phlegm

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "phlegm" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in medical or informal contexts to refer to the thick mucus produced in the respiratory system, especially during illness. Example: "She was coughing up phlegm due to her cold, which made it difficult for her to speak."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Völler's head snapped to the right as he glared at his opponent, then rubbed his hand through his curls in an attempt to locate the offending phlegm, which could be seen dangling from the back of his head.

The Guardian - Sport

Although I'd been coughing up brown phlegm in the mornings for months, the decisive moment came when I overheard a fashion assistant discussing me with an actress I'd just interviewed.

The Guardian

The ancient Greeks believed it resulted from an imbalance in the body's four humours: blood, phlegm, yellow bile and black bile (from the Greek word melas or "dark" and kholé, meaning "bile"), with too much of the latter resulting in a melancholic state of mind.

The Economist

But out here in Iowa, Democratic phlegm is the distinctive trait that leaps out.

The Economist

Mr Ruddock, speaking later on television remarked emolliently that he "could still smell the garlic".Sadly, the idea that spitting is the preserve of nasty frogs and wops came a cropper last weekend when the best young English player for years, Everton's Wayne Rooney, launched a mouthful of phlegm roughly in the direction of some Liverpool supporters who had been barracking him.

The Economist

But first Joe Sixcylinder's phlegm has to be proved; and as he stares at that $2 price next weekend, whilst the sun blares down, the dial clicks up and the kids scream in the back of the car, he may be sorely tested.

The Economist

(It is said that Robert Kennedy's Justice Department was so set on fighting organised crime that it would arrest a mobster for spitting on the sidewalk if that would help the cause. Mr Ashcroft wouldn't let an Islamic terrorist even get the phlegm ready to spit).

The Economist

Ancient Greek physician Hippocrates believed that pain is associated with too much or too little of one of the four humours (blood, phlegm, yellow bile, or black bile).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Pneumatists felt that an imbalance of the four humours blood, phlegm, choler (yellow bile), and melancholy (black bile)—disturbed the pneuma, a condition indicated by an abnormal pulse.

Encyclopedia Britannica

An abundance of phlegm (secreted in the respiratory passages) was alleged to make people stolid, apathetic, and undemonstrative.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They appear in Unani practice as dam (blood), balgham (phlegm), safra (yellow bile), and sauda (black bile).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing symptoms of a respiratory illness, be specific about the color and consistency of the "phlegm" to provide more detailed information to a healthcare professional.

Common error

While "phlegm" primarily refers to mucus, it can also describe a calm or apathetic demeanor. Avoid using "phlegm" to describe emotional states unless the context makes the intended meaning perfectly clear. Consider alternatives like "apathy" or "composure" for clarity.

Linguistic Context

"Phlegm" primarily functions as a noun, referring to thick mucus secreted in the respiratory passages. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in describing physical symptoms. The noun denotes a substance expelled from the body, often indicative of illness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "phlegm" is a noun primarily referring to thick mucus secreted in the respiratory passages, often associated with illness. According to Ludwig, the term is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts. While its register varies, it is most frequently encountered in news, encyclopedic and scientific sources. It's important to consider the potential for confusion with its secondary meaning related to emotional apathy, especially in non-medical contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sputum

A more clinical or medical term for phlegm, specifically referring to expectorated matter from the respiratory tract.

mucus

A broader term encompassing various viscous secretions, of which phlegm is a specific type.

bronchial secretions

Specifically emphasizes the origin of the phlegm from the bronchial tubes.

respiratory discharge

A more formal and clinical way to describe the expulsion of phlegm.

expectoration

Refers to the act of coughing up and spitting out phlegm.

nasal mucus

Specifically refers to mucus originating from the nasal passages.

catarrh

Describes excessive buildup of mucus in the nose or throat.

phlegm production

Focuses on the body's process of generating phlegm.

viscous mucus

Emphasizes the thick and sticky consistency of phlegm.

throat mucus

Specifies the location of mucus accumulation in the throat.

FAQs

How can I use "phlegm" in a sentence?

You can use "phlegm" to describe mucus expelled from the respiratory system, as in "He coughed up a large amount of "phlegm" due to his bronchitis".

What's the difference between "phlegm" and "mucus"?

"Phlegm" specifically refers to thick mucus produced in the respiratory passages, particularly during illness, while "mucus" is a more general term for any viscous secretion.

What can I say instead of "phlegm"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "sputum" (especially in medical contexts) or simply "mucus".

Is coughing up "phlegm" a sign of illness?

Yes, coughing up "phlegm" is often a sign of a respiratory infection or other condition affecting the lungs and airways. It's a way for the body to clear irritants and pathogens.