placed on a ventilator

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'placed on a ventilator' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to a medical procedure of artificially providing oxygen to a patient who is having difficulty breathing. For example, "After being rushed to the emergency room, the patient was placed on a ventilator to help him breathe."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

By seven, her vital organs were failing; at one point, she was placed on a ventilator.

The New Yorker

In one case, investigators said, an inmate had to be hospitalized and placed on a ventilator after being beaten by several officers.

The New York Times

His lungs began to fail, and he was placed on a ventilator.

The New Yorker

Unable to breathe deeply or cough, Taliaferro was placed on a ventilator.

The New York Times - Sports

By 6 a.m., unable to breathe on his own, Mr. Stevens was placed on a ventilator.

The New York Times

He was unconscious and was placed on a ventilator at the hospital.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

In most instances, an endotracheal tube is passed into the lungs, and the patient is placed on a mechanical ventilator.

Britannica

Nonetheless, a few hours later, with the same physician's consent, Antonio Torres was placed on a portable ventilator for his departure.

The New York Times

He was placed on a mechanical ventilator to help him breathe, but his condition deteriorated rapidly despite aggressive treatment with multiple antibiotics.

Wikipedia

If oxygenation is inadequate despite a high concentration of inspired oxygen (FiO2) or if respiratory acidosis occurs, the infant is placed on a mechanical ventilator.

Plosone

The patient was subsequently placed on a mechanical ventilator.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "placed on a ventilator", ensure the context clearly indicates the reason for the ventilation, such as respiratory failure or a medical emergency. This provides crucial information to the reader.

Common error

Avoid consistently using passive voice (e.g., "was placed on a ventilator") without specifying who made the decision or performed the action. Active voice (e.g., "Doctors placed the patient on a ventilator") can often be more direct and informative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "placed on a ventilator" functions as a passive construction describing a medical intervention. It indicates that a patient has been connected to a ventilator to assist or replace their natural breathing. Ludwig AI confirms this phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

43%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "placed on a ventilator" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe the medical intervention of providing mechanical respiratory assistance. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It's frequently found in news reports and scientific literature, indicating a neutral to formal register. When writing, ensure the context clarifies the reason for ventilation. While alternatives like "ventilated" are shorter, "placed on a ventilator" emphasizes the action of initiating ventilation. The phrase's prevalence across authoritative sources underscores its importance in communicating critical medical information.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ventilated

This is a shorter, more direct way of saying someone is receiving mechanical ventilation.

supported by a ventilator

This alternative focuses on the ventilator as the support system for breathing.

intubated and ventilated

This highlights the specific procedure of intubation required to connect the patient to the ventilator.

undergoing mechanical ventilation

This alternative highlights the process of receiving mechanical ventilation.

required mechanical ventilation

This alternative emphasizes the necessity of the intervention due to the patient's condition.

breathing assisted by a machine

This clarifies that the breathing is being aided by a mechanical device.

artificially ventilated

This emphasizes the artificial nature of the breathing assistance.

put on life support

This phrase broadens the scope beyond just respiratory assistance, implying a range of life-sustaining measures.

on a breathing machine

This is an informal way to describe the use of a ventilator.

given respiratory assistance

This is a more general term for supporting a patient's breathing, which could include ventilation.

FAQs

What does it mean to be "placed on a ventilator"?

To be "placed on a ventilator" means a patient is connected to a machine that helps them breathe when they are unable to breathe sufficiently on their own. This is often due to illness, injury, or surgery.

When is someone "placed on a ventilator"?

A person is typically "placed on a ventilator" when they have severe respiratory distress or failure, which could be caused by conditions like pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), or other critical illnesses.

What are some alternatives to "placed on a ventilator"?

Alternatives include "ventilated", "put on life support", or "required mechanical ventilation", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "ventilated" or "placed on a ventilator"?

While both are correct, "ventilated" is more concise. "Placed on a ventilator" may be preferred when emphasizing the action of initiating ventilation.