sick and wounded

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sick and wounded" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to people who are ill or injured, or to describe a situation in which both of these conditions are present. For example, "After the attack, the hospital was filled with sick and wounded people."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Can civilians, the sick and wounded enter and exit?

The Guardian

Among Eden's delusions is his belief that he can use music to heal the sick and wounded.

The New York Times - Books

Some Confederate hospitals relied on black nurses to help care for the overwhelming number of sick and wounded.

The New York Times

New Orleans was sick and wounded, but no other city in the world had a celebration quite like this.

The Guardian - Books

Doctors and nurses treated the sick and wounded on Sunday in a shack that passed for a clinic.

The New York Times

The "Register of Sick and Wounded" showed that Edward Saville, a corporal in the Sixth Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery, died of pneumonia, on Feb. 7, 1865, at "2 ½ p.m".

The New York Times

Supplies and military equipment were brought to the city across the water and ice, and the sick and wounded were evacuated over the same route.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In an interview Monday, Ms. Swanson said "a hospital emergency room should be a sanctuary for the sick and wounded, not a hunting ground for collectors".

The New York Times

Because of its ferry service, Trelleborg was a focal point for the transportation of sick and wounded and the exchange of prisoners during World Wars I and II.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It was discovered that I had created an underground network to provide medical aid and supplies to the sick and wounded.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is a basic tenet of civilised societies that medics should be allowed to care for the sick and wounded in wartime as well as in peace.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about conflicts or disasters, use the phrase "sick and wounded" to humanize the victims and emphasize their need for medical assistance. It's more impactful than simply stating casualty numbers.

Common error

Avoid using "sick and wounded" in situations where the injury or illness is minor. Reserve it for contexts where the suffering is significant and requires serious attention.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sick and wounded" functions as a compound adjective describing individuals who are suffering from both illness and injuries. Ludwig examples show its use in contexts related to conflict zones, medical facilities, and humanitarian aid. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Encyclopedias

15%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Science

9%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sick and wounded" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression to describe people suffering from both illness and injuries, often in the context of conflict or disaster. Ludwig's analysis of numerous examples, confirms its widespread use in news media, encyclopedias, and other reliable sources. The phrase serves to highlight the vulnerability of those affected and emphasize their need for medical attention. While appropriate for formal writing, it should be reserved for situations where the suffering is significant. Consider using alternatives like "ill and injured" or "casualties" depending on the specific context. Ludwig AI validates the phrase's correctness and usability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ill and injured

Focuses more broadly on the conditions of being unwell and hurt, without necessarily implying a specific event or cause.

injured and ailing

Emphasizes the physical harm and deteriorating health conditions.

wounded and diseased

Highlights the impact of wounds along with the presence of diseases.

infirm and hurt

Emphasizes weakness and pain, often associated with long-term conditions.

unhealthy and harmed

A more general term indicating a lack of well-being and the presence of damage.

stricken and wounded

Emphasizes sudden and severe affliction along with physical injuries.

casualties

A more concise term often used to refer to those killed or injured in an event, typically war or accidents.

patients and injured

Focuses on those receiving medical treatment due to injuries and sickness.

those in need of medical attention

A broader description encompassing anyone requiring healthcare.

suffering and injured

Highlights the experience of pain and distress along with physical harm.

FAQs

How can I use "sick and wounded" in a sentence?

You can use "sick and wounded" to describe individuals who are suffering from both illness and injuries, such as, "The hospital was overwhelmed with the "sick and wounded" after the battle."

What are some alternatives to "sick and wounded"?

Some alternatives include "ill and injured", "injured and ailing", or "casualties", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "sick and wounded" in formal writing?

Yes, "sick and wounded" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when discussing humanitarian issues, medical situations, or historical events. Its usage is documented in formal publications and encyclopedias.

What is the difference between "sick and wounded" and "injured and ill"?

While both phrases are similar, "sick and wounded" tends to emphasize the immediate aftermath of an event (like a battle or disaster), while "injured and ill" might refer to a more general state of being unwell over a longer period.