Common English Mistakes by Arabic Speakers

This page focuses on errors typically made by native Arabic speakers from United Arab Emirates when writing in English.

Category:Healthcare & Medical Writing
Writing for the healthcare and medical industry.
Common Users:Doctors, Medical Writers, Researchers.
Mistake Example #1

Healthcare & Medical Writing / Clinical Study

Overuse of passive voice

TWe conducted the clinical studywas conducted to evaluate the effects of the new medication on patients with chronic migraines. ThWedata was collecteddata from various hospitals across the United Arab Emirates, and analyzedthe resultswere analyzed to determine the efficacy of the treatment. It wasWe found reporthats of significant improvementwas observed in the majority of patients, and minimalside effectswere reported to be minimal.

Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

"This needed some tweaking to reduce the use of passive voice."

We conducted the clinical study to evaluate the effects of the new medication on patients with chronic migraines. We collected data from various hospitals across the United Arab Emirates, and analyzed the results to determine the efficacy of the treatment. We found reports of significant improvement in the majority of patients, and minimal side effects.

The clinical study was conducted to evaluate the effects of the new medication on patients with chronic migraines. The data was collected from various hospitals across the United Arab Emirates, and the results were analyzed to determine the efficacy of the treatment. It was found that significant improvement was observed in the majority of patients, and side effects were reported to be minimal.

Mistake Example #2

Healthcare & Medical Writing / Health Article

Overuse of passive voice

In the United Arab Emirates, a significant increase in diabetes cases has been observed. It is believed by mMany expertsbelieve that lifestyle changes are needed to combat this issue. ADoctors recommend a healthy diet and regular exerciseare recommended by doctors, butit is often not followed by patientsdo not always follow these guidelines. TDoctors emphasize the importance of early detectionis emphasized, andindividuals should schedule regular check-upsare advised to be scheduled by individuals.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"Good work! I changed some of the passive voice constructions to the active voice to enhance the flow of your article."

In the United Arab Emirates, a significant increase in diabetes cases has been observed. Many experts believe that lifestyle changes are needed to combat this issue. Doctors recommend a healthy diet and regular exercise, but patients do not always follow these guidelines. Doctors emphasize the importance of early detection, and individuals should schedule regular check-ups.

In the United Arab Emirates, a significant increase in diabetes cases has been observed. It is believed by many experts that lifestyle changes are needed to combat this issue. A healthy diet and regular exercise are recommended by doctors, but it is often not followed by patients. The importance of early detection is emphasized, and regular check-ups are advised to be scheduled by individuals.

Mistake Example #3

Healthcare & Medical Writing / Medical Report

Overuse of passive voice

The patient was admitted to the hospital with severe abdominal pain. It was decided that aAn ultrasound would beas performed to determine the cause. The readiologisults were analyzed bythe radioesulogitst, andit was concluded that an appendectomy should be scheduled. The patient was informed about the procedure, and gaveconsentwas obtained before the surgery was conducted.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"I changed some (but not all) of the passive voice constructions to the active voice so that it reads more smoothly."

The patient was admitted to the hospital with severe abdominal pain. An ultrasound was performed to determine the cause. The radiologist analyzed the results and concluded that an appendectomy should be scheduled. The patient was informed about the procedure, and gave consent before the surgery was conducted.

The patient was admitted to the hospital with severe abdominal pain. It was decided that an ultrasound would be performed to determine the cause. The results were analyzed by the radiologist, and it was concluded that an appendectomy should be scheduled. The patient was informed about the procedure, and consent was obtained before the surgery was conducted.

Mistake Example #4

Healthcare & Medical Writing / Patient Information Leaflet

Overuse of passive voice

The medication is to be taken twice daily, and ityou isare advised that it iso takenit with food. TMonitor the side effects are to be monitoredclosely, andreport any unusual symptomsshould be reported to the doctor immediately. ItYou are advisrecommended tho reatd the leafletis read carefully before startingthe medicationis started, andfollow all instructions are followed as prescribed.

Text corrected by:
Vince, United States

"This was well-written – I just made a few minor changes to reduce the use of passive voice :)"

The medication is to be taken twice daily, and you are advised to take it with food. Monitor the side effects closely and report any unusual symptoms to the doctor immediately. You are advised to read the leaflet carefully before starting the medication, and follow all instructions as prescribed.

The medication is to be taken twice daily, and it is advised that it is taken with food. The side effects are to be monitored closely, and any unusual symptoms should be reported to the doctor immediately. It is recommended that the leaflet is read carefully before the medication is started, and all instructions are followed as prescribed.

Mistake Example #5

Healthcare & Medical Writing / Prescription Guide

Misuse of articles ('I have car' instead of 'I have a car')

Take one tablet of medicine after breakfast every day. If you experience aheadache or dizziness, consultyour doctor immediately. Do not take medicine on an empty stomach, as it may cause discomfort. Keep medicine out of reach of children and store it in acool, dry place.

Text corrected by:
Miss E., Cyprus, Europe

"This is mostly well-written. However, don't forget to use articles in your sentences: for example, "If you experience headache" should be "If you experience a headache" and "on empty stomach" should be "on an empty stomach"."

Take one tablet of medicine after breakfast every day. If you experience a headache or dizziness, consult your doctor immediately. Do not take medicine on an empty stomach, as it may cause discomfort. Keep medicine out of reach of children and store it in a cool, dry place.

Take one tablet of medicine after breakfast every day. If you experience headache or dizziness, consult doctor immediately. Do not take medicine on empty stomach, as it may cause discomfort. Keep medicine out of reach of children and store it in cool, dry place.

Mistake Example #6

Healthcare & Medical Writing / Research Study

Overuse of passive voice

In tThis research study,examined the effects of a new medication on blood pressurewere examined. The participants were selected from vVarious clinics in the United Arab Emiratessupplied the participants, and researchers recorded their blood pressure readings were recordedover a period of six months. ItThe was founmedthication achieved significant reductions in blood pressurewere achieved by the medication, and researchers monitored side effects were monitoredclosely. Theresults werey analyzedthe results using statistical software, and used the collected data to form theirconclusionswere drawn based on the data collected.

Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

"This needed some tweaking to reduce the use of passive voice."

This research study examined the effects of a new medication on blood pressure. Various clinics in the United Arab Emirates supplied the participants, and researchers recorded their blood pressure readings over a period of six months. The medication achieved significant reductions in blood pressure, and researchers monitored side effects closely. They analyzed the results using statistical software, and used the collected data to form their conclusions.

In this research study, the effects of a new medication on blood pressure were examined. The participants were selected from various clinics in the United Arab Emirates, and their blood pressure readings were recorded over a period of six months. It was found that significant reductions in blood pressure were achieved by the medication, and side effects were monitored closely. The results were analyzed using statistical software, and conclusions were drawn based on the data collected.