long illnesses

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "long illnesses" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe medical conditions or diseases that persist over an extended period of time. Example: "The patient has been struggling with long illnesses that have significantly affected their quality of life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

long illnesses.

The New Yorker

"They don't want to see their inheritance dissipated by long illnesses that are hard to pay for.

The New York Times

He seemed to have put behind him his heart-bypass operation in November and his long illnesses either side of it.

The Economist

I feel like I know him.' " Mr. Yates's stepfather, Mike Wallace, the television newsman, and his mother, Mary Yates Wallace, both died last year after long illnesses.

The New York Times

It's another thing he learned while strapped to that bed, talking to friends about how they'd sustain themselves during long illnesses.

Huffington Post

All four cases had clinical features consistent with the MM2 subtype as described by Gambetti et al [16]: comparatively long illnesses dominated by cognitive impairment followed by aphasia, and later in the course of illness the appearance of pyramidal and extrapyramidal signs together with myoclonus, but no cerebellar signs.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

After a long illness.

The New York Times

Passed away after a long illness.

The New York Times

Tahira died following a long illness.

Independent

Irving, on March 24, after a long illness.

The New York Times

She died peacefully after a long illness.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the financial implications of health, use "long illnesses" to highlight the potential for significant and ongoing expenses, for example, "Planning for retirement should include consideration for potential costs associated with "long illnesses".

Common error

Avoid using "long illnesses" to describe acute, short-term conditions. "Long illnesses" specifically refers to conditions that persist over an extended period.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "long illnesses" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence. As shown by Ludwig AI, it describes a state of prolonged poor health. For example, "Many children... have suffered the pain of losing parents... to AIDS after long illnesses."

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "long illnesses" is a grammatically correct and frequently used term to describe prolonged periods of sickness. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is appropriate across various contexts, including news, science, and formal business settings. While alternatives like "chronic diseases" or "prolonged sicknesses" exist, understanding the specific nuance each conveys can improve precision in writing. When using this phrase, remember that it refers to conditions persisting over an extended period, distinguishing it from acute, short-term ailments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

chronic diseases

This term emphasizes the persistent and lasting nature of the diseases.

prolonged sicknesses

This alternative focuses on the extended duration of the sicknesses.

lengthy ailments

This option highlights the considerable duration of the ailments.

lingering health conditions

This phrase underscores the persistent and slow-to-resolve nature of the health conditions.

protracted illnesses

This alternative emphasizes the extended duration and drawn-out nature of the illnesses.

long-term health issues

This phrase highlights the lasting impact and extended timeframe of the health issues.

extended periods of ill health

This option focuses on the duration and the state of poor health.

drawn-out diseases

This phrase stresses the lengthy and gradual progression of the diseases.

enduring medical conditions

This alternative emphasizes the lasting and persistent nature of the medical conditions.

chronic health problems

This term underlines the persistent and recurring nature of the health problems.

FAQs

How can I use "long illnesses" in a sentence?

You can use "long illnesses" to describe health conditions that persist over an extended period. For example, "The family's savings were depleted due to the patient's "long illnesses"".

What is a good substitute for "long illnesses"?

Alternatives include "chronic diseases", "prolonged sicknesses", or "lengthy ailments" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "long illnesses" in formal writing?

Yes, "long illnesses" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when discussing healthcare, insurance, or the economic impact of health conditions. It is a neutral and widely understood term.

What are some common causes of "long illnesses"?

Common causes of "long illnesses" can include chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, autoimmune disorders, and certain types of cancer. Lifestyle factors and genetics also play a role.