serious illness

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'serious illness' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to a serious medical condition or ailment. For example: "My grandmother had a serious illness when she was younger, but she was cured eventually."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Is there a serious illness?

The New York Times

Multiple pregnancy and serious illness were excluded.

European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology

Yet serious illness took its inevitable toll.

The Washington Post

Only serious illness could justify her decision.

The Guardian - Opinion

Or they are diagnosed with a serious illness or injury.

University of California, Berkeley

Without sick pay, carers often continue through serious illness.

The Guardian

Although rare, such infections may cause serious illness or death.

The Washington Post

Conversely, serious illness can also drive people into personal bankruptcy.

The Guardian

Then, in 1898, Irving had his first serious illness.

Britannica

I've faced serious illness and lost someone I love dearly.

The Guardian - Opinion

Deficiencies can lead to night blindness and serious illness.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "serious illness", be specific about the type of illness if known to provide clarity and avoid generalizations.

Common error

Avoid attributing specific symptoms to a "serious illness" without proper medical knowledge or context, as symptoms vary widely depending on the ailment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "serious illness" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English. Examples show it describing a state of health or a medical condition.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

18%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Science

12%

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "serious illness" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to denote a grave health condition. As Ludwig AI confirms, it finds relevance across diverse contexts, predominantly within news, academic, and scientific domains. While typically neutral in tone, its formality can shift based on the setting. To ensure clarity, be specific when detailing the type of "serious illness", and be cautious about attributing symptoms without proper backing. Alternatives like "grave sickness" or "critical condition" offer nuanced expressions for similar situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

grave sickness

Replaces "illness" with "sickness", implying a severe or critical state of health.

critical condition

Focuses on the severity of the health state, suggesting immediate concern.

severe ailment

Substitutes "illness" with "ailment", indicating a troublesome health problem.

life-threatening disease

Highlights the potential for fatality, emphasizing the extreme risk involved.

debilitating condition

Emphasizes the weakening or disabling effects of the health problem.

major health crisis

Frames the illness as a critical event impacting one's health.

acute health problem

Indicates a sudden and severe health issue requiring prompt attention.

dangerous sickness

Uses "sickness" instead of "illness", emphasizing the hazardous nature of the condition.

severe medical condition

Specifies the illness as a "medical condition", highlighting its nature as a formal health concern.

health emergency

Presents the illness as an urgent and unexpected event endangering health.

FAQs

How can I use "serious illness" in a sentence?

You can use "serious illness" to describe a severe medical condition. For example: "The patient is suffering from a "serious illness" and requires immediate treatment."

What are some alternative phrases for "serious illness"?

Alternatives include "grave sickness", "critical condition", or "severe ailment", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "serious illness" in formal writing?

Yes, "serious illness" is appropriate for formal writing, especially in medical, legal, or academic contexts. It's a clear and direct way to describe a significant health issue.

What's the difference between "serious illness" and "chronic disease"?

"Serious illness" describes the severity of a condition, while "chronic disease" refers to a long-lasting or recurring health problem. A chronic disease like diabetes can become a "serious illness" if it's not well-managed.