is down with a cold

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is down with a cold" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone who is ill, specifically with a cold or similar minor illness. Example: "She can't come to the party tonight because she is down with a cold."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Limited posting, because I'm down with a heavy cold — consuming enough Sudafed to run a meth lab — and getting the column out has to take priority.

The New York Times

The two Joses, despite White's infinite ministrations, were down with chest colds.

Los Angeles Times

At this time of year, it feels like people are constantly warning you they are "coming down" with a cold.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

On a personal note here, I have to say that getting today's column out is going to be a struggle for me, since I seem to be coming down with a cold.

Huffington Post

It's like when people feel they're coming down with a cold, they stock up on tissues.

BBC

But when you're struck down with a cold or flu it's the small comforts that make a world of difference.

Independent

I thought maybe I was breathing through my ears or maybe I was coming down with a cold, so I stopped breathing.

The Guardian - Film

It's all good, as they say, especially when it's washed down with a cold Abita, the hard-to-get Crescent City brew.

The New Yorker

The last time was the night before the attack; he told his wife he was coming down with a cold, and she urged him to buy some Theraflu.

The New York Times

"If you're going to try an echinacea supplement, and it's not at all clear that you should, simply pick one the next time you're coming down with a cold or flu," the newsletter advises.

The New York Times - Food

When we first meet Mr. Boyd's 007, he could be almost any ordinary, upper-middle class Londoner on the verge of a midlife crisis: worried that he's coming down with a cold, thinking about changing his hairstyle and fretting about the renovations to his flat.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "is down with a cold", ensure the context clearly indicates that someone is currently experiencing the symptoms of a common cold.

Common error

Avoid using "is down with a cold" to describe chronic conditions or illnesses more severe than a common cold. This phrase is best suited for temporary, minor ailments.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is down with a cold" functions as a descriptive phrase, indicating a temporary state of illness. According to Ludwig AI, it is a correct and usable phrase, serving to inform about someone's current health condition.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is down with a cold" is a grammatically correct and understandable way to indicate that someone is currently suffering from a cold. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is suitable for general use, especially in describing someone's temporary state of illness. While relatively neutral in tone, it might be more suited for informal communications than highly formal writing. Consider alternatives like "has a cold" or "is suffering from a cold" for different levels of formality. Although the phrase can be used correctly, remember to keep the context in mind to avoid any misuse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has a cold

Directly states the person has a cold, simpler phrasing.

has come down with a cold

Indicates the onset of a cold.

is suffering from a cold

Emphasizes the unpleasant experience of having a cold.

is sick with a cold

Simply states the person is ill due to a cold.

is afflicted with a cold

A more formal way of saying someone has a cold.

is unwell with a cold

Indicates general sickness due to a cold.

has caught a cold

Implies the person contracted the cold from someone or somewhere.

is battling a cold

Implies actively fighting the illness.

is laid up with a cold

Suggests the person is confined due to the cold.

is recovering from a cold

Indicates the person is in the process of getting better.

FAQs

What does "is down with a cold" mean?

The phrase "is down with a cold" means that someone is currently suffering from a cold, experiencing symptoms such as a runny nose, cough, and sore throat.

How can I use "is down with a cold" in a sentence?

You can use it like this: "She can't come to the meeting because she "is down with a cold"."

What can I say instead of "is down with a cold"?

You can use alternatives like "has a cold", "is suffering from a cold", or "has come down with a cold" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "is down with a cold" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "is down with a cold" is more informal. In formal writing, consider using phrases like "is suffering from a cold" or "has contracted a cold".