Common English Mistakes in Patient Information Leaflets by Mandarin Chinese Speakers

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

Mistake Example #1

Using overly formal or direct language

Please be informed, yYou must take this medicine exactly as doctorinstructedby your doctor. It is very important you donotto miss any dose, because it will affect your treatment. If you have any questions, you mupleaste contactyour healthcare provider immediately.

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

"I just replaced some words to make the English sound more natural while retaining an appropriately professional tone."

You must take this medicine exactly as instructed by your doctor. It is very important not to miss any dose because it will affect your treatment. If you have any questions, please contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Please be informed, you must take this medicine exactly as doctor instructed. It is very important you do not miss any dose, because it will affect your treatment. If you have any questions, you must contact healthcare provider immediately.

Mistake Example #2

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

Before taking this medicine, there areis some important information you should know. There isare many side effects that can occur, including headaches and dizziness. If you experience any severe symptoms, please contact your doctor immediately.

Text corrected by:
Vince, United States

"Very good! Just a couple of changes to make sure everything is consistent. "

Before taking this medicine, there is some important information you should know. There are many side effects that can occur, including headaches and dizziness. If you experience any severe symptoms, please contact your doctor immediately.

Before taking this medicine, there are some important information you should know. There is many side effects that can occur, including headache and dizziness. If you experience any severe symptom, please contact your doctor immediately.

Mistake Example #3

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

Take medicine with water after ameal. It is important to follow dosage instructions on thelabel. Ifyou experience side effects, contact yourdoctor immediately.

Text corrected by:
Miss E., Cyprus, Europe

"I've made edits to correct certain errors such as "Take medicine with water after meal." which should be "Take medicine with water after a meal." and "Is important" which should be "It is important"."

Take medicine with water after a meal. It is important to follow dosage instructions on the label. If you experience side effects, contact your doctor immediately.

Take medicine with water after meal. Is important to follow dosage instructions on label. If experience side effects, contact doctor immediately.