Common English Mistakes in Legal Memos by Italian Speakers

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

Mistake Example #1

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 #2

Confusing singular and plural nouns

To: Legal Department Subject: Review of Contract Clause In the recent review of the contract, it was noted that the clause regarding the delivery of goods needs further clarification. The client haves expressed concern about the timeline and theconditions under which the products are to be delivered. It is important thoatddress these issueare addressed promptly to avoid anypotential disputes.

Text corrected by:
Camille, Maryland, USA

"I have addressed issues with singular and plural nouns. Please review carefully to be sure the edits align with your intent. "

To: Legal Department Subject: Review of Contract Clause In the recent review of the contract, it was noted that the clause regarding the delivery of goods needs further clarification. The client has expressed concern about the timeline and the conditions under which the products are to be delivered. It is important to address these issues promptly to avoid potential disputes.

To: Legal Department Subject: Review of Contract Clause In the recent review of the contract, it was noted that the clause regarding the delivery of good need further clarification. The client have expressed concern about the timeline and condition under which the product are to be delivered. It is important that these issue are addressed promptly to avoid any potential dispute.

Mistake Example #3

Overuse of passive voice

To: Legal Department Subject: Review of Contractual Obligations The contract terms were analyzed, and it was determined that the client did not adhere toseveral clauseswere not adhered to by the client. It isWe recommendschedthatuling a meetingis scheduled to discuss potential legal actions that might be taken. The implications of the breach were considered to besignificant, and further investigation is advised to ensure compliance with the agreed terms.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"Good work! I changed a couple of the passive voice constructions to the active voice to improve the flow of your memo."

To: Legal Department Subject: Review of Contractual Obligations The contract terms were analyzed, and it was determined that the client did not adhere to several clauses. We recommend scheduling a meeting to discuss potential legal actions that might be taken. The implications of the breach were considered to be significant, and further investigation is advised to ensure compliance with the agreed terms.

To: Legal Department Subject: Review of Contractual Obligations The contract terms were analyzed, and it was determined that several clauses were not adhered to by the client. It is recommended that a meeting is scheduled to discuss potential legal actions that might be taken. The implications of the breach were considered significant, and further investigation is advised to ensure compliance with the agreed terms.