Introduction 🤒
When you’re not feeling well, it’s important to be able to express your condition in English. Let’s explore various ways to talk about feeling sick or unwell in English!
Basic Expressions 🏥
Common Phrases for Feeling Sick
- under the weather
- feeling ill
- feeling sick
- not feeling well
- come down with something
- catch a cold/flu
- run down
- feeling poorly
Related Adjectives
- Nauseous / queasy
- Feverish
- Dizzy / lightheaded
- Exhausted / drained
- Achy / sore
- Congested
- Stuffed up
Useful Expressions and Examples 💊
When Describing Symptoms
Example 1: “I’ve been feeling under the weather lately.”
“I think I’m coming down with something.”
When Taking Sick Leave
Example 2: “I need to take the day off, I’m not feeling well.”
“I won’t be able to make it to work today, I’ve caught a bad cold.”
When Visiting the Doctor
Example 3: “I’ve been running a fever since yesterday.”
“My throat is really sore, and I feel quite achy.”
Conversation Examples 🗣️
At Work
A: “You don’t look so good. Are you okay?”
B: “Not really, I’m feeling a bit under the weather.”
A: “Maybe you should go home and rest.”
B: “You’re right, I think I’m coming down with something.”
At the Doctor’s Office
A: “What seems to be the problem?”
B: “I’ve been feeling really run down lately.”
A: “How long have you been feeling this way?”
B: “For about three days now.”
Grammar Points 📝
Using Prepositions with Illness
-
down with + illness Example: “I’m down with the flu.”
-
come down with + illness Example: “I think I’m coming down with a cold.”
-
suffer from + condition Example: “I suffer from migraines.”
Common Mistakes ❌
Incorrect: “I have caught cold.” Correct: “I have caught a cold.”
Incorrect: “I am fever.” Correct: “I have a fever.”
Situational Phrases 🎯
Describing Physical Discomfort
- “My head is spinning.”
- “My stomach is upset.”
- “Everything aches.”
Expressing Recovery
- “I’m on the mend.”
- “I’m getting better.”
- “I’m recovering slowly.”
Casual Expressions 🌟
Informal Ways to Say You’re Sick
- “I’m feeling rough.”
- “I’m not 100%.”
- “I’m a bit off today.”
Idioms 🎭
Health-Related Idioms
- “Fit as a fiddle”
- “Right as rain”
- “Back on your feet”
Phrases for Showing Sympathy 🤗
Example: “Get well soon!”
“Take care of yourself!”
“Hope you feel better!”
Vocabulary for Medical Settings 🏥
At the Pharmacy
- prescription
- medicine
- tablets
- painkillers
- cough syrup
- antibiotics
At the Doctor’s
- symptoms
- examination
- diagnosis
- treatment
- follow-up
- referral
Summary 🌡️
There are many ways to express feeling unwell in English. Choose expressions based on the severity and formality of the situation!
Key Points to Remember
- Learn basic illness-related vocabulary
- Practice formal and informal expressions
- Understand common health idioms
Remember to use these expressions appropriately depending on who you’re talking to!