intensive care

USAGE SUMMARY

'intensive care' is correct and usable in written English.
It is generally used to refer to the care given to critically ill patients in a hospital or similar healthcare setting. For example, "The patient was immediately transferred to the intensive care unit upon arriving at the hospital."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

intensive care.

Harvard University

"Intensive care is rationed.

The Guardian

People need intensive care".

The Guardian

An intensive care nurse.

The Guardian - Books

Months of intensive care followed.

Independent

He remains in intensive care.

Independent

She was in intensive care.

The New Yorker

She remains in intensive care.

The Economist

He is in intensive care.

The New York Times

It's intensive care for plants".

The New York Times

She died in intensive care.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "intensive care" to refer to the specific unit or department in a hospital when appropriate; for example, "The patient was transferred to the intensive care unit."

Common error

Avoid using "intensive care" too broadly when describing non-medical situations. While metaphorically extending it to other fields is possible, ensure the context warrants the comparison to the high-stakes environment of medical "intensive care".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "intensive care" functions primarily as a noun phrase, denoting a specialized and critical level of medical treatment. As Ludwig AI explains, it refers to the care given to critically ill patients in a hospital or similar healthcare setting. Examples show its use in describing units, treatments, and patient status.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "intensive care" is a frequently used noun phrase denoting a critical level of medical treatment. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and broadly understood in English. Predominantly found in News & Media and Scientific contexts, the phrase describes specialized care for critically ill patients. For alternative phrasing, consider "critical care" or "acute care", but use them judiciously. When using the phrase, remember to be specific about the context (e.g., neonatal or cardiac "intensive care") and avoid overuse in non-medical scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

critical care

Focuses specifically on the care provided to patients in critical condition, often used interchangeably but may emphasize the severity of the patient's state.

acute care

Encompasses a broader range of urgent or immediate medical treatments, not always as specialized as "intensive care".

specialized medical attention

Highlights the expert and focused nature of the care, without specifying the setting or level of intervention.

high-dependency care

Describes a level of care between general ward care and "intensive care", suitable for patients needing close monitoring but not ventilation.

close monitoring

Emphasizes the constant supervision aspect of "intensive care", often used when the primary concern is observation and rapid response.

round-the-clock care

Focuses on the continuous and uninterrupted nature of care, implying 24/7 attention.

advanced life support

Highlights the use of specialized equipment and procedures to maintain vital functions.

inpatient treatment

Refers to treatment received within a hospital setting, broader than "intensive care" as it includes all hospital-based care.

emergency medical treatment

Addresses immediate and urgent medical needs, which may or may not require "intensive care".

critical patient management

Focuses on the overall strategy and coordination of care for patients in critical condition.

FAQs

What is the difference between "intensive care" and critical care?

"Intensive care" and "critical care" are often used interchangeably, but "critical care" might specifically emphasize the severity of the patient's condition, while "intensive care" can refer to the unit or department providing the care.

When is "intensive care" necessary?

"Intensive care" is necessary when a patient requires constant monitoring, specialized medical attention, and advanced life support due to a life-threatening illness or injury. It is required for patients needing assistance with breathing, heart function, or other vital functions.

What are some alternative terms for "intensive care"?

Depending on the context, you could use terms like "acute care", "high-dependency care", or "specialized medical attention" instead of "intensive care".

What should I expect if a loved one is in "intensive care"?

If a loved one is in "intensive care", expect them to be closely monitored by medical staff and possibly connected to various machines that assist with breathing, heart function, or other vital functions. Visitation may be limited, and the environment can be stressful, but the goal is to provide the highest level of medical support.