Visiting a doctor is a common part of everyday life. Knowing how to describe your symptoms, answer simple questions, and understand the doctor’s advice will help you communicate naturally and feel more confident during a medical appointment.
Pro Tip: Don’t worry about using difficult medical words. Explain your symptoms in simple, clear English. Doctors are used to listening carefully and asking follow-up questions.
Useful Expressions
- I don’t feel well.
- I’ve been feeling sick since yesterday.
- I have a headache.
- I have a sore throat.
- I have a fever.
- I’ve been coughing a lot.
- My stomach hurts.
- It hurts when I…
- I’ve had this pain for two days.
- Can you check my blood pressure?
- Do I need any medicine?
- How often should I take it?
- Should I get some rest?
- When will I feel better?
- Thank you, doctor.
Questions & Answers
1. What’s the problem?
I have a bad headache.
2. How long have you been feeling sick?
Since yesterday morning.
3. Do you have a fever?
Yes, I do.
4. Where does it hurt?
My throat hurts.
5. Are you taking any medicine?
No, I’m not.
6. Have you eaten anything today?
Yes, I had breakfast.
7. Are you allergic to any medicine?
No, I’m not.
8. Do you need a medical certificate?
Yes, please.
9. How many times should I take this medicine?
Twice a day.
10. When should I come back?
Next week if I don’t feel better.
Conversation
Doctor: Good morning. What brings you in today?
Patient: Good morning, doctor. I don’t feel well.
Doctor: What seems to be the problem?
Patient: I have a sore throat and a fever.
Doctor: How long have you had these symptoms?
Patient: Since yesterday evening.
Doctor: Let me check your temperature.
Patient: Sure.
Doctor: You have a mild fever. I’ll prescribe some medicine.
Patient: Thank you. How often should I take it?
Doctor: Twice a day after meals.
Patient: Thank you very much, doctor.
Real-Life Conversation
Receptionist: Good morning. How can I help you?
Patient: I’d like to see a doctor.
Receptionist: Do you have an appointment?
Patient: No, I don’t.
Receptionist: That’s okay. Please fill out this form.
Patient: Sure.
Receptionist: Please take a seat. The doctor will call you soon.
Doctor: Hello. Please come in.
Patient: Good morning, doctor.
Doctor: What seems to be the problem?
Patient: I’ve been coughing and I have a fever.
Doctor: When did it start?
Patient: About three days ago.
Doctor: Do you have any allergies?
Patient: No.
Doctor: Let me listen to your chest.
Patient: Okay.
Doctor: Take a deep breath.
Patient: Like this?
Doctor: Yes, that’s good.
Doctor: It looks like a viral infection.
Patient: Is it serious?
Doctor: No, but you should rest, drink plenty of water, and take these medicines.
Patient: Can I go to work tomorrow?
Doctor: It’s better to stay home for two days.
Patient: Thank you for your advice.
Doctor: You’re welcome. Get well soon.
Quick Practice
A. Change the Words
Replace the words in bold.
- I have a headache. → I have a fever.
- My stomach hurts. → My back hurts.
- Take this medicine twice a day. → Take this medicine three times a day.
- I’ve been sick since yesterday. → I’ve been sick since Monday.
- I need to see a doctor. → I need to see a dentist.
B. Answer the Questions
- What do you usually say when you don’t feel well?
- How do you describe a headache?
- How long have you been sick?
- What questions does a doctor usually ask?
- What advice can a doctor give?
C. Complete the Sentences
- I don’t feel ________.
- I have a ________ throat.
- I’ve been coughing for ________.
- Please take this medicine ________ a day.
- Thank you, ________.
Speaking Challenge
Imagine you visit a doctor because you have a fever and a cough.
Speak for 1–2 minutes and include:
- Greet the doctor.
- Explain your symptoms.
- Say how long you’ve been sick.
- Answer the doctor’s questions.
- Ask about the medicine.
- Ask when you can return to work or school.
- Thank the doctor before leaving.
Common Mistakes
| Incorrect | Correct |
|---|---|
| I am having fever. | I have a fever. |
| My head is paining. | I have a headache. / My head hurts. |
| Since two days. | For two days. |
| Doctor give me medicine. | The doctor gave me medicine. |
| I am not feeling good from yesterday. | I haven’t been feeling well since yesterday. |
Lesson Summary
Key Expressions
- I don’t feel well.
- I have a fever.
- I have a sore throat.
- My stomach hurts.
- I’ve been coughing.
- It hurts when I…
- How long have you been feeling sick?
- Do I need any medicine?
- Take this medicine twice a day.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Get some rest.
- Get well soon.
