running a fever

USAGE SUMMARY

'running a fever' is an acceptable phrase in written English.
It is used to describe someone who has a high temperature due to an illness. For example, "John has been running a fever for several days now and needs to see a doctor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Uninformed dreamers, running a fever.

The New Yorker

"I might be running a fever".

The New Yorker

Maybe I was running a fever.

The New Yorker

Amina is eight years old and running a fever.

The Guardian

I think he may be running a fever".

The Guardian - Opinion

The drama, we realise, is running a fever.

The Guardian - Film

Her daughter had been sick for eight days, she told us, and was running a fever.

The New Yorker

Ms. Carter said her daughter had been running a fever and occasionally vomiting.

The New York Times

"She's running a fever," she says, and goes to buy medicine at a pharmacy.

The Guardian

She is running a fever, wallowing in pain, struggling in the last hours of life.

The Guardian

Erin's bank balance stands at $74, and her baby is running a fever.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

If you want to describe how the fever is affecting the person (e.g. causing discomfort or delirium), then use "suffering from a fever" or "experiencing a fever".

Common error

Be careful not to confuse "running a fever" with simply "feeling hot". While "feeling hot" can be a symptom, "running a fever" confirms an actual elevated body temperature.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "running a fever" functions as a verbal phrase indicating a state of illness. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is appropriate in written English. The examples provided by Ludwig showcase its common use in describing a symptom of sickness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "running a fever" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe the symptom of having an elevated body temperature. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability in written English, supported by numerous examples across various contexts. Predominantly used in news and media, as well as in wiki and scientific sources, the phrase serves to inform about someone's health condition. While the phrase is commonly used, be mindful to differentiate it from phrases like "feeling hot", as "running a fever" implies a confirmed elevated temperature. Alternatives include "having a fever" or, more formally, "having an elevated temperature". When writing about this topic, ensure that your language matches your intent: are you simply stating a fact, or are you trying to explain a possible cause? The phrase is quite frequent, so it will be easy to find examples to follow. This guide provided by Ludwig offers best practices and common error preventions to ensure accuracy and clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

having a fever

Direct synonym; focuses on the state of possessing a fever.

experiencing a fever

Emphasizes the subjective experience of having a fever.

suffering from a fever

Highlights the negative impact and discomfort caused by the fever.

down with a fever

Informal way of saying someone is ill with a fever.

feverish

Adjective describing a state of having a fever.

having an elevated temperature

More clinical and precise way of describing a fever.

showing signs of fever

Focuses on the observable indicators of a fever.

displaying a fever

Similar to 'showing signs of fever', but more formal.

battling a fever

Implies an active struggle against the illness causing the fever.

feeling feverish

Focuses on the subjective feeling of having a fever, even if not confirmed by a thermometer.

FAQs

What does it mean to say someone is "running a fever"?

Saying someone is "running a fever" means they have an elevated body temperature, usually indicating an illness or infection. It's a common way to describe the symptom of having a fever.

What's a more formal way to say someone is "running a fever"?

A more formal way to say someone is "running a fever" is to say they are "having an elevated temperature". This is often used in medical or clinical contexts.

When should I seek medical attention for someone "running a fever"?

You should seek medical attention if the fever is very high (over 103°F or 39.4°C), if it lasts for more than a few days, or if it's accompanied by other concerning symptoms like difficulty breathing, severe headache, or stiff neck.

Are there other ways to describe the feeling of "running a fever"?

Yes, you can also say someone is "feeling feverish", or "experiencing a fever". The term you choose depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.