was ailing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was ailing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that is suffering from illness or poor health, often in a past context. Example: "The old man was ailing for several months before he finally sought medical help."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"The culture was ailing.

The Economist

By 2008, it was ailing.

The New York Times

The composer himself was ailing.

The New York Times

One of her lodgers, Sarah, was ailing.

The New Yorker

Even so, Schilling was ailing.

The New York Times - Sports

The church was ailing, too.

The New York Times

He was ailing but defiant and funny.

The Guardian

But he was ailing and under-prepared.

The Guardian - Sport

Joe Paterno was ailing this week.

The New York Times - Sports

And it was ailing a bit".

The New York Times

Charles O'Neill was ailing with heart trouble.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was ailing" to describe a state of declining health or general malaise, often suggesting a condition that has persisted for some time. For instance, "The economy was ailing before the crisis hit".

Common error

Avoid using "was ailing" in contexts that require a more immediate or acute description of illness. It's better suited for describing chronic conditions or slow declines, not sudden sickness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was ailing" functions as a verb phrase, specifically the past continuous tense of the verb "ail". It describes a state of ongoing illness or decline in the past. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was ailing" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe a state of prolonged illness or decline. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It's particularly common in news and media contexts to depict situations of ongoing trouble or poor health. While it can be used in formal writing, ensure it aligns with the tone and specificity needed for the situation. Remember, it's best suited for chronic rather than acute conditions. Consider alternatives like "was unwell" or "was declining" based on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was unwell

Direct synonym, indicating a state of not being well.

was sick

A general term for being in poor health.

was ill

Another general term for being in poor health, slightly more formal than "was sick".

was in poor health

More descriptive, specifying the state of health.

was declining

Indicates a gradual deterioration in health or condition.

was failing

Suggests a weakening condition, often used for systems or institutions as well as people.

was deteriorating

Implies a progressive worsening of a condition.

was not doing well

A more general and less direct way of saying someone was unwell.

was under the weather

An idiomatic expression for feeling slightly unwell.

was suffering

Emphasizes the experience of discomfort or distress due to illness or other problems.

FAQs

How can I use "was ailing" in a sentence?

You can use "was ailing" to describe a person, organization, or system that is experiencing a period of decline or poor health. For example, "The company "was ailing" due to poor management."

What's a good alternative to "was ailing"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "was unwell", "was declining", or "was in poor health".

Is it appropriate to use "was ailing" in formal writing?

Yes, "was ailing" is appropriate in formal writing, especially when describing a condition that is not acute. However, consider the specific context and audience to determine if a more direct term like "was ill" might be more suitable.

What is the difference between "was ailing" and "was sick"?

"Was sick" typically describes a more immediate or acute illness, whereas ""was ailing"" suggests a more prolonged or chronic condition. For example, you might say someone "was sick" with the flu, but a company ""was ailing"" due to financial troubles.