Common English Mistakes in Patient Information Leaflets by Spanish Speakers

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

Mistake Example #1

Overuse of present continuous ('I am going to the school every day' instead of 'I go to school every day')

If you arWhen taking this medication,you are needing to drink plenty of water every day. You are vVisiting your doctor regularly to monitor your progress and to ensure the medication is working correctly. If you areexperiencinge any side effects, you arecontacting your healthcare provider immediately.

Text corrected by:
Camille, Maryland, USA

"I have corrected the use of tenses to improve the overall fluency and flow. "

When taking this medication, drink plenty of water every day. Visit your doctor regularly to monitor your progress and to ensure the medication is working correctly. If you experience any side effects, contact your healthcare provider immediately.

If you are taking this medication, you are needing to drink plenty of water every day. You are visiting your doctor regularly to monitor your progress and to ensure the medication is working correctly. If you are experiencing any side effects, you are contacting your healthcare provider immediately.

Mistake Example #2

Misuse of prepositions ('Married with' instead of 'Married to')

Before using this medication, it is important to consult with your doctor about any allergies you may have. If you are married witho someone who has a history of allergic reactions, please inform your healthcare provider. This medicine should be taken according witho the instructions provided by your doctor, and it is not recommended to share it with others.

Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

"This needed some corrections for improper prepositional phrasing."

Before using this medication, it is important to consult with your doctor about any allergies you may have. If you are married to someone who has a history of allergic reactions, please inform your healthcare provider. This medicine should be taken according to the instructions provided by your doctor, and it is not recommended to share it with others.

Before using this medication, it is important to consult with your doctor about any allergies you may have. If you are married with someone who has a history of allergic reactions, please inform your healthcare provider. This medicine should be taken according with the instructions provided by your doctor, and it is not recommended to share it with others.

Mistake Example #3

Direct translation of Spanish expressions ('I have 25 years' instead of 'I am 25 years old')

If you have aheadache, it is important thatyoumust take the medicine with food to avoid stomach upset. I havem 30 yearsold, and I always rtecommend toll my friends to drink mucha lot of water when taking this medication. If symptoms persist, pleaseconsultwith your doctor to bensure everything is in order.

Text corrected by:
Camille, Maryland, USA

"I have polished up the language to enhance the overall fluency. "

If you have a headache, you must take the medicine with food to avoid stomach upset. I am 30 years old, and I always tell my friends to drink a lot of water when taking this medication. If symptoms persist, consult your doctor to be sure everything is in order.

If you have headache, it is important that you take the medicine with food to avoid stomach upset. I have 30 years and I always recommend to my friends to drink much water when taking this medication. If symptoms persist, please consult with your doctor to ensure everything is in order.