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they were sick vs they got sick

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'They were sick' is used to describe a past state of being sick, while 'They got sick' is used to describe the action of becoming sick. So, the choice between the two depends on whether you want to emphasize the state of being sick or the action of getting sick.

Last updated: March 08, 2024 • 1365 views

they were sick

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to describe a past state of being sick.

This phrase is used to describe a situation where someone was sick in the past. It emphasizes the state of being sick.

Examples:

Last week, they were sick with the flu.
During the trip, they were sick and couldn't enjoy the activities.

Show examples from the web [+]

But I, when they were sick— I wore sackcloth; I afflicted myself with fasting; I prayed with head bowed on my chest. New American Standard Bible But as for me, ...
King James Version But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth: I humbled my soul with fasting; and my prayer returned into mine own bosom ...
When they were sick - This might refer to the case of Absalom, who was much beloved of his father, and for whose life and prosperity he no doubt often prayed, ...
Why did 50+ Olivet students believe they were sick? By Tom Hillen Published: September 12, 2014, 10:29 pm Updated: September 12, 2014, 11:19 pm.

Alternatives:

they were ill
they were unwell
they were under the weather
they were feeling unwell

they got sick

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to describe the action of becoming sick.

This phrase is used to describe the action of someone becoming sick. It emphasizes the process of getting sick.

Examples:

After eating the seafood, they got sick.
They got sick after being exposed to the cold weather.

Show examples from the web [+]

Dec 19, 2014 ... What's New. 13 patients of NH PainCare clinics sue, say they got sick after injections · Print; Email. Details: Category: What's New: Created on ...
Nov 17, 2014 ... Those who said timing was why they thought a restaurant meal caused their sickness said they got sick in less time (6.6 hours) than those who ...
If it isn't, I'd honestly explain that I don't know why they got sick, and that I'd discuss the matter with all kitchen personnel. I'd also agree with ...
... these complaints generated 37 restaurant investigations. Callers often report they got sick from food eaten at the last restaurant they visited before getting sick.

Alternatives:

they fell ill
they became sick
they caught a bug
they came down with an illness

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