Common English Mistakes by Arabic Speakers

This page focuses on errors typically made by native Arabic speakers from Saudi Arabia when writing in English.

Category:Healthcare & Medical Writing
Writing for the healthcare and medical industry.
Common Users:Doctors, Medical Writers, Researchers.
Mistake Example #1

Healthcare & Medical Writing / Clinical Study

Misuse of verb tense (e.g., 'He go to school' instead of 'He goes to school')

The clinical study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the new medication on patients withchronic asthmapatients. Participants are recruited from various hospitals in Riyadh, and they undergo treatment for a period of six months. The study fresultsindicate that the medication significantly improves lung function in amajority of thepatients.

Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

"This needed some verb tense corrections."

The clinical study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the new medication on chronic asthma patients. Participants are recruited from various hospitals in Riyadh, and they undergo treatment for a period of six months. The study results indicate that the medication significantly improves lung function in a majority of patients.

The clinical study aim to evaluate the effectiveness of the new medication on patients with chronic asthma. Participants are recruited from various hospitals in Riyadh, and they undergo treatment for a period of six months. The study find that the medication significantly improve lung function in majority of the patients.

Mistake Example #2

Healthcare & Medical Writing / Health Article

Overuse of formal expressions ('I am honored to inform you...')

IMy ampurpose honoredis to inform you about the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, as it is with great pleasure that Ind share the benefits of regular exercise and abalanced diet. It is my esteemed privilege to emphasize that tThese practices can significantly reduce the risk of chronic diseases, and I am delighted to convey that adopting such habits canleading to a longer and healthier life.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"It sounded a little too formal, so I made some adjustments."

My purpose is to inform you about the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle and share the benefits of regular exercise and a balanced diet. These practices can significantly reduce the risk of chronic diseases, leading to a longer and healthier life.

I am honored to inform you about the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, as it is with great pleasure that I share the benefits of regular exercise and balanced diet. It is my esteemed privilege to emphasize that these practices can significantly reduce the risk of chronic diseases, and I am delighted to convey that adopting such habits can lead to a longer and healthier life.

Mistake Example #3

Healthcare & Medical Writing / Medical Report

Misuse of verb tense (e.g., 'He go to school' instead of 'He goes to school')

PThe patient isa 45-year-old male who hascomplained of chest pain since last night. He says thatthe pain radiates to his left arm and he feels dizzy. We recommend that he undergo further tests to determine thecause ofhis symptoms.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"I corrected some issues with the verb tense and made a couple of other small changes."

The patient is a 45-year-old male who has complained of chest pain since last night. He says that the pain radiates to his left arm and he feels dizzy. We recommend that he undergo further tests to determine the cause of his symptoms.

Patient is 45-year-old male who complain of chest pain since last night. He say that pain radiate to his left arm and he feel dizzy. We recommend that he undergo further tests to determine cause of symptoms.

Mistake Example #4

Healthcare & Medical Writing / Patient Information Leaflet

Overuse of formal expressions ('I am honored to inform you...')

Dear Patient, I am honored to inform you that tThis leaflet containsthe most esteemed information regarding your medication. It is with great respect that I advise yYou musto take the medicine twice daily, as it is of utmost importance for your health. Please be assured that fFollowing these instructions will bimpringove your healthe highest level of well-being and satisfaction.

Text corrected by:
Camille, Maryland, USA

"I have removed some of the formal expressions to make the English sound more natural to native speakers."

Dear Patient, This leaflet contains information regarding your medication. You must take the medicine twice daily. Following these instructions will improve your health.

Dear Patient, I am honored to inform you that this leaflet contains the most esteemed information regarding your medication. It is with great respect that I advise you to take the medicine twice daily, as it is of utmost importance for your health. Please be assured that following these instructions will bring you the highest level of well-being and satisfaction.

Mistake Example #5

Healthcare & Medical Writing / Prescription Guide

Confusion between masculine and feminine pronouns

Whenthe patient receives this medication, heit should betakeitn with food to avoid stomach upset. If sthepatient experiences any side effects, such as dizziness or nausea, thepatient should contact their doctor immediately. It is important that sthepatient does not stop taking the medication without consulting withheisr healthcare provider.

Text corrected by:
Michele A., Boston, Massachusetts; United States

"I changed the personal pronouns to gender neutral because we don't know if the patient is a "he" or a "she.""

When the patient receives this medication, it should be taken with food to avoid stomach upset. If the patient experiences any side effects, such as dizziness or nausea, the patient should contact their doctor immediately. It is important that the patient does not stop taking the medication without consulting their healthcare provider.

When patient receives this medication, he should take it with food to avoid stomach upset. If she experiences any side effects, such as dizziness or nausea, he should contact her doctor immediately. It is important that she does not stop taking the medication without consulting with his healthcare provider.

Mistake Example #6

Healthcare & Medical Writing / Research Study

Overuse of formal expressions ('I am honored to inform you...')

In theesteemed journal of our research study, Iam honored to inform you that we have conducted an extensive investigation into the effects of traditional Saudi Arabian diets on cardiovascular health. It is with great pleasure that I present our findings, which I am priviglegead to say, contribute significantly to the existing body of knowledge in the field of healthcare.

Text corrected by:
Vince, United States

"Just a few minor tweaks to reduce the use of overly formal expressions :) Nice work! "

In the journal of our research study, I inform you that we have conducted an extensive investigation into the effects of traditional Saudi Arabian diets on cardiovascular health. I present our findings, which I am glad to say contribute significantly to the existing body of knowledge in the field of healthcare.

In the esteemed journal of our research study, I am honored to inform you that we have conducted an extensive investigation into the effects of traditional Saudi Arabian diets on cardiovascular health. It is with great pleasure that I present our findings, which I am privileged to say, contribute significantly to the existing body of knowledge in the field of healthcare.