The phrase "were ill with" is spelled phonetically as /wɜr ɪl wɪð/. The "w" sound is pronounced as the voiced labial-velar approximant, while the "ere" combination is pronounced as the vowel sound "ur". The "i" sound is pronounced as the short vowel "ih" and the "l" sound is pronounced as the dental lateral approximant. Finally, the "with" part is pronounced as the voiceless dental fricative followed by the voiced dental fricative.
"Were ill with" is a phrase used to describe the state of being unwell or suffering from a specific illness or condition. It is typically used to emphasize the current or immediate past state of someone's health.
The term "were" denotes the past tense of the verb "to be," indicating that the subject was previously in a state of illness. "Ill" is an adjective that refers to being in a state of poor health or being unwell. It can encompass a wide range of physical or mental conditions that affect an individual's well-being.
The addition of "with" in the phrase implies that the individual was afflicted by a specific illness or condition. This could extend to diseases, infections, disorders, or any other health-related issue that hampers one's overall well-being. It suggests a temporary state of being, as the word "with" signifies a temporary association or condition.
For instance, one might say, "Many students were ill with the flu last week," indicating that a significant number of students experienced flu symptoms during the mentioned time frame.
Overall, "were ill with" is a concise and specific phrase used to communicate that someone was unwell or suffering from a particular condition in the past. It highlights the transient nature of the illness and allows for a clear understanding of the person's health status during a specific period.