Common English Mistakes in Prescription Guides by Arabic Speakers

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

Mistake Example #1

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 #2

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

Dear Patient, I amwishonored to inform you that your prescription for the medication has been carefully prepared by our esteemedpharmacy team.It is with great pleasure that I advise you to take one tablet twice daily, and Iam delighted to remind you to consume it with a full glass of water. ShouldIf you have any inquestirieons, Iam privileged to encourage you to contact ourrespected healthcare professionals at your earliest convenience.

Text corrected by:
Vince, United States

"Your ideas were clear :) I just made a few small changes to make the tone less formal. "

Dear Patient, I wish to inform you that your prescription for the medication has been carefully prepared by our pharmacy team. I advise you to take one tablet twice daily, and I remind you to consume it with a full glass of water. If you have questions, I encourage you to contact our healthcare professionals at your earliest convenience.

Dear Patient, I am honored to inform you that your prescription for the medication has been carefully prepared by our esteemed pharmacy team. It is with great pleasure that I advise you to take one tablet twice daily, and I am delighted to remind you to consume it with a full glass of water. Should you have any inquiries, I am privileged to encourage you to contact our respected healthcare professionals at your earliest convenience.

Mistake Example #3

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

Take one tablet every morning with water. It is important that you follow the dosage instructions carefully. If you feel any side effects, youcontact your doctor immediately. Do not stop taking the medication unless your doctor tells you to do so.

Text corrected by:
Miss E., Cyprus, Europe

"Just a few small changes were needed (p.s.: "unless your doctor tell you to do so" should be "unless your doctor tells you to do so")"

Take one tablet every morning with water. It is important that you follow the dosage instructions carefully. If you feel any side effects, contact your doctor immediately. Do not stop taking the medication unless your doctor tells you to do so.

Take one tablet every morning with water. It is important that you follow the dosage instructions carefully. If you feel any side effects, you contact your doctor immediately. Do not stop taking the medication unless your doctor tell you to do so.