Common English Mistakes in Grant Applications by German Speakers

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

Mistake Example #1

Capitalizing all nouns (following German grammar rules)

We are submitting this Ggrant Aapplication to request Ffunding for our innovative Pproject aimed at improving Rrenewable Eenergy Ssolutions in Uurban Aareas. Our Tteam of dedicated Rresearchers has developed a unique Aapproach that combines Ssolar Ppanels with advanced Bbattery Sstorage Ssystems to maximize Eenergy Eefficiency. We believe that this Iinitiative will significantly contribute to the Rreduction of Ccarbon Eemissions and promote Ssustainable Ddevelopment in our Ccommunity.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"This was well-written, but I needed to change some of the upper-case letters to lower-case letters."

We are submitting this grant application to request funding for our innovative project aimed at improving renewable energy solutions in urban areas. Our team of dedicated researchers has developed a unique approach that combines solar panels with advanced battery storage systems to maximize energy efficiency. We believe that this initiative will significantly contribute to the reduction of carbon emissions and promote sustainable development in our community.

We are submitting this Grant Application to request Funding for our innovative Project aimed at improving Renewable Energy Solutions in Urban Areas. Our Team of dedicated Researchers has developed a unique Approach that combines Solar Panels with advanced Battery Storage Systems to maximize Energy Efficiency. We believe that this Initiative will significantly contribute to the Reduction of Carbon Emissions and promote Sustainable Development in our Community.

Mistake Example #2

Overuse of passive voice

TWe are submitting theis project proposalis being submitted to request funding for the development of a sustainable energy solution. It is believed that the implementation of this project will significantly reduce carbon emissions in urban areas. The success of theinitiative is expected to beachievedsuccess through collaboration with local communities and stakeholders.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"Good job! I just changed some of the passive voice constructions to the active voice to improve readability."

We are submitting this project proposal to request funding for the development of a sustainable energy solution. It is believed that the implementation of this project will significantly reduce carbon emissions in urban areas. The initiative is expected to achieve success through collaboration with local communities and stakeholders.

The project proposal is being submitted to request funding for the development of a sustainable energy solution. It is believed that the implementation of this project will significantly reduce carbon emissions in urban areas. The success of the initiative is expected to be achieved through collaboration with local communities and stakeholders.

Mistake Example #3

Incorrect word order in subordinate clauses

In order tTo secure funding for our environmental initiative, it is crucial thatwemust demonstrate how the projecit will benefit the community. WOncepropose that, when the project is completed, ithe project will reduce pollution levels significantly. Additionally, we believe that, ifthe grant is awaroulded, it will enable us to implementthe necessary infrastructure improvements.

Text corrected by:
Camille, Maryland, USA

"I have just tightened this up a bit to sound more fluent."

To secure funding for our environmental initiative, we must demonstrate how it will benefit the community. Once completed, the project will reduce pollution levels significantly. Additionally, the grant would enable us to implement necessary infrastructure improvements.

In order to secure funding for our environmental initiative, it is crucial that we demonstrate how the project will benefit the community. We propose that, when the project is completed, it will reduce pollution levels significantly. Additionally, we believe that, if the grant is awarded, it will enable us to implement the necessary infrastructure improvements.