very ill

USAGE SUMMARY

"very ill" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone who is extremely sick or unwell. Example: "After suffering from the flu for weeks, Amy was now very ill and had to be hospitalized."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

She's very ill".

The New Yorker

I was very ill.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He was so very ill.

Independent

"Egypt is ill, very ill.

The Guardian

Everyone was very ill".

The Guardian

Shafilea was very ill.

The Guardian

The gentleman was obviously very, very ill.

Independent

"Please, officer, I am very ill".

The New York Times - Sports

She was very ill for 10 days".

Independent

Some of the kids are very ill.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"He's very, very ill-informed.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's health condition, use "very ill" to clearly convey a serious state of illness. This phrase is widely understood and accepted in both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid stacking multiple intensifiers (e.g., "very, very, very ill"). While it might seem to add emphasis, it can make your writing sound unprofessional. Stick to "very ill" or choose a stronger adjective like "critically ill" instead.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "very ill" is to act as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun or pronoun. It describes the state or condition of being unwell to a significant degree. Ludwig confirms its common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Wiki

7%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "very ill" is a common and grammatically correct adjectival phrase used to describe a serious state of health. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent use across various contexts, particularly in news, media, science and business communications. While generally neutral in register, more formal settings might require more precise terminology. When using "very ill", it's best to avoid overuse of intensifiers and instead, focus on conveying the specific nature and severity of the condition. Remember that clarity and accuracy are key when discussing health-related matters.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extremely sick

Emphasizes the high degree or intensity of the sickness.

terribly sick

Highlights the negative impact and unpleasantness of the sickness.

seriously unwell

Implies a grave state of health, emphasizing the seriousness of the illness.

gravely sick

Highlights the severity of the sickness, suggesting a potentially life-threatening condition.

critically ill

Indicates a condition requiring intensive medical care and monitoring.

in critical condition

Describes a state where the patient's health is unstable and at high risk.

badly ailing

Suggests a prolonged period of poor health, emphasizing the duration of the illness.

fighting for their life

Describes extreme severity where the patient's life may be at risk.

on death's door

Implies that someone is close to dying because of illness.

at death's door

Implies that someone is close to dying because of illness.

FAQs

How can I use "very ill" in a sentence?

You can use "very ill" to describe someone's serious state of health, such as: "She was "very ill" and needed immediate medical attention". Or, "The doctor confirmed that the patient was "very ill" after the test results came back".

What are some alternatives to saying "very ill"?

Alternatives include "seriously unwell", "gravely sick", or "critically ill". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey regarding the severity and nature of the illness.

Is "very ill" formal or informal?

"Very ill" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, for extremely formal or technical writing, consider more precise terms like "critically ill" or "suffering from a severe ailment".

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "very ill"?

Use "very ill" when you want to clearly communicate that someone is experiencing a serious health condition that requires attention or care. It's suitable for describing physical or mental illness and is widely understood.