is not well

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is not well" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of health or condition, indicating that someone or something is not in a good state. Example: "After the long flight, I realized that my stomach is not well."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

She is not well.

The New Yorker

"He is not well.

The New York Times

EUROPE is not well.

The Economist

He is not well informed.

Independent

He is not well liked.

The New Yorker

But all is not well.

The New York Times

The.co.uk is not well known.

The Guardian

Yet all is not well.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

His life is not well-balanced.

The New York Times - Sports

The human spirit is not well-modeled".

The Guardian

Thus, (LVQEPLEC) is not well-posed.

Journal of Inequalities and Applications

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and context when choosing between "is not well" and alternatives like "is unwell" or "is in poor health" for the most appropriate level of formality.

Common error

Be mindful that "is not well" can sometimes be interpreted as applying to a broader situation beyond health, such as "all is not well". Clarify the context to avoid ambiguity if you're specifically referring to someone's health.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is not well" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a subject, indicating that the subject is in a state of poor health or is experiencing some form of difficulty. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage across various domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is not well" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that someone or something is in a state of poor health or is generally not doing well. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it sees frequent use in news and media, scientific writing, and formal communications. While slightly more formal than alternatives like "unwell", it offers a polite and versatile way to convey concern or provide information about a subject's condition. Remember to consider the context to avoid ambiguity and choose the most appropriate alternative based on your audience and desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is unwell

Replaces "well" with a direct synonym, maintaining a similar level of formality.

is not healthy

Offers a direct antonymic replacement, focusing on the absence of health.

is in poor health

Specifies the context as related to health, adding a more clinical tone.

is not doing well

Broadens the scope to include overall performance or condition, not just health.

is ailing

Uses a more formal and somewhat old-fashioned term for being ill.

is in bad shape

Indicates a poor state of condition, applicable to both health and non-health contexts.

is under the weather

Provides an idiomatic alternative that implies a mild illness.

is out of sorts

Suggests a general feeling of discomfort or being slightly unwell, not necessarily a specific illness.

is struggling

Focuses on the difficulty experienced as a result of the poor condition, adding an element of hardship.

is having difficulties

Emphasizes the presence of problems or challenges, making it less direct than stating poor health.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "is not well"?

The phrase "is not well" is suitable when you want to politely and somewhat formally indicate that someone is experiencing health issues. It can also be used metaphorically to describe a situation that is problematic.

What's the difference between "is not well" and "is unwell"?

While both phrases mean essentially the same thing, "is not well" can be perceived as slightly more formal and indirect compared to "is unwell", which is more direct.

Can I use "is not well" to describe things other than health?

Yes, although primarily used for health, "is not well" can describe situations. For instance, "All "is not well"" means that there are problems or issues present, a situation that is not desirable.

Are there any alternatives to saying someone "is not well" that are less formal?

Yes, you could say someone is "under the weather" or "not feeling well" for less formal ways to indicate that someone is sick.