Common English Mistakes in Reference Letters by Spanish Speakers

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

Mistake Example #1

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

To wWhom iIt mMay cConcern, I am writingthis letter to recommend Maria Lopez for the position of Mmarketing Mmanager. I have known Maria for over five years, and during this time, she has proven to be a dedicated and hardworking professional. Maria iAs marrithed withfe of a wonderful man and mothaser of two children, whMariachonsistently demonstrates a shtrows herng ability to balance work and family lifeeffectively. I am confident that she will be a valuable asset to your team.

Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

"I made changes to fix a preposition error, among other tweaks."

To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to recommend Maria Lopez for the position of marketing manager. I have known Maria for over five years, and during this time, she has proven to be a dedicated and hardworking professional. As the wife of a wonderful man and mother of two children, Maria consistently demonstrates a strong ability to balance work and family life. I am confident that she will be a valuable asset to your team.

To whom it may concern, I am writing this letter to recommend Maria Lopez for the position of Marketing Manager. I have known Maria for over five years, and during this time, she has proven to be a dedicated and hardworking professional. Maria is married with a wonderful man and has two children, which shows her ability to balance work and family life effectively. I am confident that she will be a valuable asset to your team.

Mistake Example #2

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

To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to recommend Maria Lopez for the position at your company. I hamve knowing Maria for five years, and I amwitneseeings her dedication and hard work every day. She is always bringing innovative ideas to the team, and I ambelievinge she will be a great asset to your organization.

Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

"This needed some tweaking for overuse of the present continuous tense."

To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to recommend Maria Lopez for the position at your company. I have known Maria for five years, and I witness her dedication and hard work every day. She is always bringing innovative ideas to the team, and I believe she will be a great asset to your organization.

To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to recommend Maria Lopez for the position at your company. I am knowing Maria for five years, and I am seeing her dedication and hard work every day. She is always bringing innovative ideas to the team, and I am believing she will be a great asset to your organization.

Mistake Example #3

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

To wWhom iIt mMay cConcern, I am writing to recommend Maria for the position of Mmarketing Mmanager. I have known Maria for10 yearsknowing Maria, and during this time, she has dshown hemonrstratedlf to be a very responsible and dedicated professional. Her ability to work under pressure is impressive, and I am sure she will be a great asset for your team.

Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

"This needed some tweaking to sound more native and natural."

To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to recommend Maria for the position of marketing manager. I have known Maria for 10 years and during this time, she has shown herself to be a very responsible and dedicated professional. Her ability to work under pressure is impressive, and I am sure she will be a great asset for your team.

To whom it may concern, I am writing to recommend Maria for the position of Marketing Manager. I have 10 years knowing Maria, and during this time, she has demonstrated to be a very responsible and dedicated professional. Her ability to work under pressure is impressive, and I am sure she will be a great asset for your team.