5 Common OET Writing Verb Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)

Many candidates lose marks in OET Writing because of a few tricky verbs. In this lesson, Paul shows five common errors (present, admit, report, commence, appreciate) and gives clear, exam‑safe patterns you can copy in your letters.

1) Present vs Admit

Both can be active or passive, but their meanings change with voice. Use the exam‑safe forms below.

• Present → use active for clinic arrival:
  Correct: Mr Smith presents with signs of pneumonia.
  Why: Active “presents” = arrives showing symptoms.
• Admit → use passive for hospital entry/stay:
  Correct: He was admitted to the respiratory ward on 14 July.
  Wrong: “He admitted with …” (missing was) or “was presented with …” (changes meaning to “given”).
  
  

2) Report: reported that + clause vs. report + noun

Reported that must be followed by a verb phrase; reported can take a noun phrase. Avoid mixing them.

• Correct (reported that + clause):
  Mr Smith reported that he had been experiencing stomach pain for a week.
  (Backshift in tense is typical in reported speech.)
• Correct (report + noun phrase / nominalisation):
  Mr Smith reported a one‑week history of stomach pain.
• Wrong: “reported that stomach pain …” (cannot follow that with a noun).

3) Commence vs Commenced on

Choose the pattern by voice:

• Active: He commenced chemotherapy on 14 July.
• Passive: He was commenced on chemotherapy on 14 July.

Tip: Try to be aware of whether a patient is doing an action or it is being done to him

4) Appreciate in request paragraphs

When you use a conditional request, match the passive form:

• Correct: It would be appreciated if you could provide home monitoring.
• Wrong: “It would be appreciate if …” (missing d).

Style note: Over‑templated requests can sound generic. Consider alternatives:
“Could you arrange home BP monitoring for two weeks?” / “Please provide …”.

5) Exam‑safe patterns you can copy

• Presents with + symptoms / concern.
• Was admitted to + ward / facility on + date.
• Reported that he/she had been + V‑ing + duration.
• Reported a + duration + history of + symptom.
• Commenced + treatment (active) / was commenced on + treatment (passive).
• It would be appreciated if + you could + action.

Final advice

• Control voice and meaning. Changing active/passive can change meaning.
• Nominalise smartly. “A two‑week history of …” is concise and formal.
• Be consistent with dates and tense backshift in reported speech.
  
  
  

Ready to improve your OET score?

If you’re serious about passing OET, start with our Free OET Course. It includes videos and lessons on Writing, Reading, Listening, and Speaking.

• Step‑by‑step video guides
• Practical strategies for every part of the test
• Expert tips from OET teachers

By Paul Craven · 21 Oct 2025