So, you’re nervous about emailing to tell your boss you threw up.
It’s okay; it’s a difficult thing to talk about!
But if you’re worried that “throwing up” is a bit too direct or in-your-face, you’ll need a few alternatives.
Luckily, this article will show you how to say “throwing up” professionally with a few great synonyms.
Other Ways to Say “Throwing Up”
- Dealing with an upset stomach
- Feeling really under the weather
- Being sick
- Can’t stop being sick
- Experiencing distress
- Experiencing nausea and vomiting
- Suffering from digestive discomfort
- Experiencing gastric distress
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- “Throwing up” is acceptable in emails to your boss, but it’s not the most appropriate phrase to use.
- “Dealing with an upset stomach” is a great way to let your boss know you’re sick formally.
- For a less formal phrase, try “feeling really under the weather.”
Keep reading to learn a polite way to tell your boss you’re vomiting. There are some great options above, and we’ll touch on the best two to help you with it.
We also recommend reading the final section to learn whether it’s acceptable to say “throwing up” in an email. We’ve explained when you might have to use it and whether it works.
Dealing With an Upset Stomach (Formal)
For something slightly more formal than “throwing up,” you can write “dealing with an upset stomach.”
It’s a great phrase that shows you’re a bit under the weather and would like to take some time off work.
Ideally, your boss will be happy to oblige when they hear this. It’s respectful and honest. It lets them know you simply can’t make it to work because you’re too sick to do anything.
We recommend using it when contacting your employer professionally. It lets them know you are in no fit state.
Here’s a great sample email to show you how it works:
Dear Mr. Jenkins,
I’m dealing with an upset stomach right now. So, unfortunately, I won’t be able to make it in for my shift today.
All the best,
Billy Shatner
Feeling Really Under the Weather (Informal)
It’s also good to use something slightly more informal. That’s where “feeling really under the weather” comes in.
Of course, this time, it’s best to use it when you get along well with your boss.
If you’ve already established a decent working relationship with them, this is a good way to move forward.
It shows you are too sick to work, and you simply can’t do anything useful. It’s a good way to ask directly for time off by explaining you’re sick without needing to use “throwing up.”
You can also review this email example:
Dear Miss Adams,
I’m feeling really under the weather today! I know it’s a big day for the company, but I can’t come in to help out!
My sincerest apologies,
Joanna Wink
Is It Acceptable to Say “Throwing Up”?
It is acceptable to say “throwing up,” although it’s not always the most useful phrase. It is not polite compared to other options.
For example, you can say:
- Being sick
This is a much more reasonable and appropriate phrase to include when emailing your boss to let them know you’re unwell.
However, “throwing up” is still acceptable. It works in sickness emails, so you can say it to your boss to let them know you need time off work.
While “throwing up” is a bit more detailed and gruesome than simply saying “being sick,” it’s a great one to include in an email.
After all, it gets to the point and explains exactly why you’re unable to make it to work.
It’s also more polite to say “throwing up” than “vomit.” So, things could get worse if you use “vomit” instead.
Here are some examples showing you how to use it in an email:
Dear Ms. Mathews,
I’m sorry to say this, but I’m throwing up. I can’t stop myself, and I simply won’t be able to make it in today.
Yours,
Jade Tony
Dear Mr. Ahmed,
I’m throwing up at home and have been throughout the night. I hope you don’t mind, but I’ll need to be off sick today.
All the best,
Vanessa Huge