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MT GRAMMAR ESSENTIALS
LECTURE
Juliet O. Menor, MA English(MT Faculty Head/Grammar Instructor)
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER 1. PARTS OF SPEECH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
NOUNS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4Classification of Nouns. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6Verbals that Function as Noun . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6Forms of Compound Nouns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6Pluralization of Nouns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
ADJECTIVES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8Kinds of Adjectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8Verbals that Function as Adjective . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Derivational Suffixes of Adjectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
List of Medical Terms that Function as Adjective . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Position of Adjectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Degrees of Comparison of Adjectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12Classification of Adjectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12Order of Adjectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
PRONOUNS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Kinds of Pronouns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Pronoun and Antecedent Agreement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
VERBS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Simple Tenses of Verbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20Perfect Tenses of Verbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22Progressive Tenses of Verbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22Voice of Verbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23Forms of Verbs in Active Voice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23Forms of “Have” Verbs in Active Voice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24Forms of “Be” Verbs in Passive Voice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24Forms of “Have” Verbs in Passive Voice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
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Linking Verbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25The Emphatic Forms of Verbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Principal Parts Verbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26Irregular Verbs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
27 Subject-Verb Agreement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
ADVERBS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Kinds of Adverbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Derivational Suffixes of Adverbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35Position of Adverbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35Conjunctive Adverbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
CONJUNCTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38Coordinating Conjunctions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Correlative Conjunctions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40Subordinating Conjunctions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
PREPOSITIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43One-word Prepositions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43Two-Word Prepositions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44Three-Word Prepositions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44What Prepositions Indicate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44Correct Usage of Prepositions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
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CHAPTER IPARTS OF SPEECH
CLASSIFICATION OF NOUNS
I. A. Concrete Nouns They refer to anything that is perceptible to the senses. They have form and can be counted
syringe glassneedle plate
B. Abstract Nouns They refer to ideas comprehensible through their manifestation to the senses. They are formless and cannot be counted.
pain happinesslove hatred
II. A. Common Nouns They stand for the general concept of things, persons, places, etc. They are not capitalized.
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NOUNS Nouns are the names or labels given to people, places, animals, things and ideas or concepts. Nouns usually are subjects or objects of a sentence. Sometimes, they may be modifiers.
medicine nursedoctor city
She was seen in the emergency room of St. Mary’s Hospital.
In order for this patient to receive proper health care, he should be seen on a monthly basis.
This healthcare facility is not equipped to deal with these sorts of patients.
Note:While some authors write health care as two words for every usage, AMT’s preference is that healthcare is written as one word when used as an adjective, two words (health care) when used as a noun.
B. Proper Nouns They refer to names of particular things, persons, places, etc. They are capitalized.
Biogesic Ms. Anne GonzalesDr. John Perez Valenzuela
He was admitted to St. Mary’s Hospital.
III. A. Collective Nouns They refer to organized group of persons or things taken as a unit. They represent collection of persons or things regarded as a unit. Usage determines whether the collective noun is singular or plural.
It is singular and takes a singular verb when the total group it represents is emphasized.
It is plural and takes a plural verb when the individuals making up the group are emphasized.
committee bouquet of flowersteam school of fishaudience board
N committee couple Family staffgroup team
The group is meeting frequently throughout its stay. The group of patients were female. (each was female)
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A number of adhesions were present. (individual adhesions were present, not a collective adhesion)
The number of adhesions was minimal. (The subject the number of always takes a singular verb.)
The couple were injured in a plane crash. (but) The couple has an appointment with the geneticist.
B. Mass Nouns Refer to objects with fine composition that tend to form cohesive units.
rice saltcoffee sugar
III. VERBALS THAT FUNCTION AS NOUN
1. Infinitive - Verb in form (to + base form of verb), but it functions as a noun.
a. Subject - To become a medical transcriptionist is her dream.
b. Subjective - Her dream is to become a medical transcriptionist. Complement
c. Direct Object - She wants to become a medical transcriptionist.
2. Gerund - Verb in form (verb + ing), but it functions as a noun.
a. Subject - Transcribing medical reports is not an easy task.
NOTE: Use the possessive form for a noun or pronoun that precedes a gerund (verb ending in -ing and used as a noun).
- His dieting is a problem.- The patient’s screaming disturbed other patients
b. Subjective Complement - Her dream is transcribing medical reports.
c. Object of the Preposition - She passed the MT course by transcribing accurately.
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FORMS OFCOMPOUND NOUNSA. Closed Form
notebooksunrise
B. Open Form
post officecomfort room
C. Hyphenated Form
son-in-laweditor-in-chief
PLURALIZATION OF NOUNS1. Add s
girl – girls nurse – nurses
2. For words ending in s, ch, sh, & x add es ax – axeschurch – churches
3. for words ending in o , add es tomato – tomatoespotato – potatoes
4. For words ending in y preceded by consonant, change y to i and add esphilosophy – philosophiestrophy – tropies
5. For words ending in y preceded by a vowel, add esway – waystray – trays
6. For words ending in f or fe, change f or fe into v and add esknife – kniveslife - lives
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N
KINDS OF ADJECTIVES1. Proper Adjectives
It is formed from a proper noun. It starts with a capital letter.
Japanese woman PLDT servicesSt. John Don Bosco church American institute
2. Common AdjectivesIt expresses the ordinary qualities of a noun or pronoun. It begins with a small letter.
coronary care unit routine followupstaff evaluation emergency room
3. Descriptive AdjectivesIt describes a noun or pronoun.
long roughsoft painful
4. Numeral AdjectivesIt denotes exact number.
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ADJECTIVESAn adjective modifies a noun or pronoun. It can be a single word, phrase, or a clause. Adjectives are also called modifiers.
BUN was 22 32-French chest11.2 ECG 92-year-old female
5. Possessive Adjectives (nouns)Use the possessive form for a noun involving time, measurement, or money that is used as a possessive adjective. Use ’s or s’, whichever is appropriate, with units of time or currency used as possessive adjectives.
2 months’ history 3 days’ time 1 dollar’s worth 2 cents’ worth
The pain was of 3 months’ duration. She became ill while attending an educators conference.
(not educators’ conference)6. Possessive Adjectives (pronouns)
my pen his scheduleyour son her bag
7. Demonstrative Adjectives
this book these umbrellasthat car those flowers
8. Indefinite Adjectives
some people any patientfew mess all nurses
9. Compound Adjectives
newborn babyfirst born child
Note:Do not use the possessive form with compound adjectives.
a 2-dollar bill
Examples of Compound adjectives 15-year-old boy 2-year 5-month-old child 51⁄2-year-old girl or 5-1/2-year-old girl
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5 x 3 x 2-cm mass The abdomen shows a 4-1/4-inch scar. 3- to 4-cm lesion 1-month course .38-caliber pistol two-thirds full one-half normal saline half-normal saline Stool is heme-negative.
H She was panic-stricken mucus-coated throat 20-pack-year history self-medicated shell-like
10.Articles Articles are modifiers that are used to indicate the definiteness or
indefiniteness of the noun that follows.
a. Definite Article (the)the chair : a specific, or definite, chair
b. Indefinite Articles (a, an)a chair : may be any chair
The use of articles with abbreviations varies. Sometimes the article is required. Sometimes it is optional. Sometimes it should be omitted.
Required : We will do a CBC.Optional : She was admitted to the ICU.(or) She was admitted to ICU.
Omission required : CPR was done...(not) : The CPR was done...A
Articles are frequently dropped in dictation. They may be transcribed or not (whether dictated or not) provided their presence or absence does not substantially change the meaning or style of the originator.
When dropped in transcription, it is usually because they were not dictated, they were not heard by the transcriptionist, or they were not dictated elsewhere in the report and the transcriptionist is attempting to achieve some consistency within the document. Articles are more apt to be included in correspondence than in reports.
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VERBALS THAT FUNCTION AS ADJECTIVE1. Present participle (verb + ing)
The patient had recurring infection. The swinging couples burned time and money the whole night.
2. Past participle (verb + d/ed – regular)
Our finished products in ceramics compare favorably with those of other countries.
Defeated and frustrated, the patient committed suicide. The sunken treasure has been the object of an endless search.
DERIVATIONAL SUFFIXES OF ADJECTIVESMost adjectives are derived from the following suffixes
1. Noun + y - muddy, stony, dreamy, sleepy2. Noun + ful - faithful, beautiful, harmful, painful3. Noun + less - faithless, timeless, flawless, guideless4. ;Noun + en - rotten, golden, wooden5. Noun + ive - permissive, constructive, excessive, decisive6. Noun + ous - vigorous, nervous, horrendous, marvelous7. Noun + ish - mannish, selfish, Danish8. Noun + al - symmetrical, bilateral, neurological, mental, facial9. Noun + ary - elementary, secondary, tertiary, 10. N oun+ some - lonesome, tiresome, handsome, bothersome11. Noun + ly - queenly, priestly, princely12. Noun + ic - historic, dramatic, tragic13. Noun or V + able/ible - payable, desirable, likeable, permissible
LIST OF MEDICAL TERMS THAT FUNCTION AS ADJECTIVES
POSTURE-BASED TERMS MEANINGanterior nearer the frontposterior nearer the rearsuperior nearer the topinferior nearer the bottom
REGION BASED TERMS MEANINGcranial, cephalic nearer the headcaudal nearer the tail or lower enddorsal nearer the back
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ventral nearer the belly side or anterior surface
Note: Adjective may modify either a plural or a singular noun, depending upon
the meaning.
bilateral decision - A decision made by people on both [usually opposing] sides of an issue acting together.
bilateral pneumonia - There is only one condition, although present
in both lungs at the same time. bilateral mastectomies - There are two breasts and both are
removed, so it’s plural.
bilateral tympanostomies and Teflon tube insertions
POSITION OF ADJECTIVES1. Before a noun
She had a transient episode of numbness. She has recurrent TIAs 3 times a day
2. After a linking verb She is not dysphasic. Her speech is normal and clear.
3. After an intensifier The patient is very silent. He is often late.
4. After an object (it functions as objective complement) We consider that doctor upright. We find the examination difficult.
CLASSIFICATIONS OF ADJECTIVES1. Single-word modifiers
They are one-word modifier or adjective.
long report rough edgemy pen his schedulethat car those flowersfew mess all nursesnewborn baby
2. Phrase modifiers
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They are often introduced by a preposition and are called prepositional phrase.
She is an 80-year-old female with a history of GI bleed. He complains of a sore on the bottom of his right foot.
3. Clause modifiersThey are introduced by a relative pronoun and are called subordinate clause.
Achromatin is found in a cell nucleus which lacks staining properties. Dr. Johnson is one of the surgeons who studied at Harvard University
ORDER OF ADJECTIVESA -- articleN -- numberS -- size, shapeQ -- qualityC -- colorN -- noun
NOTE: 1) same
Do not transcribe “same” when dictated for the discharge diagnosis (meaning same as admission diagnosis) or for the postoperative diagnosis (meaning same as preoperative diagnosis). Repeat the diagnosis in full.
Dictated : Admission diagnosis: Cholelithiasis. Discharge diagnosis: Same.
Transcribed : ADMISSION DIAGNOSIS: Cholelithiasis. DISCHARGE DIAGNOSIS: Cholelithiasis.
Dictated : Preoperative diagnosis: uterine fibroid. Postoperative diagnosis: same.
Transcribed : PREOPERATIVE DIAGNOSIS: Uterine fibroid. POSTOPERATIVE DIAGNOSIS: Uterine fibroid.
2) more than When over means more than, replace it with more than.
Dictated : She reports over 5 operations but is unclear about the precise number.
Transcribed : She reports more than 5 operations but is unclear about the precise number.
When over may mean more than or for a period of and you can determine the intended meaning, replace over with the more precise term.
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Dictated : The rash persisted over 2 weeks.Transcribed : The rash persisted for over 2 weeks.
(or) The rash persisted over a 2-week period.
DEGREES OF COMPARISON OF ADJECTIVES
POSITVE COMPARATIVE SUPERLATIVEGood Better bestBad Worse worstLittle less/lesser leastOld Older oldestNear Nearer nearestFar Farther farthestLate Later latestMany More most
KINDS OF PRONOUNS1. Personal pronouns – They function as a subject or object
PERSON PERSONAL PRONOUNS (SUBJECT)
PERSONAL PRONOUNS (OBJECT)
SINGULAR1st person I me2nd person you you3rd person he, she, it him, her, itPLURAL1st person we us2nd person you you3rd person they Them
Subject - He will return in 3 weeks for followup Object - The doctor will give you intravenous aminophylline Subj. & Obj. - He rarely recognizes us.
2. Possessive pronouns – They denote ownership.
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PRONOUNSPronouns are used as noun substitute.
PERSON POSSESSIVE PRONOUNSSINGULAR1st person my mine2nd person your yours3rd person his, her, its his, hers, itsPLURAL1st person our ours2nd person your yours3rd person their theirs
His x-ray was not in the jacket. Her postoperative pain has been minimal. He was initially treated with oxygen, requiring four liters to keep his
saturations above 90%.
3. Reflexive/Intensive pronouns – Reflexive pronouns are pronouns combined with -self or -selves. They refer to and emphasize the subject of the verb or they refer back to the noun or pronoun they follow or stress the importance of nouns or pronouns.
She herself made the reports on 5 operations. The patient came into the emergency room herself, and she was treated
for tachycardia that had resisted conversion in her physician’s office. She insisted on feeding herself.
Note: Avoid other uses of reflexive pronouns.
Dictated : The patient will be seen by Dr. Smith in 1 week and by myself in 2 weeks.
Transcribed : The patient will be seen by Dr. Smith in 1 week and by me in 2 weeks.
PERSON REFLEXIVE/ INTENSIVE PRONOUNS
SINGULAR1st person myself2nd person yourself3rd person herself, himself,
itself, oneselfPLURAL1st person ourselves2nd person yourselves
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3rd person themselves
3. Interrogative pronouns – They are used to ask questions.
Who was the patient who said that she was weak and lazy? Who made the incision over the symphysis pubis? What did he say about the food?
INTERROGATIVE PRONOUNS
WhoWhomWhoseWhatWhich
4. Relative pronouns – They refer to the noun or pronoun they follow. They introduce subordinate clauses.
RELATIVE PRONOUNS
that whosoever
who whoever
whom whomever
what whatever
which whichever
Who was the patient who said that she was weak and lazy? The patient is a 67-year-old white female who injured her back after
strenuous exercise. The patient was told to return in one week, during which time she
improved.
NOTE:- Relative pronouns may function as conjunctions when they join two or
more clauses.
RELATIVE PRONOUNS
that what
whom which
who
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AP, lateral, and oblique x-rays of the right hand reveal what appears to be a residual of a well-healed fracture with a large ball of mature callus.
Acetabulum refers to the cavity in the hip bone which receives the head of the femur or thigh bone.
Use who or whom to introduce an essential clause referring to a human being or to an animal with a name. Do not use commas to set off essential subordinate clauses.
Dr. Johnson is one of the surgeons who studied at Harvard University.
Use that to introduce an essential clause referring to an inanimate object or to an animal without a name. Exception: When that as a conjunction is used elsewhere in the same sentence, use which , not that, to introduce an essential clause.
The nurse did a localized collection of purulent matter in any part of the body that may cause pain or swelling.
The patient came into the emergency room, and she was treated for tachycardia that had resisted conversion in her physician’s office.
He had 2 large wounds that were bleeding profusely and several small bleeders.
She said that the dog which bit her was a miniature poodle. Achromatin is found in a cell nucleus which lacks staining properties P
Use which to introduce a nonessential clause referring to an inanimate object or to an animal without a name. Precede and follow a nonessential clause with a comma or closing punctuation.
The surgery, which had been postponed 3 times, was finally performed today.
The patient’s parents, who had been summoned from Europe, were consulted about her past history.
5. Demonstrative pronouns – used to point out persons, places or objectsthis thatthese those
These symptoms worsened progressively over the next several days. I instructed those patients to return tomorrow. That is the surgeon who operated my mother.
6. Indefinite pronouns – refer to no one in particular
INDEFINITE PRONOUNS
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All each other nobodyany either noneanybody everybody no oneanyone everyone oneanything everything othersBoth few someEach many somebodyeach one neither someone
The CBC revealed a hemoglobin of 8 and a hematocrit of 24, both of which are below normal.
Every physician and nurse has an ethical responsibility to keep patient information confidential.
All of the patient’s lunch was eaten. Each patient was complaining of...
Note: Replace both with either if the meaning is one or the other Replace either with both if that is the meaning intended.
Dictated : There were wounds on either leg.Transcribed : There were wounds on both legs.
RULES:Rule 1: A personal pronoun must agree with its antecedent (noun or pronoun to which it
refers) in number, person and gender.
The girl in the blue maxi-dress is my friend. She goes to an exclusive school. Her every wish is granted by her parents.
The patient was sent to the postpartum floor. She improved steadily.
PERSON & NUMBER Person expresses the entity (first, second, or third) that is acting or being.
Numbe r expresses whether the person is singular or plural.
Gender expresses whether the person is feminine or masculine.
first person singular I
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PRONOUN AND ANTECEDENT AGREEEMENT Antecedent is the noun to which the pronoun refers.
second person singular you (one only)third person singular he, she, it
first person plural wesecond person plural you (more than one)third person plural they
NOTE:Pronoun without antecedentsText with a pronoun that does not have a preceding noun or pronoun should be edited to identify the pronoun’s antecedent.
Dictated : She is a 40-year-old white female complaining of nausea and vomiting. (first sentence of report)
Transcribed : The patient is a 40-year-old white female complaining of nausea and vomiting.
Rule 2: The relative pronouns, who, which, whom, what, and that always have antecedents to which they agree in person, gender, and number.
This is the girl who lent me her notes. He is one of those patients who demand constant reassurance. (The
subject of demand is who, referring to patients, not he.)
Rule 3: The masculine pronoun is used when the antecedent is the indefinite pronoun one.
One should do his level best.
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TENSES OF VERB Use verb tense to communicate the appropriate time of the action or being:
past, present, future, past perfect, present perfect, and future perfect.
SIMPLE TENSES OF VERBS1. Simple Present Tense- It is used to express current situation or action taking place at the present,
habitual or customary action, permanent condition, permanent location, general truths or universal facts, or timelessness.
I work as a medical transcriptionist. You work as a medical transcriptionist. He/She works as a medical transcriptionist.
We work as a medical transcriptionist. You work as a medical transcriptionist. They work as a medical transcriptionist.
a) Universal Present
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VERBSVerbs are words that express action or a state of being. Verbs have tense, person and number, tense, and mood
Uses the present tense to state something that is universally true or that was believed to be true at the time. The universal present is not the same as the historic present.
Traditional treatment modalities were used because they are so effective.
b) Historic PresentUses the present tense to relate past events in a more immediate manner. In dictation, it is common to use the historic present tense to describe patient information or treatment in the present rather than in the past. If this is done, be consistent. The historic present is not the same as the universal present.
The patient says she has pain over the right abdomen. Upon examination, there is rebound tenderness.
2. Simple Past Tense- It is used to express an action or situation in the past and habitual or repeated
action in the past
I worked as a medical transcriptionist. You worked as a medical transcriptionist. He/She worked as a medical transcriptionist.
We worked as a medical transcriptionist. You worked as a medical transcriptionist. They worked as a medical transcriptionist.
3. Simple Future Tense - It is used to express an action at a future time. The verb form is a combination of
either will or shall and the simple present tense of the verb.
I will work as a medical transcriptionist. You will work as a medical transcriptionist. He/She will work as a medical transcriptionist.
We will work as a medical transcriptionist. You will work as a medical transcriptionist. They will work as a medical transcriptionist.
NOTE:1. Maintain uniformity of tense, but keep in mind that tense may vary
within a single report or even a single paragraph, depending on the time being referenced.
Dictated: The abdomen is soft. There was a scar in the lower right quadrant.
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Transcribed : The abdomen is soft. There is a scar in the lower right quadrant.V
2. Tenses may appropriately vary within a single paragraph and certainly within a report.
She was admitted from the emergency room at 8:30 p.m. She is afebrile at present. She will be given IV antibiotics, nevertheless.
NOTE:shall, willThe usage distinctions between shall and will are lessening except in legal documents. Transcribe as dictated.
should, wouldShould expresses obligation. He should discontinue smoking.
Would expresses usual action He would light up a cigarette automatically after meals.
Use would in conditional past tense. If he had not smoked for so many years, it would not be so difficult for him to
quit.
PERFECT TENSES OF VERBS1. Present Perfect Tense (has/have + past participle)- It expresses an action that started in the past and continues up to the present. - It also expresses an action started in and ended in the past. - The expressions used in the present perfect are the following: since, for,
already, yet, ever, and never.
Many doctors have worked in this hospital for almost a decade now. I have worked for almost a decade now.
2. Past Perfect Tense (had + past participle)- It expresses an action or state of being completed in the past before some other
past actions or state of being.- The earlier of the two past actions is expressed in perfect tense while the latter
past action is expressed in the simple past tense.
The doctor had started the operation when the call came. I had worked only on weekends until this past month.
3. Future perfect Tense (will have/shall have + past participle)
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- It expresses an action or state of being to be completed in the future before some other future actions or state of being
Carmen shall have conducted seminars before the year ends. I will have worked for one year by the end of this month.
PROGRESSIVE TENSES OF VERBS1. Present Progressive Tense (is/are + present participle)- It shows continuous action.
She is transcribing medical reports.
2. Past Progressive Tense (was/were + present participle)- It shows an action happening at the time of speaking.
She was transcribing medical reports the other day.
3. Future Progressive Tense (will be/shall be + present participle)- It shows a future action in progress at a certain period of time in the future.
Example: She will be transcribing medical reports next week.
THE PROGRESSIVE FORMS OF THE SIX TENSES
Present Progressive I am working right now.
Past Progressive I was working when you called.
Future Progressive I will/shall be working this weekend.Present Perfect Progressive I have been working harder than usual lately.Past Perfect Progressive I had been working nights until the new schedule was
announced.Future Perfect Progressive
I will/shall have been working on this project a month before it is done.
VOICE OF VERBS- The voice of the verb is determined by the function of the subject, whether it is
the doer or the receiver of the action
1. Active Voice - The subject is the doer of the action The doctor gave the stubborn patient an ultimatum. The nurse brough t the medicines of the patients on time.
FORMS OF VERBS IN ACTIVE VOICE
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(SIMPLE PAST TENSE)DOER OF
THE ACTIONMAIN VERBS(Past Tense)
RECEIVER OF THE ACTION
PHRASE MODIFIER
SINGULARThe director gave me an instructionThe president appreciated you very muchThe principal assigned him at the new branchPLURALThe doctors diagnosed us with a gadget Your parents transferred you to other schoolThe judges tallied them immediately
FORMS OF “HAVE” VERBS IN ACTIVE VOICE (PRESENT/PAST PERFECT TENSE)
DOER OF THE ACTION
AUXILIARY VERB
(Present / Past )
MAIN VERB
(Past Participle)
RECEIVER OF THE ACTION
PHRASEMODIFIERS
SINGULARThe nurse has / had given me an instructionThe doctor has / had appreciated you very muchThe director has / had assigned you at the new
branchPLURALThe doctors have / had diagnosed us with a gadget Your parents have / had transferred you to other schoolThe technician have / had tallied them immediately
2. Passive Voice – The subject is the receiver of the action
The stubborn patient was given an ultimatum by the doctor. The medicines of the patients were brought by the nurse on time.
FORMS OF “BE” VERBS IN PASSIVE VOICE (PRESENT/PAST TENSE)
RECEIVER OF THE ACTION
AUXILIARY VERBS
(Be)
MAIN VERB(Past
Participle)
PHRASE MODIFIER
DOER OF THEACTION
SINGULARI am / was given an instruction by the nurseYou are / were appreciated very much by the doctorHe/She Is / was assigned at the new branch by the directorPLURALWe are / were diagnosed with a gadget by the doctorYou are / were transferred to other school by your motherThey are / were tallied immediately by the technician
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FORMS OF “HAVE” VERBS IN PASSIVE VOICE VERBS (PRESENT/PAST PERFECT TENSE)
RECEIVER OF THE ACTION
AUXILIARY VERB
(Present / Past)
AUXILIARYVERB(Be)
MAIN VERB(Past
Participle)
PHRASE MODIFIER
DOER OF THEACTION
SINGULARI have / had been given an instruction by the nurseYou have / had been appreciated very much by the doctorHe/She has / had been assigned at the new
branchby the director
PLURALWe have / had been diagnosed with a gadget by the doctorYou have / had been transferred to other school by your motherThey have / had been tallied immediately by the judges
NOTE: Most communication guidelines urge the use of the active voice except
when it is more important to emphasize what was acted on and that it was acted on.
In medical transcription, the active voice is more common in reporting observations, e.g., in history and physical exam reports.
The passive voice is more common in describing healthcare providers’ actions, e.g., hospital treatment and surgery.
The abdomen is soft, nontender. The patient was given intravenous aminophylline. The incision was made over the symphysis pubis.
Do not recast most dictation to change the voice except for those sentences that are especially awkward.
Dictated : The medication by him is taken irregularly. Transcribed : He takes the medication irregularly.
LINKING VERBS
Verbs that link the subject of a sentence to an adjective or other complement.
Most common examples are various forms of the verb to be.
FORMS OF “BE” VERBS
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am am being has been can beis is being have been could be could have beenare are being had been may be may have beenwas was being might be might have beenwere were being will be
would be would have beenshall be shall have beenshould be should have been
must have been
Others include the following words:
act getappear growfeel seemslook smellremain soundbecome taste
Such verbs are followed by adjectives, not adverbs, because the subject, not the verb, is being described. He says the food tastes bad.
(NOT) He says the food tastes badly.
EMPHATIC FORMS OF VERBS
THE EMPHATIC FORMS OF THE PRESENT TENSE AND PAST TENSEPresent emphatic I do work harder than youPast emphatic I did work last night
She did transcribe 30 medical reports in one day. Did she transcribe 30 medical reports in one day?
She did go at the hospital for her check up. Did she go at the hospital for her check up?
PRINCIPAL PARTS OF THE VERBS
THE TWO PRINCIPAL PARTS OF THE PRESENT TENSETENSES REGULAR VERBS IRREGULAR VERBS
Present work draw
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Present Participle working drawing
THE TWO PRINCIPAL PARTS OF THE PAST TENSETENSES REGULAR VERBS IRREGULAR VERBS
Past worked drewPast Participle worked drawn
IRREGULAR VERBS
IRREGULAR VERBS WITH THE SAME PRESENT, PAST, AND PAST PARTICIPLE
PRESENT PRESENT PARTICIPLE PAST PAST PARTICIPLEcost Costing cost costcut Cutting cut cuthit Hitting hit hithurt Hurting hurt hurtlet Letting let letput Putting put putset Setting set setspread Spreading spread spread
IRREGULAR VERBS WITH THE SAME PAST AND PAST PARTICIPLE
PRESENT PRESENT PARTICIPLE PAST PAST PARTICIPLEbind Binding bound boundring Bringing brought broughtfind Finding found foundget Getting got got or gottenhold Holding held heldkeep Keeping kept keptlay Laying laid lainsay Saying said saidsend Sending sent sent
IRREGULAR VERBS THAT DO NOT HAVE THE SAME PRESENT, PAST, AND PAST PARTICIPLE
PRESENT PRESENT PARTICIPLE PAST PAST PARTICIPLEbegin Beginning began begunbite Biting bit bittenbreak Breaking broke brokendo Doing did donedraw Drawing drew drawn
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give Giving gave givengo Going went goneknow Knowing knew knownsee Seeing saw seen
S
NOTE:Avoid using “type” in medical transcription. Use “transcribe” instead.
Dictated : The MT typed the report.Transcribed : The MT transcribed the report.
SPLIT VERBSA split verb is one in which a word (usually an adverb) has been inserted between its two parts. Splitting infinitives or other forms of verbs used to be considered a grave grammatical faux pas. Traditionalists still hold to this view, but pragmatists recognize that such splits are appropriate if they enhance meaning (or at least do not obstruct it). Transcribe split verbs as dictated provided they do not obstruct the meaning.
The test was intended to definitively determine . .. He will routinely return for followup.
MISPLACED VERBSIn comparisons such as the following, the second verb is understood. The larger incision healed faster than the smaller one. If the second verb is dictated or added, be sure to place it at the end.
The larger incision healed faster than the smaller one did.(NOT) The larger incision healed faster than did the smaller one
MOOD OF VERBS1. The indicative mood
- makes factual statements and is most common.
The patient returned on schedule for a followup visit. V He is a singer.
2. The imperative mood - makes requests or demands.
Come here now. Clean up your room.
3. The subjunctive mood
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- expresses doubt, wishes, regrets, or conditions contrary to fact. It is the most difficult and most formal mood and usually relates to the past or present, not the future.
If she were my patient, I would proceed with surgery. I wish I were a queen.
1. The verb agrees with the subject and not the complement.
This piano has good strings. The lungs have some expiratory ronchi. Mike does a good job in transcribing. Mary and John do a lot better than the rest of the class. Cathy is the official transcriptionist of the institute.
2. The indefinite words: each, every, everyone, someone, no one, and nobody take singular verbs.
Each has a laboratory gown. No one is unhealthy. Everybod y is going to see the doctor. Each of the tests was repeated. No one expects him to recover full use of the arm.
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SUBJECT-VERB AGREEMENT
4. When either and neither are used as subjects, they always take singular verbs.
Neither of them is available to speak right now. Either of us is capable of doing the operation.
5. The words some, a few, several, many take the plural verbs.
A few medical transcriptionists are qualified for US. Several students are interested in Grammar and Style Essentials.
7. When a relative pronoun, who, which, that is a subject, its verb has the same person and number as the antecedent
Antecedent Relative Verb of Relative Pronoun Pronoun
We who are about to graduate.He has one candidate who was able to graduate.
8. When used to introduce a sentence, it is followed by a singular verb
It is the doctor who should give lessons in Anatomy
3. The word none may be singular (not one, no one, no single one) or plural (no two, no amount, not any), taking singular or plural verbs and pronouns as appropriate. Use context to determine if singular or plural form is intended. If either could be used,assume it is singular and use singular verbs and pronouns.
We tried to identify the bleeding site; none was found. (not one site was found) We found 4 bleeding sites; none were cauterized. (no sites were cauterized)
N In the phrase none of, the object of the preposition of determines whether
construction is singular or plural.
None of the findings are conclusive. None of it makes sense.
6. The words all and some, are singular or plural according to the meaning of the sentence. When these words refer to a quantity or a mass taken as a whole, it is generally considered as singular. When it refers to a number, it is regarded as plural in number. All of the gasoline has been sold. (mass or quantity) All of the nurses are wearing uniforms. (more than one) Some are going by plane. (more than one) Some of the ice cream is left. (mass or quantity)
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9. Words which come between subject and predicate do not affect the verb.
The mother with all her children is here. The doctor, along with the nurses, is expected in a short while. Excitement as well as nervousness was the cause of her nervous
breakdown.
10. The phrase average of takes a plural if preceded by an, singular if preceded by the. An average of 10 tests were done on each patient. The average of the results was 48.3%.
11. The phrase percent of takes a singular verb when the word following of is singular, a plural verb when the word following of is plural.
Ninety percent of the body was burned. Forty percent of the patients were in the control group.
Percent takes a singular verb when it stands alone (not followed by of ).
Fifty percent is adequate.
12. Compound subject connected by “and” takes a plural verb unless the subjects mean the same thing or as closely related in meaning.
The doctor and the nurse are here. Oatmeal and milk is a wholesome food. My cousin and classmate is here.
13. Compound subject connected by either-or; neither-nor, and-or take a singular verb if the second member of the compound subject is singular. It takes a plural verb if the second member of the compound subject is plural.
Either my father or my mother is going to undergo diagnosis. Either the boy or the girls are doing the work. Either my brothers or my sister is going to enroll in MT course.
14. The expression “there is” is followed by a singular noun; the expression “there are” is followed by a plural noun.
There is no one here. There are several doctors here.
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15. Collective nouns, such as class, jury, team, crow, etc., take a singular or plural verb depending on whether the group is thought of as a whole or individuals.
The class in Medical Transcription is very quiet. The class do not agree on the answer. (They have different
opinions)
16. Some nouns retain the same form, whether singular or plural. ascites luesclothes richesgoods scissorseyeglasses trousersnews economicsmeasles civicsmumps acousticsbiceps forceps
The ascites was tapped for the third time. The patient’s lues has progressed over many year’s time.
A scissors was used to cut... Several different-sized scissors were used.
The left biceps was weaker than the right. The left and right biceps were equally strong.
An Allis forceps was used to grasp... Both forceps were required to grasp...
A series of tests was conducted. Several series of tests were conducted.
17. Some nouns are singular in form but they take plural verbs.
Adnexa
The adnexa are normal. The right ocular adnexa are within normal limits. The left uterine adnexa were entirely involved with tumor.
18. Difficult singular and plural words and phrases
Singular Verb Plural Verbala nasi is alae nasi arediverticulum is diverticula aregenitalis is genitalia are
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naris is nares aremedium is media arelabium is labia aremajus is majora areminus is minora arelentigo is lentigines arefocus is foci arefossa is fossae aredecubitus ulcer is decubitus ulcers are
19. Expressions indicating an amount of money, a space of time, or a unit of measurement take a singular verb even when the form is plural.
Five pesos is not much. Three months’ pay was what he received. Two yards of material is not enough for a dress.
20. Monetary expressions take a singular verb when they are thought of as a sum, a plural verb when they are thought of as individual bills and coins.
A million dollars is a lot of money. The 50 quarters were stacked on the dresser.
21. Units of measure are collective singular nouns and take singular verbs
After the lab report came back, 20 mEq of KCl was added.22. The expression “a number” takes a plural verb. The expression “the number”
takes a singular verb.
A number of students are absent. The number of students present is small.
The number of adhesions was minimal. A number of adhesions were present.
23. Use number to refer to persons or things that can be counted. Number tells how many; amount tells how much (mass).
There was a small amount of bleeding, given the large number of wounds.
A large number of people were present. (NOT) A large amount of people were present.
24. In arithmetical expressions, the following usage is accepted.
Six plus six is twelve.
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Five minus two is three. Five times two is ten. Three divided by three is one. One-fourth of twelve is three Six and six are twelve.
25. When the subject of a sentence is a title, a clause, a quotation or a group of words, the verb is singular.
“To die is to rest” is a sentence of doubtful value.
KINDS OF ADVERBS1. Manner (How?)
She dances gracefully.
2. Place (Where?)Come here.
3. Time (When?)He arrived this morning.
DRUG-RELATED LATIN ABBREVIATIONS
ABBREVIATION ENGLISH TRANSLATIONa.c. before mealsa.m. morningh.s. bedtimep.c. after mealsp.m. afternoonp.r.n. as circumstances may require
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ADVERBSAdverb modifies or describes a verb, an adjective or another adverb. It may be a single word, a phrase or a clause.
4. Degree (To what extent or How much?)He entered the room very conspicuously.
5. Frequency (How often?)She sees him often.
6. Duration (How long?)She was awake from night till morning.
7. Purpose (Why?)They came to confer with me.
8. Affirmation (Yes) /Negation (No)Yes, they are here.No, they are not correct.
DERIVATIONAL SUFFIXES OF ADVERBS
NOUN -WISE ADVERBLength -wise lengthwiseClock -wise clockwise
ADJECTIVE -LY ADVERBSensible -ly sensiblyMere -ly merely
NOUN -WARD ADVERBHome - ward homeward
DRUG-RELATED LATIN ABBREVIATIONS ABBREVIATION ENGLISH TRANSLATION
b.i.d. twice a dayp.r.n. as neededq.d. every dayq.a.m. every morningq.h. every hourq.4 h. every 4 hoursq.i.d. 4 times a dayq.l. as much as desiredq.p. as much as desiredt.i.d. 3 times a day
u.d. as directed
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ADVERB -WARD ADVERBBack -ward backward
POSITION OF ADVERBS1. Before an adjective
Examples: It is an exceedingly long story. Jeff is an exceptionally bright student. The cup is too big.
2. Between the linking verb and the adjective or after be-verbsExamples:
It is really hard. It is usually good.
3. Before a verbExamples:
He often sings ballads. Tom always fetches his children.
4. After an action verbExamples:
She left hurriedly. The gift was wrapped attractively
5. After an objectExamples:
They gathered the firewood quickly. She wrapped the gift attractively
6. Between auxiliary verb and main verbExamples:
They had quickly picked the broken pieces of glass. They have carefully done the operation.
7. At the beginning of a sentence Examples:
Quickly, they performed the steps. Practically, his suggestion makes sense.
CONJUNCTIVE ADVERBS (TRANSITIONAL WORDS)
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They are called transitional words because they are not pure conjunctions. Some of these words have a slight connecting force. Others have some adverbial force.
They are used to connect two independent clauses. Connectives that belong to this group are always preceded by a semicolon and followed by a comma.
When they are used to introduce a sentence, they are still followed by a comma.
accordinglyafterwardsagainanyhowbesidesconsequentlydoubtlesseventuallyevidentlyfinallyfurthermorehencehoweverindeedinstead
likewisemeanwhilemoreovernamelyneverthelessnextotherwiseperhapspossiblysimilarlystillsubsequentlythenthereforethus
as a resultat lastat the same timefor examplefor instancefor this reasonin additionin any casein factin like mannerin shorton the contraryon the other handthat is yet
NOTE:
(1) however
as an adverbHowever may be used to modify one or more adjectives.
However resistant she may be, I will continue to advise her to quit smoking.
as a conjunctive adverbPlace a semicolon before and a comma after however when it is used to connect two complete, closely related thoughts in a single sentence.
He is improved; however, he cannot be released.H Place a comma after however when it serves as a bridge between two
sentences.
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The patient was released from care. However, his wife called to say his condition had worsened again.
as an interruptiveWhen however occurs in the second sentence and is not the first word, it is called an interruptive and requires a comma before and after it. There is disagreement among grammarians as to the best placement of this type of however. In medical transcription, place it as dictated provided such placement does not interfere with communication.
Dictated & Transcribed: He is improved. He cannot, however, be released.
Dictated & Transcribed: He is improved. He cannot be released, however.
(2) sinceAs an adverb, it means at some time between a point in the past and now.
He moved away three years ago, but she has seen since.
COORDINATING CONJUNCTIONS
.1. Her heart has regular rate and rhythm.
2. LV-gram showed a large area of anterior apical dyskinesis and septal akinesis.
and norbut sofor yetor
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CONJUNCTIONSWords that join words, phrases, or clauses, thereby indicating their relationship.
3. The wound was copiously irrigated and packed.
4. Abdomen is soft and nontender without palpable mass or hepatos
splenomegaly.
5. The patient denied PND or pedal edema.
6. The breasts reveal no dominant mass, discrete calcification, or skin thickening.
7. He was anticoagulated with heparin, and a VQ scan was obtained.
8. The patient improved steadily throughout the hospital course, and on the sixth
post operative day he was ready for discharge.
9. The exam reveals no tibiofibular pain, but the ankle itself is quite tender.
10. The lungs are clear without infiltrates, but the heart is slightly enlarged.
11. He was seen in the emergency room, but he was not admitted.
12. He was in great pain, yet he refused treatment.
NOTE: Do not use a comma before a coordinating conjunction that is followed by a
second verb without a new subject.
The patient tolerated the procedure well and left the department in stable condition.
The gallbladder was inflamed but without stones
NOTE:(1) So
When so means so that, introducing a clause describing purpose or outcome, it should not be preceded by a comma. It is acceptable but not required in such instances to change so to so that.
Dictated: He wanted to improve so he could attend his daughter’s wedding.Transcribed: He wanted to improve so he could attend his daughter’s wedding.Or He wanted to improve so that he could attend his daughter’s
wedding.
When so indicates therefore, precede so by a comma if it introduces a new independent clause.
S It is acceptable but not required in such instances to change so to and so.
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Dictated : His condition was improved so he could attend his daughter’s wedding.
Transcribed : His condition was improved, so he could attend his daughter’s wedding.
Or His condition was improved, and so he could attend his daughter’s wedding.
CORRELATIVE CONJUNCTIONS
either…or both…andwhether…orneither…nornot only…but also
NOTE:
Don’t use a comma before correlative conjunctions when they join independent clauses.
Match the number of the verb with the number of the nearest subject.
1. Neither the sister nor the brothers exhibit similar symptoms.
2. Neither the brothers nor the sister exhibits similar symptoms.
3. Either Dr. Hanz or Dr Kylle stayed out late after the meeting.
4. Neithe r the doctors nor the nurses were prepared for the operation.
5. I like not only rock music but also classical music.
6. Whether her physician is around or not, she has to report at the hospital.
7. Bob ordered both bacon and eggs.
SUBORDINATING CONJUNCTIONS
after that provided unlessalthough how since untilas if than whilebecause in order that though whenbefore in as much through where
1. She had recurrent emesis since she returned home
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2. She was taken to the emergency room where she received IV Morphine.
3. He was taken off Coumadin because he developed internal bleeding.
4. Even though he was frightened, he did it.
5. It was difficult for him. He did it though.
6. While the operation is going on, you may take a short nap.
7. He took the medication as he was instructed. (not like he was instructed)
NOTE:(1) that May be omitted after a verb such as said, stated, announced, argued, provided
its absence will not confuse the reader about the intended meaning.
The patient said she was weak and dizzy.or The patient said that she was weak and dizzy.but The patient said today that she would exercise.not The patient said today she would exercise. (Without that, the reader cannot
determine if the patient said it today or she is going to exercise today.)
Use that to introduce an essential clause referring to an inanimate object or to an animal without a name.
The patient came into the emergency room, and she was treated for tachycardia that had resisted conversion in her physician’s office.
She had 2 large wounds that were bleeding profusely and several small bleeders.
HINT: To decide between that and which, remember that that is usually not preceded
by a comma and which usually is. When that as a conjunction is used elsewhere in the same sentence, use which,
not that, to introduce the essential clause.
It was determined that the dog which bit the child was rabid.
(2) Although, and though are considered interchangeable. However, when though is used as an adverb it cannot be replaced by although.
When although clause precedes the main clause, it is usually followed by a comma. Example:
Although he was frightened, the child cooperated with the exam.
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When it follows the main clause, the comma may be omitted if it does not confuse the reader. Examples:
The child cooperated fully with the exam although he was frightened.(or) The child cooperated fully with the exam, although he was frightened.
(3) becauseMeans for the reason that. Denotes a specific cause-effect relationship. He has been in pain because his arm was broken.
B She was late because her watch stopped.
NOT She was late due to her watch stopping.
(4) since When it introduces a clause not set off by a comma, since means after the time
that, indicating that an event follows another but was not caused by it.
He has been in pain since he returned from vacation.
Since means because when it introduces a clause set off by a comma.
He has omitted his rofecoxib for the past 3 weeks, since it was upsetting his stomach.
B
ONE-WORD PREPOSITIONS
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PREPOSITIONSA preposition is a word or group of words that are used to connect nouns or
aboveaboutacrossafteragainstalongamidamongaroundat
beforebehindbelowbeneathbesidebetweenbutbeyondbydown
duringexceptforfromininsideintolikenearof
offonontooutoutsideoverpastsincethroughthroughout
totowardunderunderneathuntilupuponwithwithinwithout
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1. There are tenderness and swelling
of the right posterior scalp
2. She is an 80-year-old female with
a history of GI bleed.
3. She was seen at a clinic and was
referred here for evaluation.
4. In medical transcription course,
you will be accustomed to use
different medical terms, both
familiar and unfamiliar.
5. She has inability to walk due to
incoordination.
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6. Dr. Johnson is one of the
surgeons who studied at Harvard
University.
7. Achromatin is found in a cell
nucleus which lacks staining
properties.
8. The patient experienced decrease
in severity of pain or other symptom
9. The doctor will examine the
abdominal cavity of the patient by a
modern instrument.
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10. Abortion is the termination of
pregnancy, spontaneous or
induced.
11. The surgeon removed a growth
by surgical means.
12. Albert diagnosed the patient
with highly technical gadget.
13. Acetic acid has properties of
vinegar and it is used as a reagent.
14. Acetylcholine is an acid found
in various organs and tissues
necessary for the transmission of
nerve impulses.
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15. The inability of muscles or
sphincters to relax is a symptom of
achalasia.
NOTE:since When it is used as a preposition,
since means after the time that, indicating that an event follows another but was not caused by it.
They had not met since childhood.
TWO-WORD PREPOSITIONS (PHRASAL PREPOSITIONS)
according toacross from
instead of
except for
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along with
apart from
aside from
away from
because of
contrary to
down from
due to
inside ofinstead of
out ofoutside ofregardless ofsort oftogether withup to
NOTENOTE:due to
Means caused by or resulting from, not because.
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Her reaction was due to a penicillin allergy.
Not Her reaction was because of a penicillin allergy.
Due to is properly used after a linking verb (was due to), but the verb may be omitted in an elliptical clause.
His complications, though due to negligence, were not life-threatening.
THREE-WORD PREPOSITIONS (PHRASAL PREPOSITIONS)
along side of
in contrast to
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by means ofby reason ofby virtue ofby way offor the sake ofin accordance within addition toin apposition within case ofin compliance with
in control ofin front ofin place ofin respect toin spite ofin view ofon account ofon behalf ofon top ofwith reference towith regard to with respect to
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in connection with in consideration of
WHAT PREPOSITIONS INDICATE1.Place or position
above below inacross beneath nearalong beside througharound between underat by
1. There was stenosis across his distal artery
2. She experienced 8/10 pain between her shoulder blades.
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3. Abdomen is an area of the body between thorax and pelvis.
4. Acetone, a volatile, colorless and inflammable liquid, is a useful solvent. This is found in the blood and urine of diabetics.
5. Achlorhydria is the absence of hydrochloric acid in the stomach.
2.Direction and motionabout by toacross down towardaround from upat over
1. He drew away an extremity away from the body.
2. Abrasion means scraping injury to the outer layer of the skin.
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3. Achilles tendon connects the muscles of the calf of the leg to the heel bone
4. The surgeon is about to start the operation.
5. He went across the street.
3.Timeabout during throughoutafter for tillat in whilebefore onby through
1. Accouchement means the act of delivery in childbirth or confinement.
2. Acid-fast pertains to bacteria which are not easily decolorized after staining.
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3. The surgeon will start the operation at 3:00 p.m.
4. He had shown an excellent performance through the years.
5. While eating, he felt some abdominal pain.
NOTE:(1) offDo not follow by of.
Dictated : He fell off of the roofTranscribed : He fell off the roof.
(2) under
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Do not use to mean less than. If this meaning is intended, use less than instead.
Dictated : She weighed under 80 pounds.Transcribed : She weighed less than 80 pounds.
(3) as toAcceptable when dictated at the beginning of a sentence, but when used elsewhere, remove it or replace it by a single word, e.g., about, in, regarding.
As to the lab results... He inquired [as to] whether he
could drink alcohol.(as to can be deleted )
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Dictated : She inquired as to the reasons for the procedure.Transcribed : She inquired about the reasons for the procedure.
Dictated : Her concerns as to the prognosis...Transcribed : Her concerns regarding the prognosis...
(4) as well as Prepositional phrase meaning in
addition to (equivalent to besides). As well as often serves as a conjunction meaning and in addition (equivalent to and ), but in either case—even when its meaning is the same as and—as well as introduces
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a parenthetical statement that does not create a compound subject and therefore does not affect subject-verb agreement.
Use commas to set off the parenthetical as well as statement only as necessary for clear communication.
The attending physician, as well as the nurses, says the patient is ready for discharge.
MRI of the brain showed right temporal contusion as well as small hemorrhagic shear in the left temporal lobe. (no commas necessary)
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Sometimes either choice (with or without commas) is acceptable.
The patient’s sister, as well as her parents, was at the meeting.
or The patient’s sister as well as her parents was at the meeting.CORRECT USAGE OF PREPOSITIONS1. at, in
at – refers to a point of time & a small placein- refers to a larger space of time
He came at 8 o’clock in the morning
He lives at Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia
2. beside, besides
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beside – means “by the side of”besides – means “in addition to”
He sat beside his wife. There are others here besides
you.
3. by, withby – generally used for personwith – generally used for instrument
He was killed with a knife by his enemy.
4. between, amongbetween –generally used for twoamong – generally used for more than two
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The money was divided between the two boys
The sweats were divided among the ten children.
5. since, fromsince – used for a point of timefrom – can be used in any tense
She has been ill since Monday. We have lived here since the
last war. She was ill from Monday to
Friday
6. for, beforefor- used for a period of timebefore – used for a point of time
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She will not be here for an hour yet.
She will not be here before five o’clock.
7. in, intoin – denotes position or restinto – shows motion
He came into the room. The bag is in my locker.
8. in, whichin – when referring to time, it denotes the close of a periodwithin – denotes a time less than the close of the period
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I shall return in a year’s time. I shall return within a year.
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