they were feverish

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they were feverish" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is experiencing a high body temperature or intense excitement or agitation. Example: "After running the marathon, they were feverish with adrenaline and exhaustion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The lawyers of Okara were fired up; in Sahiwal, they were feverish.

The New York Times - Magazine

I also distinctly remember the sound of each of my babies belly laughs and the way their foreheads felt if they were feverish.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The lovers were feverish writers, writing not only to each other but to magazines and to other people; they write diaries and fictional pieces as well.

The New Yorker

Toward the end of last week, there were feverish efforts to undo the damage.

The New York Times

When commodity prices were feverish, the price of good farmland exploded, too.

The New York Times

The trials were feverish displays of American racism and injustice that stirred a lynch mob outside the Scottsboro jail.

The New York Times

Then health reform failed and while working folks wailed, 'bout their kids who were feverish and sobby.

Huffington Post

If your skin is much cooler than the other person's skin, they may be feverish.

WikiHow

They feel hot to the touch and the patient is feverish.

Encyclopedia Britannica

If your dog is feverish, sick or in a lot of pain, they may have MOD.

WikiHow

While the cubs are feverish with excitement, the lions are so relaxed that they allow us to get within metres of them.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character's physical state, use “they were feverish” to clearly indicate a high body temperature. This avoids ambiguity and provides a direct symptom.

Common error

Avoid using “they were feverish” solely to describe excitement without any physical symptoms, as it might confuse the reader. Ensure the context allows for a metaphorical interpretation or clarify the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were feverish" functions as a descriptive statement, indicating that a group of people exhibited symptoms associated with a fever. This aligns with Ludwig's identification of the phrase as grammatically correct and usable. Examples show its use in both literal (medical) and metaphorical contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

50%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they were feverish" is grammatically sound and functions as a descriptive statement indicating a high body temperature or, metaphorically, intense excitement. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. Although its usage is relatively rare, it appears in contexts ranging from news reports to personal anecdotes. To ensure clarity, writers should consider the context and potential for misinterpretation, especially when using it metaphorically. Consider alternative phrases like "they had a fever" for more precise medical descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they had a fever

This alternative directly indicates the presence of a fever, a core symptom of being feverish.

they were burning up

This phrase is an idiom that suggests a high temperature, similar to being feverish.

they were running a temperature

This is another way to express having a fever, focusing on the body temperature.

they were flushed

This suggests a reddening of the face, often associated with fever or excitement.

they were hot to the touch

This describes the sensation of touching someone with a fever.

they were delirious

This indicates a state of confusion and disorientation, sometimes caused by a high fever.

they were agitated

This captures the restlessness and unease that can accompany a fever.

they were excited

This conveys a state of heightened emotion, which can sometimes manifest physically like a fever.

they were in a frenzy

This suggests a state of wild excitement or agitation.

they were intensely passionate

This implies a strong emotional state that could be metaphorically described as feverish.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "they were feverish"?

Use "they were feverish" when describing someone experiencing a high body temperature due to illness or, metaphorically, to describe a state of intense excitement or agitation.

What are some alternative ways to say "they were feverish" when referring to illness?

Alternatives include "they had a fever", "they were burning up", or "they were running a temperature", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Can "they were feverish" be used to describe something other than a medical condition?

Yes, "they were feverish" can be used metaphorically to describe a state of intense excitement, agitation, or passion. However, ensure the context makes this meaning clear.

Is there a difference between saying "they were feverish" and "they had a fever"?

While similar, "they were feverish" describes the state of being affected by a fever, while "they had a fever" directly states the presence of a fever. The former can also imply a metaphorical state of excitement, which the latter does not.