THE BIG IDEA: WHERE → WHAT → HOW LONG → HOW BAD
1. “It hurts here.”
Point to the area or name the body part.
2. “It started yesterday.”
Give the time the symptom began, using your own timeline.
3. “It’s a sharp pain.”
Describe the feeling. Other useful words include dull, burning, and aching.
4. “It comes and goes.”
The symptom stops and starts instead of staying constant.
5. “It’s getting worse.”
Explain a change in the symptom.
6. “It hurts when I move.”
Describe an action that brings on the pain.
7. “It’s about a six out of ten.”
Use a number when asked to rate the pain. Choose the number that fits your experience.
8. “I also have…”
Mention another symptom: “I also have a cough.”
9. “I’ve taken…”
Explain what medicine you have already taken, using its name and the amount if known.
10. “I’m allergic to…”
Tell the clinician about a known allergy. Ask for help if the name is difficult to explain.
Put it together
“It hurts here. It’s a sharp pain. It started yesterday, and it hurts when I move.”
Use the Four Finger Rule
WANT TO: What do you want to accomplish?
HAVE TO: What facts do you have to explain?
NEED TO: What question do you need answered?
MIGHT: What might you need to repeat or clarify?
Prepare your first sentence and one backup question. If you do not understand, try: “Could you say that again, please?”
Stop memorizing English. Start using it.
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Related lesson: English for a lost passport.
