When you feel unwell, you need the right words quickly — to tell a friend, to call work, to explain it at a pharmacy. These eight cover the everyday version of feeling bad and getting better.
1. You Don't Look Well
Kira: Are you all right?
Sam: I'm coming down with something.
Kira: You do look pale.
Sam: It started last night.
Kira: Go home. Really.
Sam: Maybe after lunch.
2. Describing a Headache
Nadia: I've got a terrible headache.
Ben: Since when?
Nadia: It started this morning.
Ben: Have you taken anything?
Nadia: Not yet.
Ben: Take something and lie down.
3. Calling in Sick
Ravi: I won't make it in today.
Boss: What's wrong?
Ravi: I've got a fever.
Boss: Stay home. Rest.
Ravi: I'll be back Thursday.
Boss: Only if you're better.
4. At the Pharmacy
Ana: Something for a sore throat?
Chemist: These or the spray.
Ana: Which is stronger?
Chemist: The spray. Twice a day.
Ana: I'll take it.
Chemist: And drink plenty of water.
5. A Bad Night
Jo: You look exhausted.
Mia: I barely slept.
Jo: Was it the neighbors again?
Mia: Until two in the morning.
Jo: Have a nap later.
Mia: If I get the chance.
6. Getting Better
Otto: How are you feeling?
Lena: Much better, thanks.
Otto: You sound it.
Lena: The cough's still there.
Otto: That's the last part to go.
Lena: So everyone tells me.
7. Energy in the Morning
Tess: How are you awake already?
Marc: I've got more energy in the morning.
Tess: I'm the opposite.
Marc: You go to bed at two.
Tess: That may be part of it.
8. Trying to Stay Healthy
Ida: You've started running?
Ken: Three times a week.
Ida: Does it help?
Ken: I sleep better. That's enough.
Ida: Maybe I'll join you.
Ken: Saturday, seven o'clock.
Words to know
| fever | a body temperature that is too high I've got a fever. |
| sore | painful, especially a throat or muscle Something for a sore throat? |
| cough | the sharp sound you make when your throat is blocked The cough's still there. |
| pale | whiter in the face than usual You do look pale. |
| exhausted | extremely tired You look exhausted. |
| nap | a short sleep during the day Have a nap later. |
| energy | the strength you need to do things I've got more energy in the morning. |
| recover | to get well again after being ill It takes a week to recover. |
Quick practice
Complete each sentence with an expression from the lessons.
1. A: Are you all right?
B: I'm coming down with ________.
2. A: I've got a terrible ________.
B: Have you taken anything?
3. A: What's wrong?
B: I've got a ________. I won't make it in today.
4. A: Something for a ________ throat?
B: These or the spray.
5. A: You look ________.
B: I barely slept.
6. A: How are you feeling?
B: Much ________, thanks.
Show the answers
1. something 2. headache 3. fever 4. sore 5. exhausted 6. better
Common mistakes
Not: I feel me tired.
Say: I feel tired.
Feel takes no me, him or myself after it.
Not: My head is paining.
Say: I've got a headache.
English names the ache instead of using a verb: a headache, a toothache, a stomach ache.
Not: She is ill of the flu.
Say: She's ill with the flu.
Ill and sick take with.
Your turn
Imagine you woke up feeling unwell this morning. Say these five things aloud.
- Tell a friend how you feel, in two sentences.
- Describe exactly where it hurts and when it started.
- Call your work or school and explain you cannot come in.
- Ask a pharmacist for something, without naming a medicine.
- Say two things you do to stay healthy in a normal week.
Quick review
Notice the pattern in this lesson: English says I've got a fever, I've got a headache, I've got a cough. One structure, many problems. Say all three aloud now, then add sore throat, and you can describe almost any everyday illness.