the flu

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the flu" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to influenza, a viral infection that affects the respiratory system. Example: "After feeling unwell for a few days, I finally went to the doctor and was diagnosed with the flu."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The flu.

Columbia University

Probably the flu.

The New York Times

"About the flu?" "Yeah".

The New Yorker

"The vaccine causes the flu".

The New York Times

Do presidents get the flu?

The New York Times

"I never get the flu".

The New York Times

"The flu?" "Flulike," he said.

The New Yorker

But the flu.

The Guardian - Opinion

Might be the flu.

The New Yorker

She had the flu.

The New York Times

He had the flu.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Mention the flu season, the vaccination period, in order to add relevance to the article.

Common error

Avoid using "the flu" interchangeably with the common cold. While both are respiratory illnesses, the flu is typically more severe and caused by different viruses. Clearly differentiate between them to avoid misleading readers.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the flu" functions primarily as a noun phrase, specifically referring to influenza. Ludwig's examples show it being used as the subject or object of a sentence. It is a common way to name the illness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "the flu" is a common and grammatically correct way to refer to influenza. As Ludwig AI states, it's widely used across various contexts, including news, academic discussions, and general conversations. While it's crucial to avoid confusing "the flu" with the common cold, using it in the right context provides clarity and understanding. Alternatives like "influenza infection" or "seasonal influenza" may offer more specificity. Remember to consider the audience and context when choosing the most appropriate phrase. It's a widely known term so you shouldn't have difficulty being understood.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

influenza infection

This alternative specifies the type of infection.

influenza virus

This alternative highlights the viral nature of the illness.

flu virus infection

This alternative emphasizes that the illness is specifically an infection caused by the flu virus.

a bout of influenza

This refers to a specific instance of being sick with the flu.

seasonal influenza

This alternative emphasizes the seasonal occurrence of the flu.

contracting influenza

This alternative focuses on the act of catching the flu.

flu-like illness

This alternative describes symptoms similar to the flu, but not necessarily confirmed as influenza.

grippe

This is a synonym for flu, though less commonly used in modern English.

viral respiratory illness

This is a more general term that encompasses various respiratory illnesses caused by viruses, including the flu.

upper respiratory infection

This phrase is broader and includes infections in the upper respiratory tract, not exclusively influenza.

FAQs

What are some common symptoms of "the flu"?

Common symptoms of "the flu" include fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches, fatigue, and headache. Symptoms can vary in severity.

How is "the flu" different from the common cold?

The flu and the common cold are both respiratory illnesses but are caused by different viruses. The flu typically has more severe symptoms and a more sudden onset compared to the common cold.

What can I do to prevent getting "the flu"?

To prevent getting "the flu", get vaccinated annually, practice good hygiene (wash hands frequently), avoid close contact with sick people, and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

When is "the flu" season?

The flu season typically occurs during the fall and winter months (October to May in the Northern Hemisphere). The peak of flu activity usually happens between December and February.