mortally sick

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "mortally sick" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is extremely ill, often with the implication that their condition is life-threatening. Example: "After weeks of battling the illness, the doctors finally admitted that he was mortally sick and had little time left."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

He returned again in October to stay, mortally sick, until the spring of 1850.

Encyclopedia Britannica

She had always seen through the pose to the mortally sick human being.

The New York Times

Catherine McCormack as Jo also displays the rancorous honesty of the mortally sick.

The Guardian

In the Financial Times, Jason Cowley found that both essays and poems "are death-haunted but radiant with the felt experience of what it means to be alive, even when mortally sick, especially when mortally sick".

The Guardian - Books

It will be a long time before I forget the mortally sick Chinese villagers, the riches-to-rags-and-back Thai entrepreneur and the sturdy citizens of Omiya, not to mention the happy motorcyclist holding up the severed head.

The New York Times - Books

We are pained by the death of every newspaper, but an ad-hoc group that we are proud to be a permanent member of and that we like to think of as the Liberty Preservation Society believes the public is better served by a dead paper than by one mortally sick.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

REMNICK: John McCain he is quite possibly mortally ill.

The New Yorker

The mortally ill get plentiful pain killers.

The Economist

He arrives mortally ill and dies in Clemence's arms.

The New York Times - Arts

Seventeen days later, Litvinenko was lying in hospital, mortally ill.

The Guardian

I have seen Victoria guide the mortally ill to completion.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "mortally sick" to emphasize the life-threatening nature of an illness or condition. It adds a sense of gravity and urgency to the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "mortally sick" when describing minor ailments or temporary discomfort. Its strong connotation of impending death can be inappropriate and misleading in less severe situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mortally sick" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun, typically a person or animal. It describes the state of being severely ill, with an implication of impending death. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "mortally sick" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a state of severe illness with a high likelihood of death. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's most frequently found in news and encyclopedic sources, indicating a neutral to formal register. While alternatives like "terminally ill" or "critically ill" exist, "mortally sick" carries a distinct emphasis on impending mortality. Therefore, it's crucial to use this phrase judiciously, reserving it for situations where the severity of the illness warrants its strong connotation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

terminally ill

Focuses on the incurable nature of the illness, suggesting a limited lifespan.

in critical condition

Describes a state where vital functions are severely compromised.

critically ill

Emphasizes the severity of the condition, requiring immediate and intensive care.

gravely ill

Highlights the serious and concerning nature of the sickness.

dangerously ill

Indicates the illness poses a significant threat to the person's life.

deathly ill

Suggests the illness is severe enough to potentially cause death.

near death

Emphasizes proximity to death due to the severity of illness.

on deathbed

Implies the person is in the final stages of life due to illness.

at death's door

An idiomatic expression indicating someone is very close to dying.

seriously unwell

A more general term indicating a significant health problem.

FAQs

How can I use "mortally sick" in a sentence?

You can use "mortally sick" to describe someone who is severely ill and likely to die soon, such as: "The doctor confirmed he was "mortally sick" and had only a few weeks to live".

What are some alternatives to saying "mortally sick"?

Alternatives to "mortally sick" include "terminally ill", "critically ill", or "gravely ill". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "mortally sick" in everyday conversation?

While grammatically correct, "mortally sick" is a strong phrase that carries a serious connotation. It's more appropriate for formal or somber contexts than casual conversation. Consider less dramatic terms like "very sick" or "seriously ill" in everyday situations.

What's the difference between "mortally sick" and "seriously ill"?

"Mortally sick" implies a higher likelihood of death and a more immediate threat to life than "seriously ill". Someone who is "seriously ill" may recover, while someone who is ""mortally sick"" is generally expected to die from their condition.