Common English Mistakes in Patient Information Leaflets by Ukrainian Speakers

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

Mistake Example #1

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

Takea tablet with water after ameal. If you missa dose, take it as soon as you remember. Do not take adouble dose to make up for amissed one. Store themedicine ina cool, dry place away from sunlight. If you have questions, consult adoctor or pharmacist.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"It was missing some articles, so I added them. Good work overall!"

Take a tablet with water after a meal. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. Store the medicine in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. If you have questions, consult a doctor or pharmacist.

Take tablet with water after meal. If you miss dose, take it as soon as you remember. Do not take double dose to make up for missed one. Store medicine in cool, dry place away from sunlight. If you have questions, consult doctor or pharmacist.

Mistake Example #2

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

If youwill experience any side effects after taking this medication, please contact your doctor immediately. If it willcauses dizziness, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery. Store the medicine in a cool, dry place and keep it out of reach of children.

Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

"This needed some tweaking for proper wording in conditionals."

If you experience any side effects after taking this medication, please contact your doctor immediately. If it causes dizziness, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery. Store the medicine in a cool, dry place and keep it out of reach of children.

If you will experience any side effects after taking this medication, please contact your doctor immediately. If it will cause dizziness, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery. Store the medicine in a cool, dry place and keep it out of reach of children.

Mistake Example #3

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

TAlways take this medicine with wateralways after you eat. If symptoms continue, contact yourdoctor your immediately. Do not stop taking medication without consulting your healthcare provider.

Text corrected by:
Vince, United States

"Just a few small changes were needed to correct writing errors. Great work! "

Always take this medicine with water after you eat. If symptoms continue, contact your doctor immediately. Do not stop taking medication without consulting your healthcare provider.

Take this medicine with water always after you eat. If symptoms continue, contact doctor your immediately. Do not stop taking medication without consult your healthcare provider.