high concentration drug/pill

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Offroad

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Dear teachers

Does this sentence read well?

The patient was given a highly concentrated drug that could kill shortly after.


Thank you
 

bhaisahab

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Dear teachers

Does this sentence read well?

The patient was given a highly concentrated drug that could kill shortly after.


Thank you

No it doesn't. Try again.
 

Offroad

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Oh, my English. If it was ever good. I can't construct proper sentences anymore!

The patient was given a concentrated drug that could kill him/her shortly after he/she took it.


Very much appreciated.

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Offroad

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Now I am wondering if 'take' would be better. Oh my!
 

emsr2d2

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We don't generally refer to a drug as being "concentrated".
 

Offroad

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We don't generally refer to a drug as being "concentrated".
Interesting, as I understand it, anything from gases to solids, especially liquids, can be concentrated. We learn something new every day. I found one entry ONLY on the Corpus of AmE.

I found many entries for 'strong drugs'. 'Powerful drugs' doesn't necessarily mean the drug is strong.
 

emsr2d2

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I would use "strong drug".
 

Offroad

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Apart from the fact 'concentrated' doesn't collocate with 'drugs', What is wrong with the original sentence? Is it because I omitted the end?

Very much appreciated.

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emsr2d2

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Dear teachers

Does this sentence read well?

The patient was given a highly concentrated drug that could kill shortly after.


Thank you

The patient was given a very strong drug which was potentially quickly fatal.
 

Offroad

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How about this one:

The patient was give strong drugs that could have killed her instantly [or shortly after]
.

Thank you

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emsr2d2

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How about this one:

The patient was give strong drugs that could have killed her instantly [or shortly after]
.

Thank you

Offroad

You've now changed it from "a strong drug" to "strong drugs". Which one is it?
 

Offroad

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Either. My goal with this thread is to learn what words go with drugs and especially the use of 'shortly after' at the end of the sentence.

Thank you for your patience.

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emsr2d2

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OK, well I've already told you that "strong drug(s)" would be my choice. You can say "which could have killed her shortly after(wards)", "which could have killed her quickly", "which could have killed her in a short period of time", "which could have proved [quickly] fatal" or a few other choices. As usual in English, there isn't just one right answer.
However, "instantly" and "quickly/shortly after" do not mean the same thing.
 

probus

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Your teachers are setting a very high standard for you, as of course befits an excellent student.
 

Offroad

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Your teachers are setting a very high standard for you, as of course befits an excellent student.

I'm going to give an excuse you teachers have never heard before:

I wish I had more time to study English.

Offroad
 
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