Common English Mistakes in Personal Essays by Spanish Speakers

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

Mistake Example #1

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

When I was a child, I always dreamed about being married witho someone who shares my love for adventure. Growing up in Mexico, my family often took trips to the countryside, and those experiences filled me with a desire to explore the world. Now, as an adult, I am married witho a wonderful partner who enjoys traveling as much as I do, and together we have visited many beautiful places.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"Very nice! I just changed "married with" to "married to.""

When I was a child, I always dreamed about being married to someone who shares my love for adventure. Growing up in Mexico, my family often took trips to the countryside, and those experiences filled me with a desire to explore the world. Now, as an adult, I am married to a wonderful partner who enjoys traveling as much as I do, and together we have visited many beautiful places.

When I was a child, I always dreamed about being married with someone who shares my love for adventure. Growing up in Mexico, my family often took trips to the countryside, and those experiences filled me with a desire to explore the world. Now, as an adult, I am married with a wonderful partner who enjoys traveling as much as I do, and together we have visited many beautiful places.

Mistake Example #2

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

When I was a child, I always dreamed withof becoming a famous writer. I havem 25years now, and I still hold that dream close to my heart. Every day, I try to write stories that capture the magic of my experiences in Mexico, hoping one day they will touch the hearts of people around the world.

Text corrected by:
Vince, United States

"Just a few small changes were needed. Otherwise it sounds great!"

When I was a child, I always dreamed of becoming a famous writer. I am 25 now, and I still hold that dream close to my heart. Every day, I try to write stories that capture the magic of my experiences in Mexico, hoping one day they will touch the hearts of people around the world.

When I was a child, I always dreamed with becoming a famous writer. I have 25 years now, and I still hold that dream close to my heart. Every day, I try to write stories that capture the magic of my experiences in Mexico, hoping one day they will touch the hearts of people around the world.

Mistake Example #3

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

WhenIam livinge in Mexico City, I amnd enjoying the vibrant culture and delicious food every day. I ammeeting my friends in the park every weekend, and we areexploringe new places together. I amfeeling grateful for the opportunities I amhavinge here, and—Iam learning something new all the time.

Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

"This needed some tweaking for proper verb tense."

I live in Mexico City and enjoy the vibrant culture and delicious food every day. I meet my friends in the park every weekend and we explore new places together. I am grateful for the opportunities I have here—I learn something new all the time.

When I am living in Mexico City, I am enjoying the vibrant culture and delicious food every day. I am meeting my friends in the park every weekend, and we are exploring new places together. I am feeling grateful for the opportunities I am having here, and I am learning something new all the time.