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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
physicians to tell
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "physicians to tell" is not complete and lacks context, making it difficult to determine its correctness in written English.
It could be used in a context where physicians are being instructed or expected to communicate information, but it needs additional context to be fully clear. Example: "The study aims to understand the reasons why physicians to tell their patients about alternative treatments."
Science
News & Media
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
2 human-written examples
The device might one day allow physicians to tell the difference between live and dead microbes and enable them to recognize effective and ineffective antibiotics within minutes.
Science & Research
The bill would require physicians to tell patients they can potentially "reverse" a medication-induced abortion.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
57 human-written examples
By Wolcott Gibbs The New Yorker, April 8 , 1939P. 11 Dr. Charles C. Higgins of Cleveland told a conference of the American College of Surgeons that lipstick and fingernail polish often make it impossible for a physician to tell whether a woman is sick without practically taking her apart.
News & Media
We enable specialists to correspond back to the referring physician to tell them what is happening with the patient".
News & Media
A few expletives later, I called my husband, an ER physician, to tell him about my morning.
News & Media
Dr. Nicholas A. Christakis raises an issue in his article "The Bad News First" (Op-Ed, Aug. 24), about physicians' reluctance to tell their patients they are about to die.
News & Media
The other main reason for not informing patients is that most people in Iran, as in many Middle East or Asian countries, interpret the diagnosis of cancer as equivalent to death and therefore patients' families may request physicians not to tell the patient the diagnosis and the word cancer [ 25, 26].
Science
The other main reason for not informing patients in Iran is that most people, as in many middle-eastern countries, interpret the diagnosis of cancer as equivalent to death and therefore families may request physicians not to tell the patient the truth [ 18].
Science
Kimball had considered himself to be generally healthy and fit, and persuaded his physician not to tell the other apostles or the First Presidency.
Wiki
Prior to intubation, she asks the physician not to tell her husband that she is HIV-positive, expressing concern that he would hate her for being dishonest with him, and for putting him at risk during intercourse.
Science
They need physicians and epidemiologists to tell them what difference it makes to provide HIV prevention alone or prevention and AIDS treatment, or to provide skilled birth attendance alone or skilled birth attendance and emergency obstetric care.
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using the phrase "physicians to tell", ensure the context clearly indicates what information the physicians are meant to convey. For example, "The guidelines require physicians to tell patients about potential side effects".
Common error
Avoid using "physicians to tell" in contexts where a more nuanced or empathetic approach is needed. For sensitive topics, phrases like "physicians to discuss" or "physicians to explain" may be more appropriate.
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
3.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "physicians to tell" functions as an infinitive phrase, often acting as a complement or expressing purpose. As Ludwig AI clarifies, it needs additional context to convey a complete thought. Examples show it used to express obligations or expectations for medical professionals.
Frequent in
Science
50%
News & Media
50%
Formal & Business
0%
Less common in
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "physicians to tell" functions as an infinitive, typically to express a duty, instruction, or expectation for medical professionals. Ludwig AI notes that it requires additional context for clarity. The phrase appears in both scientific and news contexts, and it's considered grammatically acceptable, although a more nuanced phrasing might be preferable in sensitive situations. Alternatives such as "doctors to inform" or "physicians should advise" provide similar meaning. When using the phrase, ensure that the context is clear regarding the information physicians are expected to communicate. The frequency of this phrase is uncommon.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
doctors to inform
Replaces "physicians" with the more common "doctors" and "tell" with "inform", offering a slightly more formal tone.
doctors to advise
Substitutes "tell" with "advise", suggesting a more consultative approach.
physicians to communicate
Replaces "tell" with the broader term "communicate", encompassing various forms of information exchange.
doctors to notify
Uses "notify" instead of "tell", implying a formal or official communication.
physicians to explain
Replaces "tell" with "explain", focusing on providing a detailed account.
doctors must inform
Changes the phrasing to a stronger obligation, using "must inform".
physicians should advise
Uses "should advise" to convey a recommendation rather than a direct instruction.
doctors are required to inform
Emphasizes a mandatory aspect, stating doctors are "required to inform".
physicians are expected to communicate
Highlights expectations, stating physicians are "expected to communicate".
doctors have to notify
Expresses necessity with "have to notify", indicating a duty or obligation.
FAQs
What are some alternatives to "physicians to tell" that sound more professional?
Consider alternatives like "physicians to inform", "doctors to advise", or "doctors to communicate" for a more formal tone.
Is it grammatically correct to use "physicians to tell" in a sentence?
Yes, "physicians to tell" is grammatically acceptable, but it often requires additional context to be completely clear. For instance, "The protocol requires physicians to tell patients about the risks involved."
How can I use "physicians to tell" in a sentence?
You can use it to describe a requirement or expectation for physicians, such as "New regulations require physicians to tell patients about alternative treatment options".
What's the difference between "physicians to tell" and "physicians telling"?
"Physicians to tell" suggests an obligation or future action, while "physicians telling" describes a present or ongoing action. For example, "The policy instructs physicians to tell patients" versus "I overheard physicians telling patients about the study".
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
3.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested