it is highly contagious

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is highly contagious" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a disease or infection that spreads easily from one person to another. Example: "The flu is particularly concerning this season because it is highly contagious, making it easy for outbreaks to occur."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

It is highly contagious and can spread rapidly.

The New York Times

But it is highly contagious and has debilitating effects on cloven-hoofed animals.

The New York Times

Unlike anthrax, it is highly contagious, able to spread like fire through a dry forest.

The New York Times - Science

There is no vaccine and no cure for norovirus infection, and it is highly contagious.

The New York Times

It is highly contagious: A single open lesion on a plant can produce hundreds of thousands of infectious spores.

The New York Times

It is highly contagious and is transmitted by touch, contact with contaminated surfaces or consuming contaminated food or water.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

"It was highly contagious," he said.

The New York Times

It was "highly contagious for cattle, sheep and pigs," he said.

The New York Times

It's highly contagious, and can kill in hours – either from inflammation of the brain, or infection of the blood.

The Guardian

Professor Ian Clarke, from Southampton University, who has studied norovirus for 20 years and whose team was the first to genetically decode the bug said one reason it was highly contagious was because only a few particles were needed to start an infection.

The Guardian

It was highly contagious, and often deadly.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a disease outbreak, specify how "it is highly contagious" to help readers understand the severity and necessary precautions.

Common error

Avoid using "it is highly contagious" without providing context. Instead, specify the mode of transmission (e.g., airborne, direct contact) to offer more complete and helpful information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is highly contagious" serves as a descriptor, specifically characterizing something (usually a disease or virus) as easily transmissible. This aligns with Ludwig AI which confirms its correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

35%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is highly contagious" is a commonly used and grammatically correct way to describe something that spreads easily. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is used across various contexts, but most frequently in news and scientific reporting. It serves to warn about easy transmission, prompting caution. While generally neutral, its usage trends towards formal. When using this phrase, ensure you provide context about the transmission method for clarity. Alternatives include "it is easily spread" or "it is extremely infectious".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is extremely infectious

Stresses the degree of infectivity.

it is severely communicable

Uses a more formal term for describing the ability to spread.

it is readily transmissible

Highlights the characteristic of being easily passed on.

it is easily spread

Focuses on the ease of transmission.

it has a high transmission rate

Quantifies the rate at which the condition spreads.

it is easily contracted

Highlights the ease with which someone can get the disease.

it spreads like wildfire

Emphasizes the rapid speed of transmission.

it is virulent

Focuses on the aggressiveness and rapid spread.

it is extremely virulent

Emphasizes the degree of aggressiveness and rapid spread.

it poses a high infection risk

Shifts focus to the risk associated with the condition.

FAQs

What does "it is highly contagious" mean?

The phrase "it is highly contagious" means that a disease or condition spreads very easily and quickly from one person or organism to another. This often implies a significant risk of widespread infection.

How to use "it is highly contagious" in a sentence?

You can use "it is highly contagious" to describe diseases, viruses, or even certain behaviors. For example, "The new strain of the flu is highly contagious, so it's important to practice good hygiene".

Which is correct, "it is highly contagious" or "it is very contagious"?

Both "it is highly contagious" and "it is very contagious" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. "Highly contagious" might suggest a slightly greater degree of ease of transmission.

What can I say instead of "it is highly contagious"?

You can use alternatives like "it is easily spread", "it is readily transmissible", or "it is extremely infectious" depending on the context.