Imprecise Words and Phrases
Imprecise words and phrases can lead to confusion and misunderstanding in medical writing. Here are some common imprecise words and phrases to avoid in medical writing:
- “Some”: Using the word “some” can be imprecise because it does not provide specific information.
Example: “Some patients may experience side effects.” This sentence can be made more precise by specifying the percentage of patients who may experience side effects.
- “A few”: Similar to “some,” using “a few” is imprecise and does not provide specific information.
Example: “A few patients had adverse reactions to the medication.” This sentence can be made more precise by specifying the number or percentage of patients who had adverse reactions.
- “Usually”: Using the word “usually” is imprecise because it does not provide a specific probability or frequency.
Example: “The medication usually causes drowsiness.” This sentence can be made more precise by providing a percentage or probability of patients who experience drowsiness as a side effect.
- “Significant”: Using the word “significant” can be imprecise because it can be interpreted in different ways.
Example: “The treatment resulted in a significant improvement in symptoms.” This sentence can be made more precise by providing specific data or metrics to describe the improvement in symptoms.
- “Good”: Using the word “good” can be imprecise because it does not provide specific information.
Example: “The patient had a good response to treatment.” This sentence can be made more precise by providing specific data or metrics to describe the patient’s response to treatment.
By avoiding imprecise words and phrases, medical writers can ensure that their writing is clear and accurate, and that the intended message is effectively conveyed to the reader.
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