Common English Mistakes in Lab Reports by German Speakers

This page focuses on errors typically made by native German speakers from Germany when writing a Lab Report in English.

Mistake Example #1

Overuse of passive voice

In the experiment, the chemical reaction was observed, and the results were recorded carefully. The temperature was increased gradually, and the changes in color were noted. It was concluded that the reaction rate was affected by the temperature, and further analysis was conducted to understand the underlying mechanisms.

Text corrected by:
Michele A., Boston, Massachusetts; United States

" "

In the experiment, the chemical reaction was observed, and the results were recorded carefully. The temperature was increased gradually, and the changes in color were noted. It was concluded that the reaction rate was affected by the temperature, and further analysis was conducted to understand the underlying mechanisms.

In the experiment, the chemical reaction was observed, and the results were recorded carefully. The temperature was increased gradually, and the changes in color were noted. It was concluded that the reaction rate was affected by the temperature, and further analysis was conducted to understand the underlying mechanisms.

Mistake Example #2

Incorrect word order in subordinate clauses

During the experiment, it was observed that when the temperature increased, the reaction rate also increased. Although the results were consistent, it is important that we consider the possibility of errors in measurement. Because the equipment was not calibrated properly, it could have affected the accuracy of the data.

Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

"No changes are needed here—there is no incorrect word order."

During the experiment, it was observed that when the temperature increased, the reaction rate also increased. Although the results were consistent, it is important that we consider the possibility of errors in measurement. Because the equipment was not calibrated properly, it could have affected the accuracy of the data.

During the experiment, it was observed that when the temperature increased, the reaction rate also increased. Although the results were consistent, it is important that we consider the possibility of errors in measurement. Because the equipment was not calibrated properly, it could have affected the accuracy of the data.

Mistake Example #3

Capitalizing all nouns (following German grammar rules)

In the Eexperiment, we observed that the Rreaction between the Aacid and the Bbase produced a significant amount of Hheat. The Ttemperature of the Ssolution increased rapidly, indicating an Eexothermic Pprocess. Further Aanalysis of the Ddata will help us understand the Rrate of Rreaction and its Iimplications for the Cchemical Iindustry.

Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

"This needed some tweaking to correct capitalization errors."

In the experiment, we observed that the reaction between the acid and the base produced a significant amount of heat. The temperature of the solution increased rapidly, indicating an exothermic process. Further analysis of the data will help us understand the rate of reaction and its implications for the chemical industry.

In the Experiment, we observed that the Reaction between the Acid and the Base produced a significant amount of Heat. The Temperature of the Solution increased rapidly, indicating an Exothermic Process. Further Analysis of the Data will help us understand the Rate of Reaction and its Implications for the Chemical Industry.