Common English Mistakes by Italian Speakers

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

Category:Legal & Formal Writing
Writing used in legal and formal contexts.
Common Users:Lawyers, Paralegals, Law Students.
Mistake Example #1

Legal & Formal Writing / Agreement

Confusing singular and plural nouns

This Agreement is made between the Company and the Employee for the purpose of outlining the terms and conditions of employment. The Employee agrees to perform dutyies as assigned by the Company and adhere to the policyies and procedures. Both partyies understand that any breach of this Agreement may result in atermination of employment.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"Well done! I just changed some singular nouns to plural."

This Agreement is made between the Company and the Employee for the purpose of outlining the terms and conditions of employment. The Employee agrees to perform duties as assigned by the Company and adhere to the policies and procedures. Both parties understand that any breach of this Agreement may result in a termination of employment.

This Agreement is made between the Company and the Employee for the purpose of outlining the term and condition of employment. The Employee agree to perform duty as assigned by the Company and adhere to the policy and procedure. Both party understand that any breach of this Agreement may result in termination of employment.

Mistake Example #2

Legal & Formal Writing / Contract

Overuse of passive voice

This contract is agreed by the parties involvedagree to this contract, andit is stated that the services will be provided by the contractor. The payment terms are outlined, and ithe payment is expected that the payment willo be made within 30 days of receipt ofthe invoicebeing received. Any disputes arising from this contract will be resolved by arbitration, and it is agreed that the decision will be binding.

Text corrected by:
Vince, United States

"Changes I made were mostly to make the text more active. Nicely done :) "

The parties involved agree to this contract, and the services will be provided by the contractor. The payment terms are outlined, and the payment is expected to be made within 30 days of receipt of the invoice. Any disputes arising from this contract will be resolved by arbitration, and it is agreed that the decision will be binding.

This contract is agreed by the parties involved, and it is stated that the services will be provided by the contractor. The payment terms are outlined, and it is expected that the payment will be made within 30 days of the invoice being received. Any disputes arising from this contract will be resolved by arbitration, and it is agreed that the decision will be binding.

Mistake Example #3

Legal & Formal Writing / Court Document

Overuse of passive voice

The parties have reviewed the contract was reviewed by the parties,andit was agreedby them that the terms were acceptable. IThe court whas decidedby the court that the defendant wshas toll be held responsible for the damages. The prosevcutideonce whas presented bytheir evidence and the prosjudgecution, and it whas concludedby the judge that the case should proceed to trial.

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

"I changed some of the words from passive to active voice and adjusted the verb tenses for consistency."

The parties have reviewed the contract and agreed that the terms were acceptable. The court has decided that the defendant shall be held responsible for the damages. The prosecution has presented their evidence and the judge has concluded that the case should proceed to trial.

The contract was reviewed by the parties, and it was agreed by them that the terms were acceptable. It was decided by the court that the defendant was to be held responsible for the damages. The evidence was presented by the prosecution, and it was concluded by the judge that the case should proceed to trial.

Mistake Example #4

Legal & Formal Writing / Legal Brief

Confusing singular and plural nouns

In the matter of the contract dispute between the parties, it is essential to consider the clause that specifyies the delivery of thegoods. The plaintiff argues that the shipment of product wereas delayed, causing significant financial loss. However, the defendant maintains that the terms of the agreement were adhered to, and the quality of service provided meets the standards outlined in the contract.

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

"I made some corrects to the subject-verb agreement. Otherwise, the ideas in this text are clearly expressed."

In the matter of the contract dispute between the parties, it is essential to consider the clause that specifies the delivery of the goods. The plaintiff argues that the shipment of product was delayed, causing significant financial loss. However, the defendant maintains that the terms of the agreement were adhered to and the quality of service provided meets the standards outlined in the contract.

In the matter of the contract dispute between the parties, it is essential to consider the clause that specify the delivery of good. The plaintiff argue that the shipment of product were delayed, causing significant financial loss. However, the defendant maintain that the term of the agreement were adhered to, and the quality of service provided meet the standard outlined in the contract.

Mistake Example #5

Legal & Formal Writing / Legal Memo

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

To wWhom iIt mMay cConcern, Iam writeing this memo to informyou about the recent changes in the contract terms. We have discussed the matter in detail and we havereachedto a conclusion that satisfies both parties. Please, let me know if there are further questions or if youwould like toscheduleus for a meeting to clarify any doissubtes.

Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

"This needed some tweaking to sound more native and natural, among other fixes. Some of the phrasing was confusing—please check that my correction keeps your meaning intact."

To Whom It May Concern, I am writing this memo to inform you about the recent changes in the contract terms. We have discussed the matter in detail and reached a conclusion that satisfies both parties. Please let me know if there are further questions or if you would like to schedule a meeting to clarify any issues.

To whom it may concern, I write this memo to inform about the recent changes in the contract terms. We have discussed the matter in detail and we have reached to a conclusion that satisfies both parties. Please, let me know if there are further questions or if we see us for a meeting to clarify any doubts.

Mistake Example #6

Legal & Formal Writing / Privacy Policy

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

This Privacy Policy is to inform you about how we collect and use your personal data. We take your privacy very seriously, and we want to enassure you that your information is safe with us. By using our services, you agree to our terms and conditions,. and wWe invite you to contact us if you have any questions or concerns.

Text corrected by:
Camille, Maryland, USA

"Looks very good overall. I have just made a few corrections/changes to enhance the overall fluency. "

This Privacy Policy is to inform you about how we collect and use your personal data. We take your privacy very seriously, and we want to assure you that your information is safe with us. By using our services, you agree to our terms and conditions. We invite you to contact us if you have any questions or concerns.

This Privacy Policy is to inform you about how we collect and use your personal data. We take your privacy very serious and we want to ensure you that your information is safe with us. By using our services, you agree to our terms and conditions, and we invite you to contact us if you have any questions or concerns.

Mistake Example #7

Legal & Formal Writing / Terms & Conditions

Confusing singular and plural nouns

These Terms and Conditions isare applicable to all users who access our service. Each user must agree to the terms before using the service. If any user violates these conditions, the company reserves the right to terminate their account without notice.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"Nice work! There were just a few mix-ups between singular and plural nouns."

These Terms and Conditions are applicable to all users who access our service. Each user must agree to the terms before using the service. If any user violates these conditions, the company reserves the right to terminate their account without notice.

These Terms and Condition is applicable to all user who access our service. Each user must agree to the term before using the service. If any user violate these condition, the company reserve the right to terminate their account without notice.

Mistake Example #8

Legal & Formal Writing / Will & Testament

Confusing singular and plural nouns

I, Giovanni Rossi, being of sound mind and body, declare this to be my last will and testament. I leave my beloved daughter, Maria, the house and the car, and to my son, Luca, I bequeath the book collection and the painting. It is my wish that my family continue to cherish these memories and keep them in their hearts.

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

""Hearts" (plural) is correct when more than one person is referenced, even though "family" is a singular noun."

I, Giovanni Rossi, being of sound mind and body, declare this to be my last will and testament. I leave my beloved daughter, Maria, the house and the car, and to my son, Luca, I bequeath the book collection and the painting. It is my wish that my family continue to cherish these memories and keep them in their hearts.

I, Giovanni Rossi, being of sound mind and body, declare this to be my last will and testament. I leave my beloved daughter, Maria, the house and the car, and to my son, Luca, I bequeath the book collection and the painting. It is my wish that my family continue to cherish these memories and keep them in their heart.