How to Visit a Doctor in English

You wake up with a pounding head and a throat like sandpaper. You know you need a doctor — but you cannot explain it in English. So you drink hot water, Google your symptoms, and still do not go. Sound familiar? Today that changes.

The doctor is a detective and you are the witness — they need your story, not perfect English. Pointing and short sentences are completely fine. Booking: “I would like to make an appointment with Doctor Sharma, please.” The receptionist asks “What is it for?” — one word answers like “a fever” are enough. The golden frame: “I have had a fever for three days.” “I have” carries every symptom; “I feel” carries every sensation. Duration: “for” a period, “since” a starting point. Pain language: “It hurts here” (point), “My body aches” — never “my body is paining.” The pain scale one to ten: honest numbers get better treatment. The doctor's questions — “When did it start?” “Better or worse?” “Have you taken anything?” “Are you allergic?” — get honest one-line answers. The three protecting questions: “How should I take this?” “Are there any side effects?” “When should I come back?” Emergencies: “I need help.” “Please call an ambulance.”

Made for intermediate learners (CEFR B1–B2).