patient

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "patient" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to someone receiving medical care or treatment. Example: "The doctor spoke to the patient about the treatment options available."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This change has been implemented by CCGs and creates unnecessary delay, as the patient is going back and forth between GP and hospital.

The Guardian

Catherine Cook, the hospital's infection control nurse, said the gel should be applied "before you touch a patient and after you touch a patient to disinfect your hands".

The Guardian

He said he had to threaten to resign to prevent the promised introduction of the first patient waiting times for treatment being abandoned.

The Guardian

"We have scrutinised the care of any patient where we think there might have been imperfect care and the trust is in contact with all of the patients who have suffered significant suboptimal care.

The Guardian

Earlier this year the appeal court rejected a legal challenge by Debbie Purdy, a multiple sclerosis patient, who wanted a guarantee that her husband would not be prosecuted for helping her to travel to Switzerland to take her life.

The Guardian

At around 10am last Wednesday, Abdouramane Koungoulba, the duty paediatrician at the Fousseyni Dao hospital in Kayes, western Mali, examined a young patient who had been brought in by a relative.

The Guardian

The removal of the cap on private patient income means trusts will be able to make more of their income from private patients, to the detriment of NHS patients because the private sector people will be more valuable.

The Guardian

Antibiotics change the normal gut flora very quickly – wiping out the indigenous, harmless bacteria and leaving the patient susceptible to resistant bacteria such as Clostridium difficile.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"I have a duty of confidentiality, even after a patient has died.

The Guardian

McCarvill said: "Unless someone has a formal diagnosis (of dementia), the response of health professionals will be very different to the patient.

The Guardian

For Carlos Bilardo, the Argentina manager, the moment was a culmination of three and a half years' patient rebuilding of their squad in which his prime task was to marry the outstanding talents of Maradona with the newer players coming through.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing for a general audience, consider using more accessible terms like "person receiving treatment" instead of "patient" to enhance clarity.

Common error

While "patient" is widely accepted, avoid using it excessively in informal contexts. Opt for alternatives like "person" or "individual" when the medical aspect is not the primary focus.

Linguistic Context

The word "patient" primarily functions as a noun, referring to an individual receiving medical care. As Ludwig AI states, it can also be used as an adjective, describing qualities like forbearance. Examples from Ludwig showcase its use in various healthcare contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "patient" is widely used and generally accepted as grammatically correct to refer to an individual receiving medical care. As shown by Ludwig, it functions primarily as a noun but can also act as an adjective, describing a person's ability to remain calm and understanding. While highly frequent in news and media, contexts. For clarity, particularly in general discussions, alternatives like "person receiving treatment" may be suitable. Overall, "patient" remains a standard and appropriate term in medical and related contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

individual under medical care

Focuses on the individual's state of receiving medical attention.

person receiving treatment

Highlights the action of receiving treatment.

healthcare recipient

Emphasizes the role of receiving healthcare services.

medical case

Refers to the person as a subject of medical interest or study.

injured party

Highlights the aspect of injury or harm suffered.

sick person

Focuses on the state of being unwell.

invalid

Emphasizes the condition of being weakened or disabled by illness or injury.

someone hospitalized

Specifically refers to someone admitted to a hospital.

clinical subject

Used in a clinical or research context.

inmate

Describes a state of being trapped due lack of patience.

FAQs

How is the word "patient" typically used in a sentence?

The word "patient" is commonly used as a noun to refer to a person receiving medical treatment. For example, "The doctor examined the "patient" carefully" or "The hospital provides care for every "patient"".

What are some alternative terms for "patient" in medical contexts?

In medical contexts, alternatives for "patient" include "individual under medical care", "person receiving treatment", or "healthcare recipient". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between using "patient" and "client" in a healthcare setting?

"Patient" specifically refers to someone receiving medical treatment for an illness or injury. "Client" is a more general term that can refer to anyone receiving services, including healthcare. While "client" can be used in some healthcare contexts, "patient" is generally more precise when referring to medical care.

Is it appropriate to use "patient" when referring to someone in a research study?

While "patient" can be used if the person is receiving treatment as part of the study, it's often more appropriate to use terms like "participant", "clinical subject", or "research subject". These terms emphasize their role in the research process rather than solely as recipients of medical care.