Common English Mistakes in Literature Reviews by German Speakers

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

Mistake Example #1

Capitalizing all nouns (following German grammar rules)

In the Lliterature Rreview of this Sstudy, several important Ttheories are discussed. The Rresearch highlights the Iinfluence of Ssocial Mmedia on the Ddevelopment of Llanguage Sskills among Tteenagers. Previous Sstudies have shown that the Uuse of Ssocial Mmedia Pplatforms can enhance the Vvocabulary and Ccommunication Aabilities of Yyoung Ppeople, although some Rresearchers argue that it may also lead to the Ddecline of traditional Wwriting Sskills.

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

"I changed the first letter of the common nouns to lower case."

In the literature review of this study, several important theories are discussed. The research highlights the influence of social media on the development of language skills among teenagers. Previous studies have shown that the use of social media platforms can enhance the vocabulary and communication abilities of young people, although some researchers argue that it may also lead to the decline of traditional writing skills.

In the Literature Review of this Study, several important Theories are discussed. The Research highlights the Influence of Social Media on the Development of Language Skills among Teenagers. Previous Studies have shown that the Use of Social Media Platforms can enhance the Vocabulary and Communication Abilities of Young People, although some Researchers argue that it may also lead to the Decline of traditional Writing Skills.

Mistake Example #2

Incorrect word order in subordinate clauses

In rRecent studies, it has bveen shown that when researchers analyze the impact of climate change on biodiversity, they often overlook thowe importantis the role of microhabitats. While examining these factors, it becomes evident that if one considers the microhabitats, thepredictions about species survival rates become more accurateif one considers microhabitats. This suggests that whenscientistsconduct their assessments, they should integrate microhabitat datain their assessments to improve the reliability of their findings.

Text corrected by:
Camille, Maryland, USA

"I have corrected a small issue with word order and tightened up some of the phrasing. "

Recent studies have shown that when researchers analyze the impact of climate change on biodiversity, they often overlook the important role of microhabitats. While examining these factors, it becomes evident that predictions about species survival rates become more accurate if one considers microhabitats. This suggests that scientists should integrate microhabitat data in their assessments to improve the reliability of their findings.

In recent studies, it has been shown that when researchers analyze the impact of climate change on biodiversity, they often overlook how important is the role of microhabitats. While examining these factors, it becomes evident that if one considers the microhabitats, the predictions about species survival rates become more accurate. This suggests that when scientists conduct their assessments, they should integrate microhabitat data to improve the reliability of their findings.

Mistake Example #3

Overuse of passive voice

In rRecent studies, it has been observedshown thatthe role of social mediaplays a significant role in shaping public opinionis significant.It was found by Smith (2020)found that social media platforms are used extensively for information dissemination. Furthermore, it is argued byJohnson (2019) arguedthatthe influence of these platformshave a profound impact on political engagement. iSeveral researchers pralsofouexamined. Tthe impact on voter behavior was also examined by several researchers,andit was concluded that social media can sway public perception.

Text corrected by:
Camille, Maryland, USA

"When possible, try to use the active voice. "

Recent studies have shown that social media plays a significant role in shaping public opinion. Smith (2020) found that social media platforms are used extensively for information dissemination. Furthermore, Johnson (2019) argued that these platforms have a profound impact on political engagement. Several researchers also examined the impact on voter behavior and concluded that social media can sway public perception.

In recent studies, it has been observed that the role of social media in shaping public opinion is significant. It was found by Smith (2020) that social media platforms are used extensively for information dissemination. Furthermore, it is argued by Johnson (2019) that the influence of these platforms on political engagement is profound. The impact on voter behavior was also examined by several researchers, and it was concluded that social media can sway public perception.