refers to the stimulation of the immune system, which can lead to inflammation.

irritation

Suggests a milder form of inflammation, often caused by external factors.

exacerbation

Focuses on the worsening of a condition, where inflammation may be a key component.

flare-up

Describes a sudden increase in the severity of symptoms, often related to chronic inflammatory conditions.

body's defense mechanism

Highlights the protective role that inflammation sometimes plays.

chronic condition

Refers to a long-lasting illness that often involves inflammation as a symptom or cause.

FAQs

How to use "inflammation" in a sentence?

You can use "inflammation" to describe a condition in the body, such as "The patient is experiencing "inflammation of the joints"" or "The doctor prescribed medication to reduce "inflammation in the area"".

What can I say instead of "inflammation"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "swelling", "redness", or "irritation" to describe similar conditions. The best choice depends on the specific symptoms and cause.

Which is correct, "inflammation" or "inflammatory"?

"Inflammation" is a noun referring to the condition itself, while "inflammatory" is an adjective describing something that causes or is related to inflammation. For example, "The disease caused "inflammation"", and "It is an "inflammatory response"".

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

"Infection" refers to the invasion and multiplication of pathogens in the body, while "inflammation" is the body's response to that infection or injury. "Infection" can cause inflammation, but inflammation can also occur without infection.