Meaning
To become unwell or fall ill with a disease or ailment.
Cultural Background
In the US, 'getting sick' is often tied to the 'Sick Day' policy at work. Many Americans feel a sense of 'productivity guilt' when they get sick. When people get sick in Japan, it is culturally expected to wear a mask to protect others. It's seen as a sign of respect. British English speakers often use 'ill' for general sickness and 'sick' for nausea. 'Getting sick' can specifically mean 'about to vomit.' Getting sick in Germany usually involves a formal 'Krankschreibung' (doctor's note) from day one or three, which is a very structured process.
Use 'getting' for the process
If you feel the very first sneeze, say 'I'm getting sick.' It warns people around you!
Watch out in the UK
Remember that 'get sick' can mean 'vomit' to a British person. Use 'fall ill' if you want to sound very clear and formal.
Meaning
To become unwell or fall ill with a disease or ailment.
Use 'getting' for the process
If you feel the very first sneeze, say 'I'm getting sick.' It warns people around you!
Watch out in the UK
Remember that 'get sick' can mean 'vomit' to a British person. Use 'fall ill' if you want to sound very clear and formal.
The 'Get Sick Of' trick
Use this to sound more native when you are annoyed. 'I'm getting sick of this rain' sounds much more natural than 'This rain makes me unhappy.'
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'get sick'.
I forgot my umbrella in the rain, and now I think I am _______.
The phrase 'I am' requires the present continuous '-ing' form to show a process happening now.
Choose the sentence that uses the figurative meaning of 'get sick'.
Which sentence means the person is annoyed?
'Get sick of' followed by a noun means to be annoyed or bored.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Why wasn't Tom at the meeting? B: He _______ last night and had to stay home.
The dialogue refers to a completed action in the past ('last night').
Match the phrase to the situation.
Match 'I'm getting sick' with the best situation:
'Getting sick' describes the beginning of the illness.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Get vs. Be
Practice Bank
4 exercisesI forgot my umbrella in the rain, and now I think I am _______.
The phrase 'I am' requires the present continuous '-ing' form to show a process happening now.
Which sentence means the person is annoyed?
'Get sick of' followed by a noun means to be annoyed or bored.
A: Why wasn't Tom at the meeting? B: He _______ last night and had to stay home.
The dialogue refers to a completed action in the past ('last night').
Match 'I'm getting sick' with the best situation:
'Getting sick' describes the beginning of the illness.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, it's perfectly fine for a standard email to a boss. For a very formal HR document, use 'become unwell.'
'Get sick' is everyday English; 'fall ill' is formal and often used in writing or news.
No, that sounds unnatural. Say 'I got sick' or 'I have an illness.'
Usually, but it can also mean food poisoning or any sudden physical problem.
Use the -ing form. 'I got sick of **waiting** for the bus.'
Yes, in American English 'gotten' is the standard past participle. In British English, 'got' is used.
No. 'Get sick' is for internal illnesses (flu, cold, stomach issues), not physical injuries.
There isn't a perfect opposite like 'get healthy,' but we often say 'get better' or 'recover.'
That's slang! In that context, 'sick' means 'awesome.' But you wouldn't say 'I got sick' to mean 'I became awesome.'
It's less common. Usually, we say 'struggle with' or 'develop' a mental health condition.
Related Phrases
come down with
similarTo start to suffer from a minor illness.
fall ill
similarTo become sick.
get sick of
specialized formTo become bored or annoyed with something.
catch a cold
specialized formTo get a specific minor respiratory illness.
