Visiting the Doctor
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EN: Present Perfect Continuous Tense (have/has + been + V-ing): Used to describe an action or state that started in the past and continues to the present moment, often emphasizing the duration or the ongoing nature of the feeling.
I have been working on this project since morning.
EN: Infinitive of Purpose (to + verb): The phrase 'to make an appointment' uses the infinitive form to explain the reason or purpose behind the main action (calling).
She went to the store to buy some milk.
EN: In Western medical contexts, it is standard to address doctors by their title (Dr.) followed by their last name. Additionally, 'making an appointment' is a necessary step in most healthcare systems before seeing a physician.
EN: The Present Perfect Continuous tense ('what's been going on') is used to describe an action or situation that started in the past and is still continuing or has just finished, often focusing on the process or duration.
I've been working on this project all morning.
EN: The phrase 'I'm glad (that)...' is an adjective complement structure used to express a feeling about a specific fact or event. The word 'that' is often omitted in spoken English.
I'm glad you liked the gift.
EN: In Western medical culture, doctors often use friendly, informal openings like 'I'm glad you came in' to build rapport and reduce patient anxiety before starting the clinical assessment.
EN: Relative Clauses (Adjective Clauses): The word 'that' introduces a relative clause 'that started about five days ago' to provide more information about the noun 'sore throat'.
I have a cough that won't go away.
EN: The use of 'ago' with the Past Simple: 'Ago' is used to express how far back in the past something happened, and it is always paired with the past simple tense (started).
The pain began two hours ago.
EN: In medical contexts, patients are encouraged to be specific about the duration (e.g., 'five days ago') and nature (e.g., 'persistent') of their symptoms to help with accurate diagnosis.
EN: Present Perfect Tense (have + past participle): Used here to describe a state or action that started in the past and continues to the present moment.
I have lived in this city for ten years.
EN: The prepositional phrase 'since then': 'Since' is used with a specific point in time to indicate the starting point of an action that is still ongoing.
He lost his job last month and has been depressed since then.
EN: In medical contexts, 'mild' is a common way to describe symptoms that are noticeable but not severe. Using 'since then' helps doctors establish a clinical timeline for diagnosis.
EN: The Present Perfect Tense (hasn't improved) is used here to describe a state that started in the past and continues to the present moment, emphasizing the current result.
I have lived in this city for ten years.
EN: The phrase 'at all' is used in negative sentences to add emphasis, meaning 'in any way' or 'to any degree'.
He doesn't like spicy food at all.
EN: In Western medical consultations, patients often describe their symptoms chronologically using 'at first' to help doctors understand the progression of the illness.
EN: Present Perfect Tense (Have + past participle): Used here to ask about experiences or symptoms that occurred at an unspecified time in the past up to the present moment.
Have you taken any medicine for your cough yet?
EN: Prepositional Phrase 'along with': This phrase means 'in addition to' or 'together with', used to group related items or symptoms.
He had a runny nose along with a sore throat.
EN: In Western medical consultations, doctors often use open-ended questions followed by specific 'yes/no' questions about symptoms to rule out certain conditions. 'Chills' specifically refers to the feeling of coldness and shivering that often accompanies a fever.
EN: The Present Perfect Tense (have/has + past participle) is used here with 'since then' to describe an action or state that started in the past and continues to the present moment, or to indicate that something has not happened during that period.
I haven't seen him since we graduated.
EN: The Past Simple Tense is used to describe a completed action at a specific time in the past (e.g., 'two nights ago').
She had a headache yesterday morning.
EN: In many English-speaking medical contexts, patients are expected to provide specific timelines (e.g., 'two nights ago') and quantify symptoms (e.g., 'slight fever') to help with diagnosis.
EN: The causative verb 'let' is followed by an object and the base form of a verb (bare infinitive). It is used to express permission or a suggestion to perform an action.
Let me help you with those heavy bags.
EN: The phrase 'have a look at' is a common light verb construction where 'have' is paired with a noun to describe an action, making the tone more casual or polite than just saying 'look at'.
Can I have a look at your photo album?
EN: In Western medical consultations, doctors often use 'Let me...' or 'I'm going to...' to narrate their actions before touching a patient. This is a way to respect personal space and ensure the patient is prepared for the physical examination.
EN: The preposition 'of' is used here to specify the measurement or value of the noun 'fever'. It connects a general category (fever) with its specific numerical value.
There is a weight limit of twenty kilograms for this suitcase.
EN: The adjective 'mild' is used to describe a symptom or condition that is not severe or extreme. In medical contexts, it indicates the lower end of a scale.
He only has a mild headache, so he doesn't need medicine.
EN: In many English-speaking countries, body temperature is measured in Celsius (like in this sentence), but in the United States, Fahrenheit is the standard. 37.8°C is approximately 100°F.
EN: Non-restrictive relative clause: Using 'which' after a comma to refer to the entire preceding clause or idea, rather than just the noun immediately before it.
He passed the exam with high marks, which surprised everyone.
EN: Modal verb 'could' for possibility: Used to express a tentative or possible conclusion based on current evidence.
The dark clouds could mean it's going to rain soon.
EN: In Western medical consultations, doctors often use tentative language like 'could' or 'might' before a definitive test is done to manage patient expectations and maintain professional accuracy.
EN: Linking Verbs (Copular Verbs): Verbs like 'sound', 'look', or 'feel' are followed by adjectives to describe the subject's state or quality rather than an action.
The plan sounds great to me.
EN: Modal Verb 'Could' for Possibility: 'Could' is used here to express a theoretical or potential possibility in the present or future, often used when asking for an opinion.
Could it be a mistake in the report?
EN: In medical contexts, patients often use 'something serious' as a euphemism for chronic or life-threatening conditions. Doctors usually respond with evidence-based reassurance to manage patient anxiety.
EN: The use of 'wouldn't' (would not) here functions as a 'softener' to express a hypothetical opinion or a polite recommendation, making the doctor's statement sound less blunt and more reassuring.
I wouldn't worry about the results until we see them.
EN: The phrase 'Based on what...' uses a relative clause starting with 'what' (meaning 'the things that') to introduce the evidence or grounds for a conclusion.
Based on what you told me, I think you need some rest.
EN: In Western medical culture, doctors often use tentative language (e.g., 'I wouldn't be too concerned', 'it looks like') before lab results are finalized to manage patient expectations and maintain professional caution, while still providing immediate reassurance.
EN: The phrase 'be going to' is used to express an intention or a planned action in the future, often based on current evidence or a decision already made.
I'm going to call the pharmacy to check if your medicine is ready.
EN: The modal verb 'should' is used to give advice or recommendations. In a medical context, it is frequently used by doctors to provide instructions to patients.
You should drink plenty of water while taking this medication.
EN: In Western medicine, doctors emphasize finishing the 'entire course' of antibiotics to prevent antibiotic resistance, even if symptoms disappear early. This is a standard medical instruction.
EN: The structure 'It is important that + subject + (should) + base verb' is a form of the Subjunctive Mood used to express necessity or urgency. In American English, the 'should' is typically omitted, leaving the verb in its base form.
It is essential that he arrive on time for the meeting.
EN: 'Even if' is a conditional conjunction used to introduce a hypothetical situation or a fact that does not change the main outcome. It emphasizes that the result remains the same regardless of the condition.
I will go for a run even if it rains.
EN: In Western medicine, doctors strongly emphasize finishing the 'entire course' of antibiotics to prevent antibiotic resistance. Patients are often reminded of this because many stop taking medication as soon as symptoms disappear, which can lead to the infection returning stronger.
EN: The phrase 'I should watch out for' is a relative clause (adjective clause) modifying the noun 'side effects'. In English, the relative pronoun 'that' or 'which' is often omitted when it functions as the object of the clause.
Is there any specific food I should avoid?
EN: The phrasal verb 'watch out for' means to be alert and remain vigilant to notice something, typically something dangerous or unpleasant.
You need to watch out for ice on the roads.
EN: In Western medical consultations, patients are encouraged to be proactive and ask about side effects or insurance coverage. It is considered a normal part of 'informed consent' and patient autonomy.
EN: Gerund as Subject: The word 'taking' is a gerund (verb + -ing acting as a noun). In this sentence, the entire phrase 'taking the medicine after eating' serves as the subject of the second clause.
Exercising regularly is essential for maintaining good health.
EN: Modal Verb 'Should' for Expectation: 'Should' is used here to express a probable outcome or expectation based on medical knowledge, rather than an obligation.
This new software should solve the compatibility issues.
EN: In Western medicine, doctors often provide specific instructions on whether to take medication with food. 'After meals' is a common instruction to minimize gastric irritation, which is a standard part of patient counseling.
EN: Passive Voice in Future Tense: The structure 'will be + past participle' is used to describe an action that will happen to the subject in the future. Here, 'be covered' indicates the insurance will pay for the costs.
The repair costs will be covered by the warranty.
EN: Compound Subject: When two or more nouns (this visit and the prescription) act as the subject of a single verb, they are joined by a conjunction like 'and'.
The hotel and the flight are included in the package.
EN: In many English-speaking countries like the US, healthcare costs vary significantly depending on insurance plans. It is common and necessary for patients to clarify coverage for visits and medications to avoid unexpected bills.
EN: Passive Voice (be + past participle): Used here to indicate that the subjects (consultations and medications) are receiving the action of being 'covered' by the insurance plan.
The repair costs are covered by the warranty.
EN: Compound Subject: When two or more nouns (consultations and medications) act together as the subject of the sentence, requiring a plural verb form ('are').
Both the hotel and the flight are booked.
EN: In many English-speaking countries like the US, healthcare costs are high, so patients frequently ask if specific treatments or medications are 'covered' by their private or employer-provided insurance plans.
EN: The modal verb 'can' is used here to express possibility or to give a polite suggestion/instruction in a professional setting.
You can find the application forms on our website.
EN: The phrase 'on your way out' is an adverbial phrase of time, meaning 'while you are leaving'. It uses the possessive adjective 'your' to match the subject.
Please turn off the lights on your way out.
EN: In Western medical practices, the doctor focuses on the diagnosis, while administrative tasks like payment and scheduling are handled by the 'receptionist' at the front desk as you exit.
EN: The preposition 'for' is used here to indicate the reason for gratitude. When followed by a verb, it must be in the gerund form (-ing).
Thank you for helping me with my homework.
EN: Adverbs of manner (like 'clearly') are used to describe how an action is performed. They often follow the object of the sentence.
She speaks English very fluently.
EN: In Western medical contexts, it is common and polite to address doctors as 'Dr. [Last Name]'. Expressing relief and gratitude after a diagnosis helps build a positive rapport between the patient and the healthcare provider.
EN: The First Conditional (If + Present Perfect) is used here to describe a possible future condition that must be completed by a specific time (next week) before a certain action (scheduling an appointment) is taken.
If you haven't finished the report by tomorrow, please let me know.
EN: The Imperative Mood ('please schedule...') is used to give polite instructions or advice. In a medical context, it functions as a professional recommendation.
Please take this medicine after breakfast.
EN: In Western medical culture, 'follow-up appointments' are standard practice to ensure treatment effectiveness. Doctors often use the first conditional to empower patients to monitor their own symptoms.
EN: The verb 'hope' is often followed by an object clause (a noun clause) where the conjunction 'that' is omitted. In this structure, the present tense is commonly used to express a wish for the future.
I hope you have a safe trip.
EN: The word 'better' is the comparative form of the adjective 'well' (referring to health). When used with 'feel', it describes an improvement in physical or emotional state.
Do you feel better after taking the medicine?
EN: In English-speaking cultures, 'I hope you feel better soon' or simply 'Get well soon' is the standard way to show empathy when someone is ill. It is used in both professional (like a doctor to a patient) and personal contexts.
Key vocabulary words with IPA pronunciation, definitions, example sentences, and interactive quizzes.
Phrases with type tags, bilingual definitions, usage notes, and example sentences.
To arrange a specific time to meet someone, especially for professional services.
To be careful or alert for something that might happen.
A subsequent meeting to check the progress of a previous treatment or discussion.
To be included in the costs that an insurance company will pay for.
A small, solid piece of medicine, usually round or oval.
A complete series of medical treatment or a period of medication.
Included as a benefit in an insurance policy, meaning the insurance company pays for it.
A specific insurance policy or set of benefits provided by an insurance company.