Some people claim the way the English language works only does so to piss them off.
Sometimes I’m inclined to agree.
Nausea, nauseous, nauseated… This is one of those things people get wrong so much it’s almost becoming the normal way to say it despite being incorrect. In fact, I don’t recall anyone ever using it right in my presence.
Putting it simply:
Nausea = Sickness of the stomach, an ill feeling, a feeling one my vomit. It’s a noun. A feeling.
Nauseous = Causing nausea. Think about this the next time you claim you are nauseous. You may very well be, but I have yet to encounter a person who makes me want to vomit on sight. Let’s assume you’re not.
Nauseated = Feeling nausea, about to vomit. Do you have an “icky” feeling? Then you’re feeling nauseated. Smell something bad that makes you want to vomit? You’re feeling nauseated. Not nauseous.
The nauseous smell invades your senses and causes nausea.
The nauseous smell invades your senses and causes you to feel nauseated.
The feeling of nausea came this morning, and you’ve been feeling nauseated since.
Critique Notes