Vocabulary practice · Episode 76

Review the useful expressions from the episode

Study the episode’s central expressions with English definitions, nuance and examples, plus reviewed support-language versions where available.

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  1. Choose one expression. Read its definition, nuance and examples.
  2. Make it yours. Write one true sentence from your own life.
  3. Return to the episode. Listen for the expression in its original context.

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Vocabulary from the episode

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Expression 1

to describe your symptoms

to explain the signs of illness or discomfort you are experiencing to a medical professional — using specific, clear language to help them understand what is wrong

Nuance: Describing symptoms in a second language is one of the most practically important skills a language learner can have. Knowing words like 'dull ache', 'sharp pain', 'throbbing', 'tender', and 'swollen' can genuinely affect the quality of care you receive.

Can you describe your symptoms? — Tell me: where does it hurt, how does it feel, how long has it been going on?

She described her symptoms in clear English and the doctor understood her immediately — preparation made the difference.

Expression 2

to be referred to a specialist

to be sent by your general doctor to see a doctor who has specific expertise in a particular area of medicine

Nuance: Referred to a specialist is essential medical English — it describes the pathway through healthcare systems. Understanding this process and knowing how to ask for it are key practical skills for living in an English-speaking country.

She was referred to a specialist after the GP couldn't identify the cause of her recurring headaches.

Can you refer me to a specialist? — One of the most important questions you can ask at a doctor's appointment.

Expression 3

to make an appointment

to arrange a scheduled time to see a doctor, dentist, or other professional

Nuance: Make an appointment is the standard phrase for booking medical (and other professional) visits in English. In NHS or private healthcare contexts, you 'make' or 'book' an appointment, not 'take' one. The language around appointments also includes: 'cancel', 'reschedule', 'miss', 'attend'. Knowing this phrase and its surrounding vocabulary is essential for navigating healthcare in an English-speaking country.

Make your appointment as early as possible — waiting lists can be long.

She called the surgery first thing in the morning to make an appointment with her GP.

Expression 4

to be in good health

to be physically and mentally well — without illness, chronic conditions, or significant medical concerns

Nuance: In good health is the wellness descriptor. In medical English, it is used on forms, in consultations, and in general conversation. Being able to describe your health status accurately is a fundamental medical communication skill. Related phrases include: 'I'm generally healthy', 'I have no pre-existing conditions', 'I'm fit and well'. The opposite is 'in poor health' or 'in ill health'.

Being in good health makes all other life goals more achievable — it is a foundation, not a bonus.

She confirmed she was in good health when filling out the insurance form and had nothing significant to declare.

Expression 5

to take medication

to regularly consume a prescribed or over-the-counter drug as directed by a doctor or the instructions on the packaging

Nuance: Take medication is the standard clinical phrase. In medical contexts, you 'take' medicine — not 'eat' or 'drink' it. The phrase 'I take medication for...' is how patients describe their medical history. Related: 'I'm on medication', 'I've been prescribed...', 'I take it twice a day'. Saying 'I eat pills' is grammatically understandable but not natural medical English.

Tell your doctor about all medication you take — including over-the-counter and herbal remedies.

She took medication for high blood pressure and made sure to carry it whenever she travelled.

Expression 6

a side effect

an unintended consequence of taking a medication — typically a negative physical reaction that occurs alongside the intended therapeutic effect

Nuance: Side effect is the pharmacology phrase. Every medication comes with a list of possible side effects — from mild (headache, nausea) to serious (heart rhythm problems). In medical consultations, patients are expected to report side effects. Phrases include: 'I've been experiencing a side effect', 'I think this medication is causing...', 'Is this a known side effect of...?'

Report any side effects to your doctor promptly — some require a dose adjustment or medication change.

She stopped the medication after experiencing a side effect that affected her concentration and focus.

Expression 7

to feel under the weather

to feel slightly unwell — not seriously ill but not at your best either

Nuance: Feel under the weather is the mild illness idiom. It is used when you are not sick enough to dramatically describe symptoms but you are clearly not well — perhaps a slight headache, tiredness, or a general sense of malaise. 'I'm feeling a bit under the weather today' is a common, natural English way to explain why you might leave early, skip an event, or be less productive.

Say 'I'm feeling a bit under the weather' when you want to explain being unwell without being dramatic.

She told her manager she was feeling a bit under the weather and asked if she could work from home that day.

Expression 8

to run tests

to carry out medical examinations or investigations — such as blood tests, scans, or other diagnostic procedures

Nuance: Run tests is the medical investigation phrase. When a doctor cannot diagnose from the consultation alone, they order tests. Phrases include: 'I'm going to run a few tests', 'We'll need to run some blood tests', 'The tests came back clear'. For patients, understanding these phrases is essential for following medical conversations and knowing what will happen next in their treatment.

Ask your doctor what any tests are for and when to expect results — it is your right to know.

She was told the doctor wanted to run a few tests before making any diagnosis.

Expression 9

to be allergic to

to have an abnormal immune response to a specific substance — causing symptoms such as rash, swelling, or difficulty breathing when exposed to it

Nuance: Allergic to is the medical sensitivity phrase. Every medical form asks about allergies. The phrase 'I'm allergic to...' covers everything from mild intolerances to life-threatening reactions. Knowing how to say this clearly — and how to distinguish between 'I'm allergic to X' (immune response) and 'I can't eat X' (intolerance or preference) — is important medical communication.

State your allergies clearly at every medical appointment — especially before any procedure or prescription.

She was allergic to penicillin and had a medical alert bracelet to ensure emergency staff always knew.

Expression 10

a diagnosis

the identification of a medical condition or disease based on symptoms, tests, and clinical judgment

Nuance: Diagnosis is the medical conclusion noun. When a doctor says 'I think we are looking at...' or 'Based on what I can see, this is...' they are arriving at a diagnosis. Patients have the right to ask about the diagnosis clearly: 'What exactly do you think is wrong?', 'Are there other possibilities?', 'How confident are you?'. Understanding the diagnosis is the first step to understanding treatment.

Ask your doctor to explain the diagnosis clearly — do not leave the appointment unclear about what you have been told.

She was relieved to finally receive a diagnosis after months of tests and uncertainty.

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