How to say it · How you feel

Feeling a bit ill

You're not quite right: a sore throat, a headache, no energy. You want to say how ill you feel, from "a bit off" to "I can't come in".

6 ways to say it

Jo sits up in bed with tissues as a small rain cloud rains only on her, and Leo brings her a warm drink.

How illMildSerious

I'm feeling a bit under the weatherbest default I'm not feeling greatvague and easy I think I'm coming down with somethingjust starting I've got a stinking coldproper cold I feel awfulreally rough I'm not well enough to come in todaycalling in sick

Way 1 · best default

I'm feeling a bit under the weather

A polite, light way to say you're a bit ill. You don't have to give details.

How illMild

ToneNeutral

Use itAnywhere

Examples

I'm feeling a bit under the weather, so I'll skip the gym today.

Sorry I'm quiet. I'm feeling a bit under the weather.

In a conversation

A: You look tired. Are you OK?
B: I'm feeling a bit under the weather, but I'll be fine.

Common mistake

Not: I'm feeling a bit under weather.

Say: I'm feeling a bit under the weather.

Don't drop "the". And it has nothing to do with the real weather: it just means slightly ill.

Practice saying this

Next: I'm not feeling great

Way 2 · vague and easy

I'm not feeling great

Something's a bit off, but you're not sure what. Works for feeling ill, tired or low.

How illVery mild

ToneCasual

Use itAnywhere

Examples

I'm not feeling great. I think I'll head home early.

I wasn't feeling great this morning, but I'm better now.

Practice saying this

Next: I think I'm coming down with something

Way 3 · just starting

I think I'm coming down with something

You feel an illness starting, like a scratchy throat or shivers, but it hasn't fully arrived yet.

How illMild

ToneNeutral

Use itAnywhere

Examples

I think I'm coming down with something. My throat's really scratchy.

Half the office is coming down with something this week.

In a conversation

A: Are you still coming tonight?
B: I'm not sure. I think I'm coming down with something.

Common mistake

Not: I think I'm coming down ~~from~~ something.

Say: I think I'm coming down with something.

You come down WITH an illness. "Come down from" is about leaving a high place.

Practice saying this

Next: I've got a stinking cold

Way 4 · proper cold

I've got a stinking cold

A really bad cold: blocked nose, sore throat, sneezing. Nothing serious, just miserable.

How illMiddle

ToneCasual

Use itWith friends

Examples

I've got a stinking cold, so I won't come round and give it to you.

Sorry about my voice. I've got a stinking cold.

Practice saying this

Next: I feel awful

Way 5 · really rough

I feel awful

You feel really ill: fever, aches, no energy. Short and strong.

How illSerious

ToneCasual

Use itAnywhere

Examples

I feel awful. Everything aches and I can't stop shivering.

I felt awful all weekend, so I stayed in bed.

Common mistake

Not: I feel ~~awfully.~~

Say: I feel awful.

After "feel", use an adjective (awful, sick, better), not an adverb.

Practice saying this

Next: I'm not well enough to come in today

Way 6 · calling in sick

I'm not well enough to come in today

The clear, professional way to tell your boss you're staying home ill.

How illVery serious

ToneFormal

Use itAt work

Examples

Morning, Sarah. I'm afraid I'm not well enough to come in today.

I'm not well enough to come in today, but I'll check my emails if I can.

In a conversation

A: Hi, is everything OK?
B: Sorry, I've got a fever. I'm not well enough to come in today.

Practice saying this

Test yourself: which would you say?

Pick the right one

Which would you say?

Read the moment, then choose the way that fits it best.

Now say it out loud

Pick one and practise it in a real conversation. Save the ones you want to remember.

I'm feeling a bit under the weather I'm not feeling great I think I'm coming down with something I've got a stinking cold

Which would you say?

Now say it out loud

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