Common English Mistakes in Patient Information Leaflets by Korean Speakers

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

Mistake Example #1

Incorrect word order in complex sentences

When you take this medicine, it is importantit is to follow the instructions carefully. If you feel any side effects, you shouldimmediately contact your doctoryou should. The medicine, fFor best results, you musttake the medicine with foodyou must.

Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

"This needed some changes to correct word order problems."

When you take this medicine, it is important to follow the instructions carefully. If you feel any side effects, you should immediately contact your doctor. For best results, you must take the medicine with food.

When you take this medicine, important it is to follow the instructions carefully. If you feel any side effects, immediately contact your doctor you should. The medicine, for best results, take with food you must.

Mistake Example #2

Omitting articles ('a', 'an', 'the')

Take the medicine with water after ameal. If you experiencea headache or dizziness, contactyour doctor immediately. Keep out of reach of children and store in acool, dry place.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"Very good! I just filled in some missing articles."

Take the medicine with water after a meal. If you experience a headache or dizziness, contact your doctor immediately. Keep out of reach of children and store in a cool, dry place.

Take medicine with water after meal. If you experience headache or dizziness, contact doctor immediately. Keep out of reach of children and store in cool, dry place.

Mistake Example #3

Confusion with prepositions ('in', 'on', 'at')

Take this medicine in the morning and inathe night, with a glass of water. Store the tablets oin a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. If you have any questions, please contact your doctor inat the hospital or at the clinic.

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

"I just replaced a word or two to make the English sound more natural. Overall, the ideas in this text are clearly expressed."

Take this medicine in the morning and at night, with a glass of water. Store the tablets in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. If you have any questions, please contact your doctor at the hospital or at the clinic.

Take this medicine in the morning and in the night, with a glass of water. Store the tablets on a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. If you have any questions, please contact your doctor in the hospital or at the clinic.