Common English Mistakes in Educational Handouts by Spanish Speakers

This page focuses on errors typically made by native Spanish speakers from Mexico when writing a Educational Handout in English.

Mistake Example #1

Misuse of prepositions ('Married with' instead of 'Married to')

**Educational Handout:** Welcome tothe English class! Today, we will discuss how to improve your writing skills. Many students are interested in learning how to use prepositions correctly. For example, some people say they are "married with" someone, but the correct way is to say "married to" someone. Also, remember that prepositions can change the meaning of a sentence, so it is important to practice them regularly. Let's work together to become more confident with English prepositions!

Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

"This only needed a few small changes. (PLEASE NOTE that this is an educational handout and "married with" is used here as an example of an INCORRECT preposition. So the "error" is intentional and should not be corrected.) "

**Educational Handout:** Welcome to English class! Today, we will discuss how to improve your writing skills. Many students are interested in learning how to use prepositions correctly. For example, some people say they are "married with" someone, but the correct way is to say "married to" someone. Also, remember that prepositions can change the meaning of a sentence, so it is important to practice them regularly. Let's work together to become more confident with English prepositions!

**Educational Handout:** Welcome to the English class! Today, we will discuss how to improve your writing skills. Many students are interested in learning how to use prepositions correctly. For example, some people say they are married with someone, but the correct way is to say married to someone. Also, remember that prepositions can change the meaning of a sentence, so it is important to practice them regularly. Let's work together to become more confident with English prepositions!

Mistake Example #2

Overuse of present continuous ('I am going to the school every day' instead of 'I go to school every day')

In this handout, we arediscussing how you can improve your English writing skills. I amsuggesting that you arepracticinge every day by writing short paragraphs. AI also, I am recommending that you arereading English books to see how sentences are structured. By doing this, you arewill improvinge your vocabulary and understanding of the language.

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

"I changed some of the verb tenses from the present continuous to something else."

In this handout, we discuss how you can improve your English writing skills. I suggest that you practice every day by writing short paragraphs. I also recommend that you read English books to see how sentences are structured. By doing this, you will improve your vocabulary and understanding of the language.

In this handout, we are discussing how you can improve your English writing skills. I am suggesting that you are practicing every day by writing short paragraphs. Also, I am recommending that you are reading English books to see how sentences are structured. By doing this, you are improving your vocabulary and understanding of the language.

Mistake Example #3

Direct translation of Spanish expressions ('I have 25 years' instead of 'I am 25 years old')

Welcome tothe English class! In this handout, we will learn about the different ways to express age and time. Many people say, "I have 25 years" when they want to tellsay their age, but in English, we say, "I am 25 years old." Also, when talking about time, instead of saying, "I have hunger," you should say, "I am hungry." Practice these expressions to improve your English skills.

Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

"This purposely uses incorrect expressions as examples and therefore, those should not be corrected. Other adjustments have been made."

Welcome to English class! In this handout, we will learn about the different ways to express age and time. Many people say, "I have 25 years" when they want to say their age, but in English, we say, "I am 25 years old." Also, when talking about time, instead of saying, "I have hunger," you should say, "I am hungry." Practice these expressions to improve your English skills.

Welcome to the English class! In this handout, we will learn about the different ways to express age and time. Many people say "I have 25 years" when they want to tell their age, but in English, we say "I am 25 years old." Also, when talking about time, instead of saying "I have hunger," you should say "I am hungry." Practice these expressions to improve your English skills.