you were unwell

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "you were unwell" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to someone who was not feeling well in the past. Example: "I noticed you were unwell last week, and I hope you're feeling better now."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The kind of question they will consider, says Mr Cassidy, goes like this: "If you are a chip shop at one end of the street, why aren't you making as much as the chip shop at the other end?" If your profits have gone down for a particular reason (because you were unwell, perhaps, or because you lost a major contract), then it is worth keeping a note of these reasons in case HMRC asks you later".

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

When you are unwell it increases.

The Guardian

Have you been unwell in bed for awhile?

The Guardian

"The struggle with mortality goes on whether or not you're unwell.

The Guardian - Music

"It is very unpleasant while you are unwell," says John Harris, an expert in norovirus at the HPA.

The Guardian

The banner you can see demonstrates that we don't discriminate: regardless of who you are, if you're unwell, we will treat you.

The Guardian

Nevertheless, always get this checked out if you are unwell as the symptoms are not always the classical ones we associate with malaria.

The Guardian - Travel

Can you give me a script just in case?" "I'd prefer not to but come back if you're unwell".

The Guardian - Opinion

Seeking professional help is important, but you do most of the work on your own and it can't begin until you admit that you're unwell and choose to take action".

Independent

"It is always good to let the university know early on that you are unwell and to find out, for example, what evidence may be needed for a mitigating circumstances application," she says.

The Guardian

In an era in which Facebook has made "friend" into a verb, we often confuse the ambient intimacy of websites with the authentic intimacy that comes with sharing your life's challenges with someone who cares – who will be sad because you are sad, happy because you feel joy, worried if you are unwell, reassuring if you are hopeless.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing formally, consider using "you were indisposed" as a more polite alternative to "you were unwell".

Common error

Ensure context clarifies the severity of "unwell". If significant health issues are involved, using more specific terminology is preferred for accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "you were unwell" functions as a statement describing a past state of someone's health. It indicates that the person experienced a period of sickness or poor health. Ludwig confirms its common use in expressing this condition.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "you were unwell" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe someone's past state of poor health. While it is generally neutral, "indisposed" may be a better fit for formal settings. Ludwig highlights its extensive use in News & Media and Science contexts. When using this phrase, consider the specific context to ensure it accurately reflects the severity and nature of the illness. As confirmed by Ludwig, alternatives like "you were sick" or "you were ill" are often interchangeable, but it's essential to consider the nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

you were indisposed

Replaces "unwell" with a more formal term, suggesting a temporary inability to perform one's usual activities due to illness.

you were sick

Uses a simpler and more common synonym for "unwell", suitable for everyday conversation.

you were not feeling well

A straightforward way of expressing that someone was experiencing poor health.

you were ailing

Implies a more prolonged or chronic state of being unwell.

you were poorly

A more British English alternative to "you were unwell".

you were under the weather

An idiomatic expression indicating a mild illness.

you were laid up

Implies being confined to bed or home due to illness.

you suffered from an illness

Highlights the experience of enduring an illness.

you were not up to par

Suggests that someone's performance or well-being was below their usual standard due to sickness.

you were out of sorts

Indicates a general feeling of discomfort or mild illness.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "you were unwell"?

You can use alternatives like "you were sick", "you were ill", or "you were indisposed" depending on the context.

Is "you were unwell" formal or informal?

"You were unwell" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. For more informal contexts, "you were sick" is appropriate. For formal contexts, consider "you were indisposed".

How to use "you were unwell" in a sentence?

You can use "you were unwell" to describe someone's past state of being sick. For example, "I heard you were unwell last week, I hope you are feeling better now."

What is the difference between "you were unwell" and "you were ill"?

The terms "you were unwell" and "you were ill" are largely synonymous. "Unwell" may sometimes imply a milder or more temporary condition than "ill", but they are often interchangeable.