Common English Mistakes in Medical Reports by Mandarin Chinese Speakers

This page focuses on errors typically made by native Mandarin Chinese speakers from Taiwan when writing a Medical Report in English.

Mistake Example #1

Omitting the subject in sentences ('Is important to learn English' instead of 'It is important to learn English')

Patient admitted with severe abdominal pain. It is necessary to conduct further tests to determine cause. Blood pressure stable, but monitoring closely. Recommend follow-up appointment in one week to assess progress.

Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

"This needed one correction to add a missing subject where it is needed."

Patient admitted with severe abdominal pain. It is necessary to conduct further tests to determine cause. Blood pressure stable, but monitoring closely. Recommend follow-up appointment in one week to assess progress.

Patient admitted with severe abdominal pain. Is necessary to conduct further tests to determine cause. Blood pressure stable, but monitoring closely. Recommend follow-up appointment in one week to assess progress.

Mistake Example #2

Using overly formal or direct language

The patient is a 45-year-old male who presents with severe headache and dizziness. It is imperative to conduct aA comprehensive examinationshould be conducted immediately to ascertain the cause ofhis symptoms. The patient must adhere strictly toa prescribed medication regimen and attend follow-up appointments without delay.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"I made some small changes so the language would sound a bit less harsh and more natural."

The patient is a 45-year-old male who presents with severe headache and dizziness. A comprehensive examination should be conducted immediately to ascertain the cause of his symptoms. The patient must adhere strictly to a prescribed medication regimen and attend follow-up appointments without delay.

The patient is a 45-year-old male who presents with severe headache and dizziness. It is imperative to conduct a comprehensive examination immediately to ascertain the cause of symptoms. The patient must adhere strictly to prescribed medication regimen and attend follow-up appointment without delay.

Mistake Example #3

Misuse of singular/plural nouns ('There are much people here' instead of 'There are many people here')

Patient is a 45-year-old male who coame tothe clinic witha complaint of chest pain. There isare many symptoms that suggesta possible heart issue, including shortness of breath and dizziness. BThe blood test showed an elevated level of cholesterol, and thedoctor recommended a further examination to rule out any serious condition.

Text corrected by:
Miss E., Cyprus, Europe

"Please be mindful of errors such as the following: "male who come to clinic with complaint of chest pain" should be "male who came to the clinic with a complaint of chest pain" and "There is many symptom" should be "There are many symptoms"."

Patient is a 45-year-old male who came to the clinic with a complaint of chest pain. There are many symptoms that suggest a possible heart issue, including shortness of breath and dizziness. The blood test showed an elevated level of cholesterol, and the doctor recommended a further examination to rule out any serious condition.

Patient is a 45-year-old male who come to clinic with complaint of chest pain. There is many symptom that suggest possible heart issue, including shortness of breath and dizziness. Blood test show elevated level of cholesterol, and doctor recommend further examination to rule out any serious condition.