Using the right words in English can sometimes be tricky, especially with words like prepositions. If you're getting ready for OET, it's important to know how to use these words correctly. This isn't just for the test – it's also to make sure you can speak and write clearly in your healthcare job. In this blog, we'll outline some different uses of prepositions with examples of how to use them in the right way. By the end, you'll feel more confident using these words in OET and at work.
What are prepositions?
Prepositions are words that link nouns, pronouns, or phrases to other words within a sentence. They help to show the relationships between the different parts of a sentence, often indicating time, place, direction, or manner. For instance, the prepositions "in", "on", and "at" can indicate time or place, depending on their usage.
Understanding types of prepositions
Time Prepositions: These indicate when something happens.
Examples include: "at" 3 p.m., "on" Wednesday, "in" February”, "during" the patient's visit, and "until" the medication finishes.
Place Prepositions: These indicate where something is or where something happens.
Examples include: "at" the clinic, "in" the operating room, "on" the third floor, "between" the radiology and pathology departments, and "under" the microscope.
Direction Prepositions: These show movement from one place to another.
Examples include: "to" the pharmacy, "from" the laboratory, "over" to the next ward, "under" the surgical light, and "through" the hospital corridor.
Manner Prepositions: These describe how something is done.
Examples include: "by" injection, "on" an empty stomach, "in" a sterile manner, "with" care.
Cause or Reason Prepositions: These explain why something happens.
Examples include: "due to" a viral infection, "because of" low blood sugar, "from" lack of exercise.
Many nouns, verbs and adjectives have prepositions that commonly go with them. It is a good idea to memorise these pair patterns. Here are some of the most common preposition pairs you will find in healthcare.
1. Nouns + prepositions
Certain nouns are commonly paired with specific prepositions. Here are some examples:
Risk of
Example: The patient is at a high risk of developing diabetes.
Symptoms of
Example: She presented with the classic symptoms of influenza during the winter season.
Treatment for
Example: The doctor recommended a new treatment for her condition at the clinic.
Reaction to
Example: The patient had an allergic reaction to the medication.
Increase in
Example: There has been a significant increase in cases of measles this year.
Reduction in
Example: A healthy diet can lead to a reduction in cholesterol levels.
Exposure to
Example: Prolonged exposure to the sun can increase the risk of skin cancer.
2. Verbs + Prepositions
Many verbs that you will encounter in healthcare also use specific prepositions:
Admit to
Example: He was admitted to the paediatric department.
Diagnose with
Example: He was diagnosed with pneumonia last week.
Recover from/after
Example: It took her three months to fully recover from/after the operation.
Protect against
Example: Vaccines help to protect against many infectious diseases.
Adhere to
Example: It's essential for patients to adhere to their medication schedule for optimal results.
Benefit from
Example: Patients with respiratory issues often benefit from physiotherapy.
3. Adjectives + prepositions
Notice how adjectives are often linked to specific prepositions as well:
Prone to
Example: Elderly patients are often more prone to fractures.
Immune to
Example: After vaccination, the body becomes immune to certain diseases.
Satisfied with
Example: The patient was satisfied with the care he received during his hospital stay.
Aware of
Example: Medical professionals should be aware of the latest research in their field.
Susceptible to
Example: Children and the elderly are often more susceptible to flu complications.
Concerned about
Example: The patient was concerned about the potential side effects of the treatment.
Resistant to
Example: Some bacteria have become resistant to standard antibiotics.
Prepositions for time: days, weeks, months, and more
Understanding how to use prepositions with time-related terms is crucial, especially in the healthcare sector where scheduling and timing can be of utmost importance. Here's a guide to help you navigate these rules:
Days of the week:
Use "on" for specific days.
-
- Example: The patient has an appointment on Friday.
Parts of the day:
Use "in" for general times of the day, like morning, afternoon, and evening.
-
- Example: The surgery is scheduled in the morning.
However, use "at" for night.
-
- Example: The patient usually takes the medication at night.
Specific dates and holidays:
Use "on" for specific dates and holidays.
-
- Example: The clinic will be closed on July 4th.
Months:
Use "in" for months.
-
- Example: Flu vaccinations are usually available in August.
Years:
Use "in" for specific years.
-
- Example: The hospital was established in 1999.
Seasons:
Use "in" for seasons.
-
- Example: Allergy symptoms often worsen in spring.
Duration:
Use "for" to indicate a duration of time.
-
- Example: The patient was hospitalised for five days.
Use “since” to indicate the point in time when an action began.
-
- Example: He has been in hospital since
Prepositions play a crucial role in ensuring our sentences make sense. This is especially true in the healthcare sector where clarity is paramount. By understanding and practising the use of these common preposition pairings and types, you'll be better prepared to excel in the OET and communicate effectively in a healthcare setting.
Remember, practice makes perfect! Keep revising these rules, be aware of common mistakes, and use them in your daily conversations and writing.Try our quiz below to check your understanding of prepositions.
Test yourself with our quiz
Fill in the blanks with the appropriate preposition:
- The clinic has seen a significant reduction ___ cases of chickenpox due to vaccinations.
- The patient was concerned ___ the long-term effects of the medication.
- The research indicates a potential risk ___ heart disease in individuals with a sedentary lifestyle.
- The child had a severe reaction ___ the new dietary supplement.
- Many individuals benefit ___ regular check-ups to monitor their health.
- The patient was diagnosed ___ a rare genetic disorder after extensive testing.
- The community has seen an increase ___ awareness about mental health issues.
- The doctor advised the patient to adhere ___ the prescribed medication schedule for best results.
- The patient prefers to take his blood pressure medication ___ the evening.
- The health fair will take place ___ December 15th.
- New medical interns usually start their training ___ January.
- The research facility was inaugurated ___ 2010.
- The patient has been on this specific medication ___ three weeks.
- She has been seeing her therapist ___ the incident last month.
Answers
- in / 2. about / 3. of / 4. to / 5. from / 6. with / 7. in / 8. to / 9. in / 10. on / 11. in / 12. in / 13. for / 14. since