How to see a doctor in English
I'd like to make an appointment with a doctor.
“I want to book a time to see a doctor.”
When: When the clinic answers the phone
The moment
Your lower back has hurt for three days, so you call a clinic in Manhattan to get an appointment. Then you sit in the exam room and explain the problem to the doctor.
A2 · Unit 3 · Daily life
The lines
Making an appointment
On the phone, say what you want politely with "I'd like to": "I'd like to make an appointment with a doctor." The front desk will then ask for a day and your name.
I'd like to make an appointment with a doctor.
“I want to book a time to see a doctor.”
When to use it: When the clinic answers the phone
What you’ll hear back: Sure. Are you a new patient?
Where it hurts and since when
Say the body part with "hurts", then say when it began with "It started...": "My back hurts. It started three days ago." Use "ago" after the time.
My back hurts. It started three days ago.
“My back hurts. The pain started three days ago.”
When to use it: When the doctor asks what brings you in
What you’ll hear back: Okay. Does it hurt when I press here?
Words for this scene
| Word or phrase | Say it | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| I'm not taking any medication. | aim NAHT TAY-king EH-nee med-ih-KAY-shun | I don't use any medicine right now. |
No, I'm not taking any medication, and I don't have any allergies. No, I don't use medicine, and nothing makes me allergic. Tip: Every US clinic asks this; bring your insurance card too. | ||
| Should I stay home from work? | SHOOD-ai STAY HOME frum WERK | Is it better if I don't go to my job? |
I sit at a desk all day. Should I stay home from work? I sit at a desk all day. Is it better to not go to my job? Tip: Ask for a doctor's note if your boss needs proof. | ||
| Do I need to come back? | doo-ai NEED-uh kum BAK | Must I visit the doctor again later? |
Thanks, doctor. Do I need to come back next week? Thank you, doctor. Must I visit again next week? Tip: Book any follow-up at the front desk before you leave. | ||
Your objective
Ask for an appointment; when the first slot offered is days away, ask for something sooner, then tell the doctor where it hurts and since when.
- a sooner appointment
- where it hurts
- since when
Lines that get it done
- I'd like to make an appointment with a doctor.
- My back hurts. It started three days ago.
In the live scene the objective stays on screen, and the Replay afterwards says whether you got it done.
Check yourself
1. You call a clinic. What do you say first to get a visit?
- I'd like to make an appointment with a doctor.
- I'd like to do an appointment with a doctor.
- I want to take a date with a doctor.
- I'd like to make a reservation for a doctor.
Show the answer
I'd like to make an appointment with a doctor.
In English you "make an appointment" to see a doctor. A "reservation" is for restaurants and hotels.
2. Your knee began to hurt on Monday. Today is Thursday. What do you tell the doctor?
- My knee hurts. It started three days ago.
- My knee hurts. It started since three days.
- My knee is hurt from three days ago before.
- My knee hurts. It starts three days later.
Show the answer
My knee hurts. It started three days ago.
Use the past "started" and put "ago" after the amount of time.
3. The doctor says: "Take it easy for a few days." What does she mean?
- Rest and don't do hard things for a few days.
- Take your medicine easily for a few days.
- Come back in a few days.
- It will be easy to feel better in a few days.
Show the answer
Rest and don't do hard things for a few days.
"Take it easy" is common advice that means relax and rest.