swollen

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "swollen" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has increased in size, typically due to an accumulation of fluid or inflammation. Example: "After the insect bite, her ankle became swollen and painful."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The carbon locked up in coal, oil and gas reserves owned by the world's biggest fossil fuel companies has swollen by 10% in the last five years, despite warnings from the World Bank and others that most existing reserves cannot safely be burned.

The Guardian

Almost half of these construction works are still not complete, according to the federal audit court, which also reported the total bill for World Cup works has swollen from R2.6bn to R4.4bn.

The Guardian - Sport

Holland is the first single to emerge from the sessions, a skeletal, dry-as-a-bone musical backing swollen by a voice loaded with soul but beautifully restrained.

The Guardian - Music

More recently the numbers have been swollen by ever more people escaping conflict and civil breakdown in Libya and Syria.

The Guardian

It was scorching to the touch and had swollen to the point of bursting.

The Guardian

If the results suggest that the airway is obstructed (in asthma, the muscles around the airways tighten and the lining of the airways becomes inflamed and swollen), Nice says that the next test is to see if there is improvement after use of an inhaler to widen the airways.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The greatest fallacy about Busby is that his public behaviour has swollen around a soft centre of gentleness.

The Guardian - Sport

But Sturgeon had a warning message to her supporters, their numbers swollen by people off work for the Easter bank holiday.

The Guardian

Medicaid enrolment may still be swollen by recession.

The Economist

"Africa is the place to be .Correction: We originally wrote that in 2001 Brazil invested $69 billion in Africa and that by 2009 this had swollen to $214 billion.

The Economist

Over the past decade, young Malay professionals from outside its northeastern base have swollen its ranks.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a physical condition, use "swollen" to indicate an abnormal increase in size due to fluid accumulation or inflammation. Be specific about the body part or area affected for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "swollen" when simply describing something that is large or has increased in size without the presence of fluid or inflammation. Use terms like "enlarged" or "expanded" instead.

Linguistic Context

"Swollen" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe a state of enlargement or distension. It often indicates a negative condition, such as inflammation or fluid retention. As evidenced by Ludwig, the word is commonly used in descriptive contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adjective "swollen" accurately describes an increase in size, usually due to fluid accumulation, inflammation, or pressure. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use, particularly in news and media contexts. While grammatically correct, it's crucial to use "swollen" appropriately, reserving it for situations where enlargement results from an underlying cause, rather than a general size increase. Alternatives like "inflated" or "enlarged" may be more suitable depending on the specific context. When in doubt, consider the presence of fluid or inflammation to determine if "swollen" is the most accurate choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

distended

Suggests an outward expansion, often due to internal pressure, typically in a medical context.

bloated

Implies an excessive and often uncomfortable swelling, particularly in the abdomen.

inflated

Implies an increase in size due to being filled with air or gas; often used metaphorically.

bulging

Suggests a swelling that protrudes outwards, often to an excessive degree.

puffy

Describes a soft, swollen appearance, often used for faces or eyes.

enlarged

A general term for something that has become bigger in size.

expanded

Indicates a general increase in size or scope.

tumid

Suggests a swelling that is firm and possibly inflamed, often used in medical or botanical contexts.

dilated

Specifically refers to widening or opening, often used in a medical context (e.g., pupils).

augmented

Indicates an increase in size or quantity, often deliberately or artificially.

FAQs

What does "swollen" mean?

"Swollen" describes something that has increased in size, typically due to an accumulation of fluid, inflammation, or pressure.

When should I use "swollen" instead of "inflated"?

Use "swollen" when describing an increase in size due to fluid or inflammation, often in a medical or bodily context. Use "inflated" when something is filled with air or gas and expands, or in a metaphorical sense.

What are some medical causes of "swollen" body parts?

Common medical causes include edema, inflammation due to injury, infection, allergic reactions, or underlying conditions like heart failure or kidney disease.

Can "swollen" be used in a metaphorical sense?

While primarily used to describe physical enlargement, "swollen" can be used metaphorically to describe emotions or situations that have become excessive or overwhelming, such as ""swollen" with pride".