what ails you

USAGE SUMMARY

"what ails you" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used in spoken or informal written language, but can also be used in more formal contexts depending on the tone and context of the sentence. Here is an example of using "what ails you" in a sentence: "What ails you?" asked the doctor as she examined the patient's symptoms. In this sentence, the doctor is asking about the patient's illness or discomfort. The phrase "what ails you" can also be used as a way of expressing concern for someone's well-being, such as in the following example: "You seem troubled. What ails you?" inquired the friend.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

This one's good for what ails you.

The New York Times - Books

"A doctor needs to know what ails you.

The New York Times

Hey, it's Sunday; it's the day to cure what ails you.

The New York Times

I give you the magic potion from Asterix: good for what ails you.

The Guardian - Books

Tony & Tina's Color Cards enable you to "read" your color vibrations and diagnose what ails you.

The New York Times

Chicken's feet are also used as a tasty way to cure what ails you.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

At the Upper East Side branch of the Second Avenue Deli, they have matzo ball soup for what ails you.

The New York Times - Food

Oz, however, functions essentially as Welby 2.0, presenting the ideal of a caring physician who has all the time in the world to discuss what ails you.

The New Yorker

"The good news is that I have a cure for what ails you, the bad news is that it's ten thousand light-years away".

The New Yorker

Happiness may not cure what ails you, a recent study suggests, but it might keep you from getting sick in the first place.

University of California, Berkeley

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Find a constructive way to address what ails you change the trend for the better get along or consider a move or a change for the long term.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "what ails you" to inquire about someone's physical or emotional well-being in a caring and slightly informal manner.

Common error

Avoid using "what ails you" in highly formal or professional settings, where more direct or clinical language might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what ails you" functions as an interrogative expression, specifically a question used to inquire about someone's ailment, trouble, or source of distress. It seeks to identify the problem or issue affecting the person being addressed. Ludwig AI confirms this.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

25%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "what ails you" is a common interrogative phrase used to ask about someone's problems or health concerns. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and correctness in written English, typically in spoken or informal contexts. While grammatically sound and widely understood, it might not be suitable for highly formal or professional environments. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media and academic contexts, conveying a tone of concern and inviting open communication about the other person's well-being. Understanding these nuances helps ensure appropriate and effective usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

What's wrong with you?

Focuses directly on the problem affecting the person.

What's the matter with you?

Inquires about the problem, often implying concern.

What troubles you?

Highlights the emotional or mental burden.

What's bothering you?

Suggests an ongoing issue causing distress.

Is something the matter?

A more general inquiry about a potential problem.

What's making you feel unwell?

Focuses specifically on physical or mental well-being.

What are you struggling with?

Emphasizes the difficulties someone is facing.

What's eating at you?

Implies a hidden or internal source of distress.

What's plaguing you?

Suggests a persistent and troublesome issue.

Can I help you with something?

Offers assistance, implying awareness of a potential problem.

FAQs

How can I use "what ails you" in a sentence?

You can use "what ails you" to ask someone what is troubling them, either physically or emotionally. For example, "The doctor asked, 'What ails you today?'"

What is a more formal alternative to "what ails you"?

In more formal settings, you could ask, "What seems to be the problem?" or "What are your symptoms?".

Is "what ails you" appropriate for professional communication?

While "what ails you" is generally understood, it might be considered too informal for professional communication. Opt for more direct questions like "What challenges are you facing?" or "how can I help" instead.

What's the difference between "what ails you" and "what's wrong with you"?

"What ails you" has a slightly old-fashioned or folksy feel and often implies concern for someone's well-being. "What's wrong with you" can sound more direct or even accusatory, depending on the tone.