was very sick

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was very sick" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who was experiencing a significant illness or health issue in the past. Example: "Last winter, she was very sick with the flu and had to stay in bed for a week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"He was very sick.

The New Yorker

I was very sick in Bagram.

The Guardian

A year later, she was very sick.

The Guardian

He was very sick four weeks ago.

The New York Times - Sports

My mother was very sick, too.

The Guardian

Fairly collapsed around my big belly, he was very sick.

The New York Times

One was very beautiful, the other was very sick.

The New Yorker

He was very sick and died suspiciously there.

Independent

By the final book, The Terrorists, he was very sick.

The Guardian - Books

"She said Alexander was very sick, puking," Scaramella told police.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

And when I was a kid I was very sick.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a past event, ensure the context clarifies the duration and impact of the illness. For example, "He "was very sick" for a week after the trip."

Common error

While "very sick" is acceptable, consider using stronger adjectives like "gravely ill" or "critically unwell" to convey the severity more effectively. This enhances the impact of your writing and avoids overuse of the word "very".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was very sick" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the subject's state of being. As Ludwig AI suggests, it indicates a past condition of significant illness. Examples show its use in diverse contexts, from personal experiences to historical accounts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "was very sick" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a past state of illness. Ludwig AI confirms its general acceptability in English writing. It is most frequently found in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Scientific contexts, indicating its versatility across different registers. While acceptable, consider using stronger adjectives like "gravely ill" for enhanced impact. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly defines the illness's duration and impact. Remember, while grammatically sound, stronger alternatives may provide a more vivid description.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was severely ill

This alternative uses "severely ill" to emphasize the intensity of the sickness.

was critically unwell

This alternative uses "critically unwell" to suggest a serious and potentially life-threatening condition.

suffered a serious illness

This alternative focuses on the experience of enduring a grave sickness.

had a severe ailment

This alternative uses "ailment" as a more formal term for illness.

was gravely unwell

The word "gravely" emphasizes the serious nature of the illness.

was acutely ill

The term "acutely" indicates a sudden and severe onset of illness.

was in critical condition

This phrase emphasizes the severity of the person's state of health.

battled a serious disease

This alternative highlights the struggle against a significant disease.

was laid up with a severe illness

This phrase emphasizes the incapacitating nature of the sickness.

was on death's door

This is an idiomatic expression indicating extreme illness and a risk of death.

FAQs

What are some alternative ways to say "was very sick"?

You can use alternatives such as "was severely ill", "was critically unwell", or "suffered a serious illness", depending on the level of severity you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "was very sick"?

Yes, the phrase "was very sick" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English. However, consider using stronger adjectives for more impact.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "was very sick"?

The phrase "was very sick" is suitable when you want to describe that someone experienced a significant illness in the past. Be mindful of the context and whether a stronger adjective would be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "was very sick" and "was seriously ill"?

While both phrases indicate a significant level of illness, "was seriously ill" may imply a more severe or life-threatening condition than "was very sick". The choice depends on the context and the specific nuance you want to convey.