Common English Mistakes in Patient Information Leaflets by Italian Speakers

This page focuses on errors typically made by native Italian speakers from Italy when writing a Patient Information Leaflet in English.

Mistake Example #1

Using direct translations from Italian (e.g., 'We see us tomorrow' instead of 'See you tomorrow')

Before you take this medicine, it is important that you read all the instructions carefully. If you have any questions, please contact your doctor or pharmacist. We recommend that you take the medicine with water and not on anempty stomach. Ifyour symptoms persist, wesee us again fora further consultation.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"I just changed it a bit to make the English sound more natural."

Before you take this medicine, it is important that you read all the instructions carefully. If you have any questions, please contact your doctor or pharmacist. We recommend that you take the medicine with water and not on an empty stomach. If your symptoms persist, see us again for a further consultation.

Before you take this medicine, it is important that you read all the instructions carefully. If you have any question, please contact your doctor or pharmacist. We recommend to take the medicine with water and not on empty stomach. If symptoms persist, we see us again for further consultation.

Mistake Example #2

Confusing singular and plural nouns

Pleaseread carefullyread the instructions forthe use of this medicine. It is important to take the tablet with a glass of water and not to crush or chew ithem. If you have any questions about dosage, consult your doctor or pharmacist for advices.

Text corrected by:
Vince, United States

"Overall your writing was very good; it just needed a few tweaks to make things consistent. Well done! "

Please carefully read the instructions for the use of this medicine. It is important to take the tablet with a glass of water and not to crush or chew it. If you have any questions about dosage, consult your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Please read carefully the instruction for use of this medicine. It is important to take the tablet with a glass of water and not to crush or chew them. If you have any question about dosage, consult your doctor or pharmacist for advices.

Mistake Example #3

Overuse of passive voice

The medication isthould be taken twice daily, and it is recommended that it is consumed with food. Ifyou experience any side effects, contare experienced,t a doctorshould be contacted immediately. Theis leaflet is designed to provide essential information, so pleand it is advised that it is readit carefully before taking the medicatione is used.

Text corrected by:
Howard B., NJ, USA

"I have made changes from passive to a more active voice for more direct English instruction. The first sentence is edited but remains in passive voice because this is a standard instruction for medications."

The medication should be taken twice daily with food. If you experience any side effects, contact a doctor immediately. This leaflet is designed to provide essential information, so please read it carefully before taking the medication.

The medication is to be taken twice daily, and it is recommended that it is consumed with food. If any side effects are experienced, a doctor should be contacted immediately. The leaflet is designed to provide essential information, and it is advised that it is read carefully before the medicine is used.