Common English Mistakes in Medical Reports by Ukrainian Speakers

This page focuses on errors typically made by native Ukrainian speakers from Ukraine when writing a Medical Report in English.

Mistake Example #1

Using 'will' incorrectly in conditionals ('If it will rain, I will stay' instead of 'If it rains, I will stay')

PThe patient was admitted to the hospital with severe abdominal pain. If the pain willpersists, we will conduct further tests to determine the cause. It is important that the patient willfollow the prescribed medication schedule to ensure recovery.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"A couple of the sentences needed an adjustment to the verb tense. Otherwise, it sounds good!"

The patient was admitted to the hospital with severe abdominal pain. If the pain persists, we will conduct further tests to determine the cause. It is important that the patient follow the prescribed medication schedule to ensure recovery.

Patient was admitted to the hospital with severe abdominal pain. If the pain will persist, we will conduct further tests to determine the cause. It is important that the patient will follow the prescribed medication schedule to ensure recovery.

Mistake Example #2

Confusion with word order ('Always I go to the store' instead of 'I always go to the store')

PThe patient isa 45-year-old male whoyesterday experienced chest painyesterday. AHe alwayshe complains about discomfort in the morning, but today hissymptoms were more severe. BWe measured his blood pressure we measured wast 150/95, and immediately we recommended further tests.

Text corrected by:
Vince, United States

"Your ideas were clear :) I just made a few small changes to improve the flow and polish things up."

The patient is a 45-year-old male who experienced chest pain yesterday. He always complains about discomfort in the morning, but today his symptoms were more severe. We measured his blood pressure at 150/95, and immediately we recommended further tests.

Patient is 45-year-old male who yesterday experienced chest pain. Always he complains about discomfort in the morning, but today symptoms were more severe. Blood pressure we measured was 150/95, and immediately we recommended further tests.

Mistake Example #3

Skipping articles ('I bought car' instead of 'I bought a car')

PThe patient was admitted tothe hospital with severe abdominal pain. Upon examination, thedoctor notedthe presence of swelling in thelower abdomen. PThe patient hasa history of similar symptoms and was advised to undergo anultrasound for further evaluation.

Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

"This needed some tweaking to add or correct articles."

The patient was admitted to the hospital with severe abdominal pain. Upon examination, the doctor noted the presence of swelling in the lower abdomen. The patient has a history of similar symptoms and was advised to undergo an ultrasound for further evaluation.

Patient was admitted to hospital with severe abdominal pain. Upon examination, doctor noted presence of swelling in lower abdomen. Patient has history of similar symptoms and was advised to undergo ultrasound for further evaluation.