30 English Phrases for a Doctor's Appointment
Speaking to a doctor in a second language can be stressful. You feel unwell, you need to explain clearly, and you have to understand the instructions. The good news is that most appointments follow the same pattern. So a small set of phrases goes a long way. Here are 30 useful English phrases, in the order you will need them.
Booking the appointment
In the UK you usually phone or visit your GP surgery (your local doctor's practice) and speak to the receptionist.
I'd like to book an appointment with a doctor, please.
Is there anything available today?
It's quite urgent.
Do you have anything later this week?
Could I have a phone appointment instead?
I need to change my appointment.
I need to cancel my appointment on Tuesday.
Useful tip: the receptionist may ask, “Can you tell me briefly what it's about?” A short answer is fine: “I've had a bad cough for two weeks.”
Arriving at the surgery
Hello, I have an appointment at 10.30 with Dr Patel.
My name is… and my date of birth is…
Do I need to fill in a form?
Describing your symptoms
This is the most important part. Say what the problem is, how long you've had it and how bad it is.
I've got a headache / a sore throat / a temperature.
I've been feeling dizzy.
It hurts here.
It started about three days ago.
It's getting worse.
It comes and goes.
It's a sharp pain / a dull ache.
I can't sleep because of it.
I'm allergic to penicillin.
I'm already taking medication for…
Grammar note: use the present perfect to connect the past to now: “I've had this cough for two weeks” (not “I have this cough since two weeks”).
Checking you understood
Never nod and hope. Doctors expect questions, and checking is completely normal.
Sorry, could you say that again more slowly?
What does that word mean?
So I need to take it twice a day, is that right?
Should I take it with food?
How long will it take to get better?
What should I do if it doesn't get better?
Prescriptions and the pharmacy
Can I collect my prescription here?
Are there any side effects?
Is it OK to drive when I'm taking this?
Do I need to finish the whole course?
A short example conversation
Doctor: What seems to be the problem?
Patient: I've had a sore throat and a temperature since Monday.
Doctor: Any difficulty swallowing?
Patient: Yes, it hurts when I swallow.
Doctor: I'll prescribe some antibiotics. Take one three times a day for seven days.
Patient: So one tablet, three times a day, for a week – is that right?
Doctor: Exactly.
How to remember these phrases
Don't try to learn all 30 at once. Choose the eight you are most likely to need and say them aloud. Then test yourself the next day without looking. Review them again after three days and after a week. Trying to remember, rather than rereading, is what makes phrases stick.
Want more phrases like these?
Our Free English Starter Guide has 33 everyday phrases for meeting people, asking for help, shopping, travel and work. It also includes a quick level check and a 7-day study plan. Get the free guide.
Our Beginner English course covers real situations like this one step by step, with British English audio to listen to and repeat.
This article is for language practice only and is not medical advice.
Continue your English practice
Build the everyday English behind these phrases in Beginner: Mastering Everyday English Fluency. The course includes questions, listening for important details and a lesson on work, appointments and everyday services, with guided practice and checkpoints.
Want to put this into practice? Join our FREE English Confidence Starter: a quick 10-question English check, three practical mini lessons and a simple 7-day improvement plan.
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