swelling

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "swelling" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that has enlarged in size, usually due to an increase of fluid, like a body part that has become swollen due to an injury. For example, "I hit my knee, and it started to swell almost immediately."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Symptoms like oedema, the swelling of legs or face to make children look fat, or thin hair that is easily shed, may be overtly recognizable.

The Guardian

Minor signs are reddening and swelling, crusting and bleeding; a "different" feel to it, including pain or itch; and a diameter of 7mm or more.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

While their growing eminence may or may not presage a new era of European dominance, their swelling popularity reveals the power of their thumb-twitching pastime — and how eager golf fans are for vivid personalities.

The New York Times - Sports

A crowd of hundreds convened at Mount Vernon Square in downtown DC, swelling to nearly 1,000 people at its height.

The Guardian

From what I can piece together from the Guardian report and other newspaper accounts, Amanda McCall was admitted to hospital on 8 May, pregnant with a full-term baby, suffering from swelling pains.

The Guardian

Hundreds of thousands of people displaced by the conflict are living in Maiduguri, swelling the city's population to well over two million.

The Guardian

"At times, he gets constipation and some swelling in the legs and arms.

The Guardian

Popular discontent has been swelling in the face of rising prices, food shortages and energy restrictions.

The Guardian

Express Newspapers went on a hiring spree in 2013 as Desmond sought to develop his titles' digital output, with numbers swelling to nearly 600.

The Guardian

In fact slums around the world are swelling rapidly.

The Guardian

Mitchell floored the champion in the fifth round but took some heavy punches either side of that and, by the 10th, was battered, bloodied and with his left eye practically closed shut from severe swelling.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a physical ailment, be specific about the location and nature of the "swelling". Instead of just saying "there is swelling", specify "there is swelling around the ankle".

Common error

Don't automatically assume "swelling" indicates an infection. While infection can cause swelling, so can injury, inflammation, or fluid retention. Consult a professional for proper diagnosis.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "swelling" is as a noun, referring to the state of being swollen or an instance of enlargement. As exemplified by Ludwig, it's used to describe physical conditions or metaphorical increases in abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "swelling" functions primarily as a noun, denoting the condition of being enlarged or inflated. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse contexts, predominantly within News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business settings. While describing physical ailments, it's crucial to specify the location and nature of the "swelling", and avoid assuming it automatically indicates infection. Understanding its semantic nuances and differentiating it from related terms like "edema" enhances precise communication. Overall, it is a versatile term applicable across various domains, reflecting both physical and abstract increases.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tumefaction

A medical term for the condition of being swollen.

enlargement

Indicates something becoming physically bigger.

inflation

Implies a general increase, often in economic contexts, referring to prices or currency value.

distension

Specifically refers to something expanding from internal pressure.

expansion

Suggests a growth in size or scope, often used in business or geographical contexts.

growth

Indicates a gradual increase in size, number, or strength.

bloating

Describes an uncomfortable swelling, often in the abdomen.

increase

A general term for becoming larger or greater in number or amount.

protuberance

Focuses on the bulging or protruding aspect of something that has grown.

augmentation

Formal term indicating an addition or enhancement that causes an increase.

FAQs

How to use "swelling" in a sentence?

You can use "swelling" to describe an increase in size or volume, especially due to fluid accumulation. For example, "The "swelling in her ankle" was significant after the sprain".

What are some synonyms for "swelling"?

Depending on the context, you can use synonyms like "enlargement", "inflation", or "expansion" as alternatives to "swelling".

When should I seek medical attention for "swelling"?

Seek medical attention if the "swelling" is sudden, severe, accompanied by pain, redness, fever, or if it impairs movement or breathing.

What's the difference between "swelling" and edema?

"Swelling" is a general term for enlargement, while "edema" specifically refers to swelling caused by excess fluid trapped in your body's tissues.