Common English Mistakes in Investigative Reports by Italian Speakers

This page focuses on errors typically made by native Italian speakers from Italy when writing a Investigative Report in English.

Mistake Example #1

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

In thea recent investigation about thef local pollution levels, we have discovered that the factory ion the outskirts of the city is releasing more emissions than allowed by thelaw. The rResidents have reported that they arefeelthemselvesing sick more often, and the air quality has visibly worsened. We have contacted the authorities, and they have promised to take actions soon, but until then, we suggest tohat the communityto stay indoors duringthe peak hours of pollution.

Text corrected by:
Camille, Maryland, USA

"This looks very good overall. I have just done a bit of polishing to help with fluency and flow. "

In a recent investigation of local pollution levels, we have discovered that the factory on the outskirts of the city is releasing more emissions than allowed by law. Residents have reported that they are feeling sick more often, and the air quality has visibly worsened. We have contacted the authorities, and they have promised to take action soon, but until then, we suggest that the community stay indoors during peak hours of pollution.

In the recent investigation about the local pollution levels, we have discovered that the factory in the outskirts of the city is releasing more emissions than allowed by the law. The residents have reported that they feel themselves sick more often, and the air quality has visibly worsened. We have contacted the authorities, and they have promised to take actions soon, but until then, we suggest to the community to stay indoors during the peak hours of pollution.

Mistake Example #2

Confusing singular and plural nouns

The investigative report revealed a series of theftsthat have been occurring in the local museum over the past months. The police haverecovered several artifacts, but many remain missing. Witnesses describe seeing a suspicious person near the museum entrance on multiple occasions, but no arrest haves been made yet.

Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

"This needed some changes to correct singular vs. plural noun issues, and some tense irregularities."

The investigative report revealed a series of thefts occurring in the local museum over the past months. The police recovered several artifacts, but many remain missing. Witnesses describe seeing a suspicious person near the museum entrance on multiple occasions, but no arrest has been made yet.

The investigative report reveal a series of thefts that have been occurring in the local museum over the past months. The police have recovered several artifact, but many remain missing. Witnesses describe seeing a suspicious person near the museum entrance on multiple occasion, but no arrest have been made yet.

Mistake Example #3

Overuse of passive voice

The investigation was conducted over a period of three months, during which numerous interviews were carried out with local residents. It was discovered that the pollution levels in the river had increased significantly, and several samples were taken for analysis. The results were then compiled into a comprehensive report, which was presented to the city council. It is hoped that immediate action will be taken to address the environmental concerns raised by the findings.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"There isn't any way to change it to the active voice because the text doesn't say who conducted the investigation, etc. Besides, the passive voice sounds appropriate here,"

The investigation was conducted over a period of three months, during which numerous interviews were carried out with local residents. It was discovered that the pollution levels in the river had increased significantly, and several samples were taken for analysis. The results were then compiled into a comprehensive report, which was presented to the city council. It is hoped that immediate action will be taken to address the environmental concerns raised by the findings.

The investigation was conducted over a period of three months, during which numerous interviews were carried out with local residents. It was discovered that the pollution levels in the river had increased significantly, and several samples were taken for analysis. The results were then compiled into a comprehensive report, which was presented to the city council. It is hoped that immediate action will be taken to address the environmental concerns raised by the findings.