20 medical phrasal verbs
When learning Medical English it’s important not only to pay attention to specific medical vocabulary but also to phrasal verbs used by medical professionals, which make the language sound more natural. Here are 20 Medical English phrasal verbs
1️⃣ follow up
To follow up means to check on a patient’s progress or condition after an initial consultation or treatment, to make sure they are recovering or responding well to the treatment.
The doctor made a note in the patient’s file to follow up on their progress in managing their diabetes during their next appointment.
2️⃣ check up on
To check up on means to examine a patient’s condition or progress.
The nurse planned to check up on the patient later in the evening to monitor their recovery from the procedure.
3️⃣ rule out
To rule out means to eliminate a possibility after thorough examination or consideration.
After a thorough examination, the doctor ruled out the possibility of a viral infection and focused on other potential causes.
4️⃣ look into
To look into something means to examine or investigate a medical issue or symptom further.
The medical team decided to look into the patient’s dietary habits to understand the cause of their nutritional deficiencies.
5️⃣ hold off on
To hold off on something means to delay or postpone an action, treatment, or procedure.
The doctor chose to hold off on starting chemotherapy until the patient’s overall health improved.
6️⃣ keep up with
To keep up with means to maintain or stay current with a treatment plan or medical progress.
To ensure her treatment was effective, Karen had to keep up with her therapy sessions regularly.
7️⃣ look over
To review or examine something carefully, such as medical records or reports.
The new physician looked over the patient’s previous medical records to understand their history better.
8️⃣ cut back on
To cut back on something means to reduce the amount of something, such as medication or unhealthy foods.
The doctor advised the patient to cut back on their alcohol consumption to help lower their blood pressure.
9️⃣ cut out
To cut something out means to completely eliminate something from your life or diet, such as a medication or habit.
The dietitian recommended the patient cut out processed foods from their diet entirely to improve their health.
🔟 build up
To build up means to gradually increase something, such as a treatment or strength.
The physiotherapist created an exercise plan to help build up the patient’s flexibility and strength gradually.
1️⃣1️⃣ ease off
To ease off means to gradually decrease something, such as medication dosage or the amount of exercise.
The doctor told the patient to ease off their physical activities to prevent aggravating their back injury.
1️⃣2️⃣ fill out
To fill something out means to complete a form or document, such as a medical questionnaire or insurance paperwork.
The patient had to fill out an insurance claim form to cover the costs of the recent surgery.
1️⃣3️⃣ go ahead with
To go ahead with means to proceed with a treatment, procedure, or action.
After weighing all options, the doctor decided to go ahead with the treatment.
1️⃣4️⃣ bring on
To bring on means to cause or trigger something, such as a symptom or reaction.
The stress of the situation brought on an asthma attack, requiring immediate medical attention.
1️⃣5️⃣ put off
To put off means to delay or postpone a treatment, action, or appointment.
The patient decided to put off elective surgery until after the busy holiday season.
1️⃣6️⃣ speak up
To speak up means to tell the doctor what concerns or issues you have with your symptoms or treatment.
The patient felt uncomfortable with the treatment plan but hesitated to speak up and voice their concerns.
1️⃣7️⃣ watch over
To watch over means to monitor or observe someone or something closely, such as a patient or medical condition.
1️⃣8️⃣ wash off
To wash off means to clean or remove dirt, germs, or makeup from one’s skin or body.
After assisting in the emergency surgery, the nurse rushed to the sink to wash off the blood and disinfect her hands.
1️⃣9️⃣ breathe in
To breathe in means to inhale or take in air, often for breathing exercises or medical tests.
During the lung function test, the patient was asked to breathe in deeply and hold their breath for a few seconds.
2️⃣0️⃣ turn in
To turn in means to hand over something, such as medical paperwork or test results.
After collecting the urine sample, the nurse instructed the patient to turn it in at the laboratory for analysis.
Interested in deepening your medical language skills? Don’t miss our article on nursing vocabulary — it’s the perfect complement to your study of medical phrasal verbs!
