When you need this
Sometimes it isn't you who's sick. Your daughter has a fever and can't go to school, your dad has been in the hospital, your partner is stuck in bed with the flu. You have two jobs in these conversations: explain why you need to change your plans, and answer kind questions from people who care.
There's also the other side. When a coworker says their mom is unwell, you want to say something warm without being nosy. The safest move is to show you care and offer help, then let them decide how much to tell you. "How's your dad doing?" is kind. "What exactly is wrong with him?" can feel like too much.
Listen for "doing" in these questions and answers. "How's she doing?" and "He's doing better" are the everyday way to talk about someone's health over days or weeks, and they sound gentler than "Is she sick?"
Phrases
present perfect: it started then and still continues
you're looking after a sick child
you're helping someone who is unwell
American English says "the hospital"
she's sleeping or lying down to get better
many people have the same cold or bug
a kind, open question about someone's health
the good-news reply
the first thing to say when someone shares bad news
a warm wish for the sick person
ask someone to pass on your good wishes
a real offer of help
an open offer; they can ask later
the reply that shows you noticed their kindness
Say it out loud
Tap a sentence to hear it. Say it after the voice.
Practice · 3 min
Say the line that fits. Situation on the left, one natural line on the right.
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Say it today
Use it once in a real conversation before tomorrow. Out loud counts, even to yourself.