Common English Mistakes in Essay Writing Practices by Italian Speakers

This page focuses on errors typically made by native Italian speakers from Italy when writing a Essay Writing Practice in English.

Mistake Example #1

Confusing singular and plural nouns

In my opinion, the book areis very interesting because it explores many different themes. The author uses a lot of metaphors to describe the character's emotion, which make the story more engaging. I think that the ending of the story leaves the reader with many questions, which is a good thing because it encourages us to think deeply about the message.

Text corrected by:
Miss E., Cyprus, Europe

"Please remember to use plural nouns properly. For example, "the book are very interesting because it explore many different theme" should be "the book is very interesting because it explores many different themes" and "The author use a lot of metaphor" should be "The author uses a lot of metaphors"."

In my opinion, the book is very interesting because it explores many different themes. The author uses a lot of metaphors to describe the character's emotion, which make the story more engaging. I think that the ending of the story leaves the reader with many questions, which is a good thing because it encourages us to think deeply about the message.

In my opinion, the book are very interesting because it explore many different theme. The author use a lot of metaphor to describe the character's emotion, which make the story more engaging. I think that the ending of the story leave the reader with many question, which is a good thing because it encourage us to think deeply about the message.

Mistake Example #2

Using direct translations from Italian (e.g., 'We see us tomorrow' instead of 'See you tomorrow')

In my opinion, the book that I read last week was very interesting. It talks about a man who travels inthe world to find himself. I think that tThe author has a good way tof describeing the emotions of the characters, and I felt like I was inside the story. We sSee yous tomorrowto—we’ll discuss itmore about itinthe class.

Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

"This needed some tweaking to sound more native and natural."

In my opinion, the book that I read last week was very interesting. It talks about a man who travels the world to find himself. The author has a good way of describing the emotions of the characters, and I felt like I was inside the story. See you tomorrow—we’ll discuss it more in class.

In my opinion, the book that I read last week was very interesting. It talks about a man who travels in the world to find himself. I think that the author has a good way to describe the emotions of the characters, and I felt like I was inside the story. We see us tomorrow to discuss more about it in the class.

Mistake Example #3

Overuse of passive voice

In the modern world,it is believed that technology has changed the way people communicate. The traditional methods of communication are being replaced by digital platforms, andit is thought that this shift has both positive and negative effects. While some advantages are seen, such as the ability to connect with others instantly, concthernse are raisedconcerns about the loss of personal interaction.

Text corrected by:
Miss E., Cyprus, Europe

"I made edits to tone down the use of passive voice."

In the modern world, technology has changed the way people communicate. Traditional methods of communication are being replaced by digital platforms, and this shift has both positive and negative effects. While some advantages are seen, such as the ability to connect with others instantly, there are raised concerns about the loss of personal interaction.

In the modern world, it is believed that technology has changed the way people communicate. The traditional methods of communication are being replaced by digital platforms, and it is thought that this shift has both positive and negative effects. While some advantages are seen, such as the ability to connect with others instantly, concerns are raised about the loss of personal interaction.