Common English Mistakes in Legal Briefs by Italian Speakers

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

Mistake Example #1

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 #2

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

In the matter of the contract dispute between parties, it is important to underline the fact that the agreement was signed in good faith and with mutual understanding. We ask to the honorable court to consider the evidences presented, which clearlydemonstrateclearlys the breach of contract by the defendant. We remain at your disposal for any further clarifications, and we thank you for your attention to this matter.

Text corrected by:
Vince, United States

"Your ideas were clear :) I just made a few small changes to improve the flow and polish things up."

In the matter of the contract dispute between parties, it is important to underline the fact that the agreement was signed in good faith and with mutual understanding. We ask the honorable court to consider the evidence presented, which clearly demonstrates the breach of contract by the defendant. We remain at your disposal for any further clarification, and we thank you for your attention to this matter.

In the matter of the contract dispute between parties, it is important to underline that the agreement was signed in good faith and with mutual understanding. We ask to the honorable court to consider the evidences presented, which demonstrate clearly the breach of contract by the defendant. We remain at your disposal for any further clarifications and we thank you for your attention to this matter.

Mistake Example #3

Overuse of passive voice

In the case at hand, ithe defendant isbrearguchedthat the contract was breached by the defendant,and thcaused damages wethre caoused bygh their actions. The evplaidence wastiff presented byevidence the plaintiff, and it waso demonstrated thatthe obligations were not fulfilled by the defendantdid not fulfill their obligations. It isWe requested that the court isbe persuaded by the facts and rendera judgmentis rendered in favor of the plaintiff.

Text corrected by:
Camille, Maryland, USA

"In general, it is preferable to use the active voice when possible, as shown. "

In the case at hand, the defendant breached the contract and caused damages through their actions. The plaintiff presented evidence to demonstrate that the defendant did not fulfill their obligations. We request that the court be persuaded by the facts and render a judgment in favor of the plaintiff.

In the case at hand, it is argued that the contract was breached by the defendant, and the damages were caused by their actions. The evidence was presented by the plaintiff, and it was demonstrated that the obligations were not fulfilled by the defendant. It is requested that the court is persuaded by the facts and a judgment is rendered in favor of the plaintiff.