What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
ailing
Example
The ailing patient was given some medication to alleviate the symptoms. [ailing: adjective]
Example
The company is ailing due to poor management and financial mismanagement. [ailing: present participle]
Example
The ailing plant needs more sunlight and water to recover. [ailing: verb]
ill
Example
The ill child was taken to the hospital for treatment. [ill: adjective]
Example
It's ill luck that it started raining just as we were about to leave. [ill: noun]
Example
The car is ill and needs to be taken to the mechanic. [ill: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Ill is more commonly used than ailing in everyday language. Ill is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while ailing is less common and more formal, often used in medical or organizational contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between ailing and ill?
Ailing is more formal than ill, which is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts. Ailing is often used in medical or organizational contexts, while ill can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
