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Anonymous Posted 18 years ago
Grammar
sick/ill/??? in reffering about physical health
Hello everyone,
I'd like to ask you which is the appropriate adjective used when we are talking about someone' s physical health?
For example, when someone gets flu, tonsilitis or pneumonia, what we call such an individual in general?
I'm fairly sure that "ill person" or "sick man" refer rather to his mental state or implying that there is something unnatural in his behaviour.
So, what should I say if I have to use the "adjective - noun" pattern.
Thanks in advance!
I'd like to ask you which is the appropriate adjective used when we are talking about someone' s physical health?
For example, when someone gets flu, tonsilitis or pneumonia, what we call such an individual in general?
I'm fairly sure that "ill person" or "sick man" refer rather to his mental state or implying that there is something unnatural in his behaviour.
So, what should I say if I have to use the "adjective - noun" pattern.
Thanks in advance!
Top answer
Ill person and sick man apply equally to mental and physical maladies. I can't think of an adjective-noun combo which excludes mental illness. " - A.
- Ill person and sick man apply equally to mental and physical maladies.
- I can't think of an adjective-noun combo which excludes mental illness.
- " - A.
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7 Answers
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Ill person and sick man apply equally to mental and physical maladies. I can't think of an adjective-noun combo which excludes mental illness. You might have to be specific: "suffering from the flu," "flat on his back with pneumonia."
- A.
- A.
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The old school of grammarians see it this way:
BrE: He is sick. (= nothing serious, perhaps the flu, cough or something similar)
He is ill.(= serious, probably in hospital)
He is a sick man. (= could be either, ill isn't used attributively, in other words, before a noun)
AmE: He is sick can refer to a serious illness, unlike BrE.
Ill
BrE: He is sick. (= nothing serious, perhaps the flu, cough or something similar)
He is ill.(= serious, probably in hospital)
He is a sick man. (= could be either, ill isn't used attributively, in other words, before a noun)
AmE: He is sick can refer to a serious illness, unlike BrE.
Ill
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Cool Breeze (Sorry, I'm becoming incomprehensible.) Not: an ill man.Shall I recommend a sanitarium or a sanitorium?
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AvangiI think a double Jack Daniel's would be enough.Cool Breeze (Sorry, I'm becoming incomprehensible.) Not: an ill man.Shall I recommend a sanitarium or a sanitorium?
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On the contrary, Cool Breeze, you hit the right nail on the head with your explanation[Y]
Thank you!
Thank you!
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I like the expression "flat on his back with pneumonia"
. Never heard it before, however, and I'm certain to remember it.
Tha
. Never heard it before, however, and I'm certain to remember it.Tha
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Cool Breeze ill isn't used attributivelySorry I didn't catch this, guys. I know better.
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