patients' vs patient's

2 min read 24-02-2025

Patients' vs. Patient's: Mastering Possessive Pronouns in Medical Writing

The seemingly simple choice between "patients'" and "patient's" can trip up even seasoned writers. This article clarifies the difference, ensuring your medical writing is both accurate and professional. Understanding this distinction is crucial for clear communication in medical records, publications, and any other form of medical documentation.

Understanding Possessive Pronouns

Possessive pronouns indicate ownership or belonging. The difference lies in whether you're referring to one patient or multiple patients.

Patient's: This is the possessive form of the singular noun "patient." It shows that something belongs to a single patient. For example, "The patient's chart is missing."
Patients': This is the possessive form of the plural noun "patients." It shows that something belongs to multiple patients. For example, "The patients' appointments are scheduled for tomorrow."

Examples Illustrating the Difference

Let's look at some examples to solidify the understanding:

Correct: "The patient's vital signs were stable." (One patient)
Incorrect: "The patient's vital signs were stable and the patient's recovery was expected." (While grammatically correct, it's repetitive and less fluent. Consider restructuring).
Correct: "The patients' symptoms varied widely." (Multiple patients)
Incorrect: "The patients' symptoms were similar, requiring similar treatment." (While grammatically correct, consider alternative word choice.)

Improved Examples:

Instead of repeating "patient's," consider: "The patient's vital signs and recovery were both positive." This is more concise and clearer.
To avoid repeating "patients'," try: "The symptoms presented by all patients were remarkably similar, indicating a common cause."

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

A frequent mistake is using "patients'" when referring to a single patient. Always double-check your subject-verb agreement to ensure consistency. If you're writing about a single patient, use "patient's." If you are writing about more than one, use "patients'."

Another pitfall is neglecting proper punctuation. Remember that the apostrophe's placement is crucial. It comes after the "s" in the plural possessive ("patients'") but before the "s" in the singular possessive ("patient's").

Beyond the Basics: Clarity and Conciseness

While grammatical accuracy is vital, remember that clear and concise writing is paramount in medical settings. Avoid overly complex sentence structures that could lead to misinterpretations. Always prioritize readability for all audiences.

Sometimes, restructuring the sentence entirely can improve both grammar and clarity.

For instance, instead of: "The patients' charts were reviewed, and the patients' diagnoses were updated."

Consider: "The charts were reviewed, and the diagnoses were updated for all patients."

Conclusion

Mastering the distinction between "patients'" and "patient's" is a crucial element of effective medical writing. By understanding the rules of possessive pronouns and prioritizing clear communication, you can ensure your medical documents are accurate, professional, and easy to understand. Consistent attention to these details enhances the quality and credibility of your medical writing. Remember to always proofread carefully to catch any errors.

patients' vs patient's