Common English Mistakes in Prescription Guides by Italian Speakers

This page focuses on errors typically made by native Italian speakers from Italy when writing a Prescription Guide in English.

Mistake Example #1

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

Take this medicine two times in thea day, one in the morning and one in the evening. You must take itafter the lunch with a glass of water. If you feel any side effects, please contact withyour doctor immediately. We sSee yous in two weeks for thea follow-up appointment.

Text corrected by:
Miss E., Cyprus, Europe

"Please be mindful of errors such as the following: "two times in the day" should be "two times a day" and "We see us in two weeks" should be "See you in two weeks"."

Take this medicine two times a day, one in the morning and one in the evening. You must take it with a glass of water. If you feel any side effects, please contact your doctor immediately. See you in two weeks for a follow-up appointment.

Take this medicine two times in the day, one in the morning and one in the evening. You must take it after the lunch with a glass of water. If you feel any side effects, please contact with your doctor immediately. We see us in two weeks for the follow-up appointment.

Mistake Example #2

Overuse of passive voice

The medication is to be taken twice daily, and it is recommended that it is consumed with food. The dosage is to be adjusted by the doctor if side effects are experienced. It is advised that the medication twisce daily, preferably with food. If you experience side effects, your doctor will adjust the dosage. Storethe medication at room temperature and keepit away from direct sunlight.

Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

"This needed some tweaking to reduce the use of passive voice."

Take the medication twice daily, preferably with food. If you experience side effects, your doctor will adjust the dosage. Store the medication at room temperature and keep it away from direct sunlight.

The medication is to be taken twice daily, and it is recommended that it is consumed with food. The dosage is to be adjusted by the doctor if side effects are experienced. It is advised that the medication is stored at room temperature and kept away from direct sunlight.

Mistake Example #3

Confusing singular and plural nouns

Take one tablet with water every morning for seven days. If you experience any side effects, such as headache or nausea, please contact your doctor. Do not exceed the recommended dose, and keep the medication out of reach of children.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"Good job! I just changed a few singular nouns to plural."

Take one tablet with water every morning for seven days. If you experience any side effects, such as headache or nausea, please contact your doctor. Do not exceed the recommended dose, and keep the medication out of reach of children.

Take one tablet with water every morning for seven day. If you experience any side effect, such as headache or nausea, please contact your doctor. Do not exceed the recommended dose, and keep the medication out of reach of child.