Significado
To contract the influenza virus, leading to illness.
Contexto cultural
In the US, getting a flu shot is a major public health initiative. People often say 'I caught the flu' to explain why they didn't get the vaccine. In the UK, the NHS provides free flu vaccines to vulnerable groups. 'Catching the flu' is often discussed in the context of NHS capacity. In Japan, wearing a mask is a common way to prevent catching the flu, especially in public transport. In Australia, the flu season happens during the winter months (June-August), which is the opposite of the Northern Hemisphere.
Use 'the'
Always say 'the flu', not 'a flu'. It's a specific, well-known illness.
Don't exaggerate
Don't use 'the flu' for a simple headache or a small cold. It makes you sound like you are exaggerating.
Significado
To contract the influenza virus, leading to illness.
Use 'the'
Always say 'the flu', not 'a flu'. It's a specific, well-known illness.
Don't exaggerate
Don't use 'the flu' for a simple headache or a small cold. It makes you sound like you are exaggerating.
Use it for work
It's the perfect phrase for a professional, honest excuse when you are too sick to work.
Teste-se
Fill in the blank with the correct phrase.
I'm sorry I can't come, I think I _________ the flu.
We use 'catch' for illnesses.
Choose the correct sentence.
Which sentence is correct?
Always use 'the' with 'flu'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Why are you staying home? B: _________.
This explains the reason for staying home.
Match the situation to the phrase.
You are explaining your absence to your boss.
This is a professional and clear excuse.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Recursos visuais
Banco de exercicios
4 exerciciosI'm sorry I can't come, I think I _________ the flu.
We use 'catch' for illnesses.
Which sentence is correct?
Always use 'the' with 'flu'.
A: Why are you staying home? B: _________.
This explains the reason for staying home.
You are explaining your absence to your boss.
This is a professional and clear excuse.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasYes, that is also very common. 'I caught the flu' describes the event, 'I have the flu' describes the state.
It is neutral. It's fine for work, but don't use it in a formal medical report.
Because it refers to a specific, well-known disease.
No, that is grammatically incorrect. Always use 'the'.
No, the flu is usually much more severe.
You can say 'coger la gripe' or 'agarrar la gripe'.
Then you should say 'I have a cold'.
Yes, people often post 'I caught the flu' to explain why they are offline.
Yes, but it sounds very formal or clinical.
It is a collocation. It's a natural pairing of words.
Frases relacionadas
come down with
synonymTo start to suffer from an illness.
under the weather
similarFeeling ill.
flu season
builds onThe time of year when the flu is common.
contract a virus
specialized formTo become infected.
