Common Illness Expressions in English: How to Talk About Not Feeling Well


Introduction 🤒

When you’re not feeling well in an English-speaking country, knowing how to describe your symptoms is essential. Let’s explore common expressions and vocabulary for talking about illnesses in English!

Basic Expressions 🏥

Common Illnesses

  • cold / flu / fever
  • stomachache / headache
  • sore throat
  • cough
  • runny nose
  • allergies
  • food poisoning
  • nausea
  • migraine
  • rash

Symptoms and Feelings

  • dizzy / lightheaded
  • tired / exhausted
  • achy / sore
  • stuffy / congested
  • queasy / sick to my stomach
  • chills / shivers
  • sneezing
  • itchy
  • swollen
  • feverish

Useful Expressions and Examples 🤧

When Visiting a Doctor

Example 1: “I’ve been feeling under the weather lately.”

“I’m not feeling myself today.”

When Describing Symptoms

Example 2: “I have a splitting headache.”

“My throat is killing me.”

When Talking About Recovery

Example 3: “I’m on the mend.”

“I’m feeling much better now.”

Conversation Examples 💊

At the Doctor’s Office

Doctor: “What brings you in today?”

Patient: “I’ve had a terrible cough for three days.”

Doctor: “Is it a dry cough or are you coughing up anything?”

Patient: “It’s mostly a dry cough, and my throat feels scratchy.”

Checking on a Sick Friend

A: “I heard you’re not feeling well. How are you doing?”

B: “I’m still a bit under the weather, but I’m getting better.”

A: “Have you been taking any medicine?”

B: “Yes, I started antibiotics yesterday.”

Grammar Points 📝

Using “Have” vs “Have Got”

  1. American English: “I have a cold.”

  2. British English: “I’ve got a cold.”

Duration Words

  1. Present Perfect with illnesses: “I’ve been sick for three days.” “I’ve had this cough since Monday.”

Common Mistakes ❌

Incorrect: “I have temperature.” Correct: “I have a temperature.”

Incorrect: “I am pain.” Correct: “I am in pain.”

Situational Phrases 🎯

At the Pharmacy

  • “I need something for a headache.”
  • “What do you recommend for a sore throat?”
  • “Where can I find cold medicine?”

Calling in Sick

  • “I won’t be able to make it to work today.”
  • “I’m feeling under the weather.”
  • “I’ve come down with something.”

Medical Vocabulary 💉

Body Parts

  • throat
  • chest
  • stomach
  • head
  • nose
  • ears
  • joints
  • muscles

Common Medications

  • painkillers
  • cough syrup
  • decongestant
  • antihistamine
  • antibiotics
  • throat lozenges

Time Expressions 🕒

Talking About Duration

  • “I’ve been sick for a week.”
  • “The symptoms started yesterday.”
  • “I’m still not feeling better.”

Recovery Expressions 🌟

Getting Better

  • “I’m on the road to recovery.”
  • “I’m over the worst of it.”
  • “I’m finally back on my feet.”

Cultural Notes 🌏

Visiting Etiquette

  • “Get well soon!”
  • “Hope you feel better!”
  • “Take care of yourself!”

Summary 🏨

Remember these key expressions to communicate effectively about health in English!

Key Points to Remember

  1. Learn basic illness vocabulary
  2. Practice describing symptoms clearly
  3. Know how to ask for medicine at a pharmacy
  4. Understand common recovery phrases

Use these expressions to communicate clearly about your health with doctors and friends!




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