Common English Mistakes in Medical Reports by Arabic Speakers

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

Mistake Example #1

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 #2

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

PThe patient isa 45-year-old male who coame tothe clinic witha complaint of chest pain. He reports thatthe pain started two days ago and is associated with shortness of breath. Upon examination, thepatient haves elevated blood pressure andan irregular heartbeat. We recommend admission to thehospital for further evaluation and treatment.

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

"I added articles before some of the nouns in these sentences. Overall, the ideas in this text are clearly expressed."

The patient is a 45-year-old male who came to the clinic with a complaint of chest pain. He reports that the pain started two days ago and is associated with shortness of breath. Upon examination, the patient has elevated blood pressure and an irregular heartbeat. We recommend admission to the hospital for further evaluation and treatment.

Patient is 45-year-old male who come to clinic with complaint of chest pain. He report that pain started two days ago and is associated with shortness of breath. Upon examination, patient have elevated blood pressure and irregular heartbeat. We recommend admission to hospital for further evaluation and treatment.