seriously ill

USAGE SUMMARY

'seriously ill' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to someone who is very or extremely ill. Example: "The patient was seriously ill and required emergency medical attention."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"She was seriously ill.

The New Yorker

"This society is seriously ill.

The New York Times

I was seriously ill.

The Guardian - Opinion

Many doing so are seriously ill.

The New York Times

Early in '54, Valentin became seriously ill.

The New Yorker

Jamie, now 38, is seriously ill.

The New York Times

His father, Don, was seriously ill.

The New York Times - Sports

TOKIO — The Emperor is seriously ill.

The New York Times

Goethe fell seriously ill immediately but recovered.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Jamie is now 38 and seriously ill.

The New York Times

Hundreds "became seriously ill, and some died.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone as "seriously ill", provide context about the nature of their illness, if appropriate, to convey the severity accurately. This helps avoid ambiguity and ensures clear communication.

Common error

Avoid using "seriously ill" when the condition is minor or temporary. Overstating the severity can cause unnecessary alarm or misrepresentation of the person's actual state of health.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seriously ill" functions primarily as an adjective phrase. It modifies a noun or pronoun to describe someone's health condition as being in a severe state. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and frequently used in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Wiki

17%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

13%

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "seriously ill" is a grammatically correct and commonly used adjective phrase to describe a severe health condition. As Ludwig AI confirms, it accurately conveys the severity of someone's illness, prompting concern and often indicating the need for medical attention. It is prevalent in news media, encyclopedias, and scientific literature. While many alternative phrases exist, such as "gravely sick" or "critically unwell", the choice depends on the specific context and desired nuance. When using "seriously ill", ensure that the severity of the illness warrants its use to avoid misrepresentation or unnecessary alarm.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gravely sick

Emphasizes the severe and potentially life-threatening nature of the illness.

critically unwell

Highlights the critical condition of the individual's health.

badly ailing

Focuses on the progressive deterioration of health.

stricken with a severe illness

Highlights the sudden and impactful onset of a serious disease.

in a critical condition

Indicates the precarious and unstable state of health.

suffering from a life-threatening disease

Specifically points to a disease that poses a significant risk of death.

fighting for their life

Emphasizes the struggle and effort involved in overcoming a severe illness.

in a grave state of health

Underscores the seriousness and concern surrounding the person's condition.

facing a serious medical crisis

Highlights the urgency and severity of the health situation.

in a precarious state of health

Suggests that the individual's health is unstable and vulnerable.

FAQs

How can I use "seriously ill" in a sentence?

You can use "seriously ill" to describe someone who is experiencing a severe health condition, like in the sentence "The patient was "seriously ill" and needed immediate medical attention".

What are some alternatives to saying "seriously ill"?

Alternatives to "seriously ill" include phrases like "gravely sick", "critically unwell", or "badly ailing", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "seriously unwell" instead of "seriously ill"?

Yes, "seriously unwell" is a valid alternative to "seriously ill". Both phrases convey that someone is experiencing a severe health problem. "Unwell" is often considered a slightly more general term.

What is the difference between "seriously ill" and "critically ill"?

"Seriously ill" indicates a severe health condition, while "critically ill" suggests an even more severe and unstable state, often requiring intensive care. A critically ill person is at immediate risk of death.