swelling up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "swelling up" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to describe an increase in size of an area of the body due to inflammation or accumulation of fluid. For example, "My ankle started swelling up after I fell off the ladder."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Rather than swelling up, fingertips shrink when they wrinkle because the blood vessels inside them contract.

The Guardian

I just want to know how long I'll be out and when I can perform without it swelling up".

The New York Times - Sports

But when he heard the Negro hymn swelling up from the crowd, he said, he suddenly felt unwelcome.

The New York Times

The cigarettes on the ground tumbled and rolled in the man's urine, swelling up until they lost their shape.

The New Yorker

But Ms. Mei recently noticed that she herself is losing weight and that her lymph nodes are swelling up over her body -- early signs of infection.

The New York Times

"It will literally pick you up and push you forward," growls the video, showing a pair of pants swelling up with a big bulge, ready to burst.

The Guardian - Arts

But for all its reputed piety, the White House shows no sign of concern about the moral objections swelling up from an imposing portion of American church leadership.

The New York Times

Mao's former doctor Li Zhisui published a ghoulish account of the process, describing the former ruler's head swelling up "like a football".

The Guardian

A crowd inside you, swelling up and turning over and all that mess, until you lay down and give birth to that darling child".

The New York Times - Books

Diphtheria is a disease that still kills one in five infants it meets, even if they get treatment, their necks swelling up until they can no longer breathe.

The Guardian - Opinion

Cameras trained on the vacuum chamber showed the dogs swelling up like balloons or, as a paper summarizing the study's findings phrased it, "an inflated goat-skin bag".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a medical condition, be specific about the location and extent of the "swelling up". For example, "His ankle was swelling up significantly around the joint" provides more clarity than just "His ankle was swelling up."

Common error

Avoid using "swelling up" metaphorically when a more precise verb would be appropriate. Instead of "The crowd was swelling up", consider "The crowd was growing" or "The crowd was increasing".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "swelling up" is as a phrasal verb, often used to describe the process of something increasing in size or volume, frequently due to fluid accumulation or inflammation. Ludwig AI confirms the acceptability of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

21%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrasal verb "swelling up" is a very common and grammatically correct expression used to describe an increase in size, often due to fluid accumulation or inflammation. Ludwig AI confirms its wide acceptance. It frequently appears in News & Media and Science contexts, indicating a neutral to formal register. While it's suitable for describing physical changes, it is best to avoid overuse in metaphorical contexts. When describing a medical condition, specifying the location and extent of the "swelling up" provides clarity. Related phrases include "inflating", "enlarging", and "bloating", each carrying slightly different connotations. Therefore, it's important to select synonyms that are suitable to the topic.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inflating

Focuses on the action of becoming filled with air or gas, similar to swelling but specifically implying a filling process.

enlarging

Implies an increase in size in general, broader than just swelling due to internal pressure or fluid.

bloating

Specifically suggests an uncomfortable swelling, often in the abdominal area.

distending

Refers to stretching or bulging outward, often due to internal pressure.

expanding

Indicates an increase in volume or area, not necessarily due to a negative condition like inflammation.

increasing in size

A general way to describe becoming larger, lacking the specific connotation of fluid or pressure.

growing larger

Similar to increasing in size but emphasizes a gradual process.

puffing up

Suggests a lighter, airier type of swelling, like a balloon.

bulging

Implies a rounded swelling or protrusion.

becoming tumescent

A more formal, sometimes clinical, term for swelling, especially in the context of tissue engorgement.

FAQs

How can I describe something that is gradually increasing instead of "swelling up"?

Consider using alternatives like "growing", "increasing", or "expanding" to convey a gradual increase in size or intensity.

When is it appropriate to use "swelling up"?

Use "swelling up" when describing a physical increase in size, often due to fluid accumulation, inflammation, or pressure, particularly in biological or physical contexts. For example, "Her knee was swelling up after the injury".

What's the difference between "swelling up" and "inflating"?

"Swelling up" typically implies an increase in size due to internal pressure or fluid, often related to a medical condition or physical reaction. "Inflating", on the other hand, specifically refers to filling something with air or gas.

Are there any medical conditions commonly associated with "swelling up"?

Yes, "swelling up" is often associated with conditions such as edema, inflammation, allergic reactions, and injuries. If you experience unexplained "swelling up", it's important to consult a healthcare professional.