Common English Mistakes in Life Advice Columns by Italian Speakers

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

Mistake Example #1

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

Dear Life Advisor, Ia'm writing brecgause I haverding a problem I'm havingwith mya friend. We've known useach sincother for many years, but lately she ihasbeen acting strange. She doesnotlonger calls me anymorreaches out, and when I askher if something is wrong, she says everything is okay. I feel like Ia'm losing her, and Idono't know what to do. Can you give me some advice on how to fix this situation? Thank you very much for your help.

Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

"I made changes for it to sound a bit more natural and native."

Dear Life Advisor, I'm writing regarding a problem I'm having with a friend. We've known each other for many years, but lately she has been acting strange. She no longer calls me or reaches out, and when I ask if something is wrong, she says everything is okay. I feel like I'm losing her and don't know what to do. Can you give me some advice on how to fix this situation? Thank you very much for your help.

Dear Life Advisor, I am writing because I have a problem with my friend. We know us since many years, but lately she is acting strange. She does not call me anymore, and when I ask her if something is wrong, she says everything is okay. I feel like I am losing her, and I do not know what to do. Can you give me some advice on how to fix this situation? Thank you very much for your help.

Mistake Example #2

Confusing singular and plural nouns

Dear Advice Column, I have a problem with my friend who always borrows my books and never returns them. I try to talk to her about this, but she says she forgets. How can I make her understand that these books are important to me without hurting our friendship? Thank you for your help.

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

"I made some changes to some of the words for subject/verb singular/plural agreement. Otherwise, the ideas in this text are clearly expressed."

Dear Advice Column, I have a problem with my friend who always borrows my books and never returns them. I try to talk to her about this, but she says she forgets. How can I make her understand that these books are important to me without hurting our friendship? Thank you for your help.

Dear Advice Column, I have a problem with my friend who always borrow my book and never return them. I try to talk to her about this, but she say she forgets. How can I make her understand that these book are important to me without hurting our friendship? Thank you for your help.

Mistake Example #3

Overuse of passive voice

Dear Advice Column, it isPeople often saidy that life should be lived with passion, but sometimes the path is not clear. A decision wasI needed to bmake madecision about my career, and I consideredmany optionswere considered by me. It is hoped by me that the right choice will be found, but I seekguidanceis sought from you to ensure that the best path is chosen.

Text corrected by:
Vince, United States

"Changes I made were mostly to improve fluidity and readability. Nicely done :)"

Dear Advice Column, People often say that life should be lived with passion, but sometimes the path is not clear. I needed to make a decision about my career, and I considered many options. I hope that the right choice will be found, but I seek guidance from you to ensure that the best path is chosen.

Dear Advice Column, it is often said that life should be lived with passion, but sometimes the path is not clear. A decision was needed to be made about my career, and many options were considered by me. It is hoped by me that the right choice will be found, but guidance is sought from you to ensure that the best path is chosen.