If you are preparing for the Occupational English Test (OET) component, especially the writing component, the attention to grammar and usage is very important. One area of confusion for candidates is the distinction between phrases like “three weeks” and “three-week.” Although they are quite similar, they actually have different meanings, usage and grammatical rules. Let us know in the comments if the following information makes it clearer for you: This article goes into more detail on those differences to help you better understand, and take into your OET writing responses.
Table of Contents
Understanding “Three Weeks”
It is a “Three weeks” repeated which is a noun phrase describing a period of time. It denotes three consecutive weeks and is most commonly used when the length of time is the emphasis of the sentence.
KEY CHARACTERISTICS
Plural: “Weeks” is the plural form of “week,” denoting multiple weeks.
“Three weeks” is serving as a standalone noun phrase.
Usage in Sentences: Commonly follows prepositions (as in “in,” “for,” “within”) and be applied as the subject / object in a sentence.
Examples in OET Writing:
“The patient will need three weeks of rest after the surgery.”
“The symptoms have lasted three weeks.”
“It has been three weeks since the start of the medication”
Here ”three weeks” highlights the amount of time regarding the patient’s status or care.
Understanding “Three-Week”
“Three-week” is an adjectival phrase that describes a noun. It is a modifier that adds information about the duration relating to the following noun.
KEY CHARACTERISTICS
Hyphenated: When used as an adjective, three-week is always hyphenated.
It is a descriptive role that qualifies a noun, usually qualifying the duration of a program, plan, or time.
Usage in Sentences: It has to be placed immediately before the noun it is modifying.
Examples in OET Writing:
“The patient is in a three-week rehab program.”
“She was put on a three-week course of antibiotics.”
“A 3-week observation period is advised before reevaluation.”
In these examples, “three-week” serves as an adjective — a descriptive term that describes the kind of or length of the program, course or term.
Practical Strategies for OET Writing
Most for the writing part of the OET you will write referral letters, discharge summaries, or progress reports. Knowing how to use “three weeks” and “three-week” can make a big difference in the clarity of your writing.
Scenario 1: Referral Letter
Example of incorrect usage: “The patient was on a three weeks course of antibiotics.”
Correct — “The patient was on a three-week course of antibiotics.”
In this case, “three-week” does describe “course of antibiotics,” which makes the sentence grammatically correct.
Scenario 2: Discharge Summary
CORRECT: “The patient needs three weeks in bed.”
Wrong: “The patient needs three weeks of bed rest.”
Here, “three weeks” is correct as it describes the lapse of time in terms of rest.
Mistakes You Should Know About and Avoid – OET Writing
If you confuse “three weeks” and “three week,” you would confuse your reader or decrease the quality of your OET writing. Here are some common misconceptions and ways to avoid them:
read COMMON MISTAKES TO AVOID WHEN TAKING THE OET EXAM
Forget Hyphenation in Adjectives:
Wrong: “A three week course is recommended.”
A three-week program is recommended.
Note : When using “three-week” as an adjective, always hyphenate.
Compound Adjectives with Plural Form:
Mistake: “The patient underwent a three-weeks course of therapy.”
Correct: “The patient underwent a three-week course of therapy.”
Note: Compound adjectives take the singular form of the noun.
Using “Three-Week” as a Noun :
Mistake: “The condition improved after a three-week.’
Correct: “The condition improved after three weeks.”
Tip: Use “three weeks” in the sense of duration, not a modifier.
Tips for Mastering Usage
Add Context: Decide if you are describing a period (in this example “three weeks”) or modifying a noun ), (in this example “three-week”).
Validate Syntax Fit: Verify the phrase is aligned grammatically with the sentence.
Regular practice: Use these expressions in at least 3-5 model OET writing tasks to get familiar with them.
Get Feedback: Have a mentor or peer assess your OET writing for grammar and usage correctness.
The Importance of Correct Usage in the OET
The demands for sharp precision of language pose challenges in high-pressure communications in hospitals. Using terms like “three weeks” and “three-week” incorrectly is just one example that can confuse and cause detrimental effects in practice. The OET challenges your ability to demonstrate mastery of these nuances, a skill that will raise both your OET score and your ability to communicate clearly and professionally in your career.
OET Writing Test: Tips for How to Write It Perfectly 2025
Know Your Criteria: Aim for purpose, relevance, clarity, organization, and correction of language.
Now that we have all the tools that we need to write our first case note, let us jump straight into Data Extraction!
Plan Before Writing: Take 5 minutes to draw out an outline … intro, medical history, current status, recommendations.
Write a Clear Introduction: Be succinct about the letter’s purpose in your opening sentence.
Structure Information: Use clear paragraphs with logical flow to make it easier to read.
Consider using a formal communication style appropriate for healthcare professionals.
Check Grammar and Vocabulary: Use appropriate tenses, exact medical terminologies, and do not use contractions.
Proofread: Spend 2–3 minutes to correct any spelling, punctuation, and grammar mistakes.
Train themselves upon Data before October 2023.
Time Allocations: 5 minutes plan | 35 minutes write | 5 minutes review