English For: Going to the Doctor
In my online English lessons, I help learners talk confidently about health — booking appointments, describing symptoms, asking questions, and understanding advice — all in clear, natural British English.
Useful Phrases and Idioms (Appointments & Symptoms)
- Booking: “Good morning, I’d like to book an appointment with the GP.” / “Is there anything available this week?”
- At reception: “My name is ___ — I have a 10:30 appointment.” / “Here’s my date of birth.”
- Explaining symptoms: “I’ve had a sharp pain in my lower back since Monday.” / “I feel dizzy and a bit short of breath.”
- Asking for clarification: “Could you explain that in simpler words?” / “So I should take this with food, right?”
- Next steps: “Do I need a follow‑up appointment?” / “Should I call if it gets worse?”
- Idioms: “Under the weather” (feeling unwell) / “On the mend” (getting better).
This page is for **language learning only** — it’s not medical advice.
Phrasal Verbs You’ll Use
- Come down with: start to get an illness. “I think I’m coming down with the flu.”
- Pass on: transmit an illness. “I don’t want to pass this on to my family.”
- Book in: register for an appointment/test. “We’ll book you in for a blood test.”
- Cut down on: reduce (food, drink, habits). “Try to cut down on sugar.”
- Check up on: review progress later. “The nurse will check up on you next week.”
- Carry on: continue. “Carry on taking these tablets for five days.”
Example Conversation (GP Appointment)
Doctor: Good morning — what can I do for you today?
Patient: I’ve had a sore throat and a fever since Saturday. I’m also very tired.
Doctor: I see. Have you taken anything for it?
Patient: Just paracetamol. It helps a little.
Doctor: Okay. I’ll check your temperature and throat. It looks like a viral infection — rest, fluids, and paracetamol should help. Come back if it gets worse.
Patient: Thank you, doctor. Do I need a sick note for work?
Doctor: If you’re off more than seven days, yes. Reception can help with that.
Discussion Practice
- Practise describing a symptom using time words: “for two days”, “since Monday”.
- Ask three polite follow‑up questions about treatment or side effects.
- Explain clearly when you would come back for a follow‑up.
Mini Writing Tasks
- Write a short message to book an appointment and explain one key symptom.
- Write a polite email asking for test results.
- Write a note to your manager explaining a sick day.
Vocabulary You’ll Hear
| Word / Phrase | Meaning | Natural Example |
|---|---|---|
| GP (General Practitioner) | Family doctor for non‑emergency care. | “You can see a GP at your local surgery.” |
| Reception | Front desk for appointments and forms. | “Please check in at reception.” |
| Prescription | Doctor’s order for medicine. | “Your prescription is ready at the pharmacy.” |
| Side effects | Unwanted effects from medicine. | “Common side effects include drowsiness.” |
| Allergy | Reaction to a substance. | “Do you have any allergies?” |
| Blood test | Test using a sample of blood. | “We’ll book you in for a blood test.” |
| Referral | Sending you to a specialist. | “I’ll make a referral to the ENT clinic.” |
| Sick note / fit note | Document for work or study when you’re ill. | “You may need a sick note if you’re off for a week.” |
How I Teach This (and Why It Works)
In my lessons, I help you keep things simple and natural — short sentences, clear time words, and polite questions. We practise real dialogues so you feel calm and confident in the waiting room, with the GP, or on the phone with reception.
If you’d like focused practice for health situations, join my online English lessons with a native speaker. My English speaking course is practical and supportive. You can take English lessons online with a native speaker online, wherever you are.