Medical English Exercise | Topic: English for Doctors/Patients/Health 1

VOCABULARY REVIEW: Things a doctor says to a patient

Looking for a list of some things a doctor might say to a patient in English? We've got you covered!

“I'd like to ask you a few questions about your symptoms.”
Purpose: Opening the consultation and gathering information.
Usage: Said at the beginning of an appointment to start the discussion.

“How long have you been experiencing this problem?”
Purpose: Determines duration and possible cause.
Usage: Helps distinguish acute from chronic issues.

“Can you describe the pain in more detail?”
Purpose: Clarifies severity and type of pain.
Usage: Encourages the patient to use descriptive language.

“On a scale of one to ten, how severe is the pain?”
Purpose: Measures pain intensity objectively.
Usage: Common in emergency and primary care settings.

“I'm going to perform a brief physical examination.”
Purpose: Prepares the patient for touch or movement.
Usage: Helps maintain comfort and consent.

“Your vital signs are within the normal range.”
Purpose: Reassures the patient about basic health indicators.
Usage: Often said after checking blood pressure and pulse.

“I don't see any immediate cause for concern.”
Purpose: Reduces patient anxiety.
Usage: Used when symptoms appear mild or temporary.

“We'll need to run a few tests to be sure.”
Purpose: Explains the need for further investigation.
Usage: Prepares the patient for lab work or imaging.

“The results should be available within a few days.”
Purpose: Sets expectations about timing.
Usage: Helps patients plan and reduces uncertainty.

“Based on your symptoms, this may be a mild infection.”
Purpose: Introduces a preliminary diagnosis.
Usage: Often followed by explanation or treatment options.

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