Common English Mistakes by Spanish Speakers

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

Category:Journalism & Media
Writing for news, articles, and investigative reports.
Common Users:Journalists, Bloggers, Columnists.
Mistake Example #1

Journalism & Media / Editorial

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

In recent years, the issue of climate change has become increasingly urgent, and it is crucial that we take action now. Many people are married witho the idea that individual efforts do not make a difference, but this is far from the truth. In Mexico, we have seen how community initiatives can lead to significant environmental improvements, and it is time for everyone to be married witho the commitment to protect our planet.

Text corrected by:
Miss E., Cyprus, Europe

"This is a good write-up. However, don't forget to use prepositions correctly in your content. "married with" should be "married to"."

In recent years, the issue of climate change has become increasingly urgent, and it is crucial that we take action now. Many people are married to the idea that individual efforts do not make a difference, but this is far from the truth. In Mexico, we have seen how community initiatives can lead to significant environmental improvements, and it is time for everyone to be married to the commitment to protect our planet.

In recent years, the issue of climate change has become increasingly urgent, and it is crucial that we take action now. Many people are married with the idea that individual efforts do not make a difference, but this is far from the truth. In Mexico, we have seen how community initiatives can lead to significant environmental improvements, and it is time for everyone to be married with the commitment to protect our planet.

Mistake Example #2

Journalism & Media / Feature Story

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

In the bustling streets of Mexico City, I amseeing the vibrant colors of the market every day. Vendors areselling their goods with enthusiasm, and I amhearing the lively chatter of people who are coming to buy fresh produce and handmade crafts. As I amwalking through the aisles, the aroma of street food isfillings the air, making it impossible to resist trying a delicious taco or tamale.

Text corrected by:
Miss E., Cyprus, Europe

"Please be mindful of errors such as the following: "I am seeing the vibrant colors of the market every day" should be "I see the vibrant colors of the market every day" and "Vendors are selling their goods with enthusiasm" should be "Vendors sell their goods with enthusiasm". "

In the bustling streets of Mexico City, I see the vibrant colors of the market every day. Vendors sell their goods with enthusiasm, and I hear the lively chatter of people who are coming to buy fresh produce and handmade crafts. As I walk through the aisles, the aroma of street food fills the air, making it impossible to resist trying a delicious taco or tamale.

In the bustling streets of Mexico City, I am seeing the vibrant colors of the market every day. Vendors are selling their goods with enthusiasm, and I am hearing the lively chatter of people who are coming to buy fresh produce and handmade crafts. As I am walking through the aisles, the aroma of street food is filling the air, making it impossible to resist trying a delicious taco or tamale.

Mistake Example #3

Journalism & Media / Interview Transcript

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

**Interview Transcript:** Interviewer: Thank you for joining us today, Maria. Can you tell us a little about your background? Maria: Yes, of course. I am originally from Mexico City, and I am married witho a wonderful man who is also from Mexico. We moved to the United States five years ago, and I have been working withfor a local newspaper since then.

Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

"This needed some corrections for improper prepositional phrasing."

**Interview Transcript:** Interviewer: Thank you for joining us today, Maria. Can you tell us a little about your background? Maria: Yes, of course. I am originally from Mexico City, and I am married to a wonderful man who is also from Mexico. We moved to the United States five years ago, and I have been working for a local newspaper since then.

**Interview Transcript:** Interviewer: Thank you for joining us today, Maria. Can you tell us a little about your background? Maria: Yes, of course. I am originally from Mexico City, and I am married with a wonderful man who is also from Mexico. We moved to the United States five years ago, and I have been working with a local newspaper since then.

Mistake Example #4

Journalism & Media / Investigative Report

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

In the recent investigation aboutf the environmental impact of the new factory in Monterrey, it was discovered that several local families are concerned withby the pollution levels. Residents have reported that the air quality has deteriorated significantly, and they are worried wiabouth the potential health risks. The factory's management, when approached, stated they are committed witho reducing emissions and are working with local authorities to address the issues.

Text corrected by:
Vince, United States

"This was already very well-written – I just made a few minor changes to the prepositions used :)"

In the recent investigation of the environmental impact of the new factory in Monterrey, it was discovered that several local families are concerned by the pollution levels. Residents have reported that the air quality has deteriorated significantly, and they are worried about the potential health risks. The factory's management, when approached, stated they are committed to reducing emissions and are working with local authorities to address the issues.

In the recent investigation about the environmental impact of the new factory in Monterrey, it was discovered that several local families are concerned with the pollution levels. Residents have reported that the air quality has deteriorated significantly, and they are worried with the potential health risks. The factory management, when approached, stated they are committed with reducing emissions and are working with local authorities to address the issues.

Mistake Example #5

Journalism & Media / News Article

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

In Mexico City, the residents are expressing concerns about the new public transportation system. Many people are saying that they arewaiting for the buses for long periods, and they are not arriving on time. The government ihas promisinged that they are working on solutions to improve the service, but the commuters are feeling frustrated with the current situation.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"Very good! It just needed a couple of changes to make the verb tense consistent."

In Mexico City, the residents are expressing concerns about the new public transportation system. Many people are saying that they wait for the buses for long periods, and they are not arriving on time. The government has promised that they are working on solutions to improve the service, but the commuters are feeling frustrated with the current situation.

In Mexico City, the residents are expressing concerns about the new public transportation system. Many people are saying that they are waiting for the buses for long periods, and they are not arriving on time. The government is promising that they are working on solutions to improve the service, but the commuters are feeling frustrated with the current situation.

Mistake Example #6

Journalism & Media / Op-Ed

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

In recent years,the climate change has become a topic of much importance in Mexico. Many people think that we need to take action now because the planet is suffering. I havem 25 yearsold, and I remember when the summers were not aso hot likeas they are now. It is crucial that we all put our grain of sand into helping the environment, because if we do not, thefuture generations will paysuffer the consequences.

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

"I just replaced a word or two to make the English sound more natural. Otherwise, the ideas in this text are clearly expressed."

In recent years, climate change has become a topic of much importance in Mexico. Many people think that we need to take action now because the planet is suffering. I am 25 years old, and I remember when the summers were not as hot as they are now. It is crucial that we all put our grain of sand into helping the environment, because if we do not, future generations will suffer the consequences.

In recent years, the climate change has become a topic of much importance in Mexico. Many people think that we need to take action now because the planet is suffering. I have 25 years and I remember when the summers were not so hot like they are now. It is crucial that we all put our grain of sand to help the environment, because if we do not, the future generations will pay the consequences.

Mistake Example #7

Journalism & Media / Press Release

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

For Immediate Release: The new art exhibition will open in the city center gallery on November 15th. The artist, who is married witho a renowned sculptor, will present a collection inspired by the vibrant culture of Mexico. Visitors are invited to explore the unique pieces and enjoy withthe creative atmosphere.

Text corrected by:
Miss E., Cyprus, Europe

"This is mostly well-written. However, be mindful of the following errors: "who is married with a renowned sculptor" should be "who is married to a renowned sculptor" and "enjoy with the creative atmosphere" should be "enjoy the creative atmosphere"."

For Immediate Release: The new art exhibition will open in the city center gallery on November 15th. The artist, who is married to a renowned sculptor, will present a collection inspired by the vibrant culture of Mexico. Visitors are invited to explore the unique pieces and enjoy the creative atmosphere.

For Immediate Release: The new art exhibition will open in the city center gallery on November 15th. The artist, who is married with a renowned sculptor, will present a collection inspired by the vibrant culture of Mexico. Visitors are invited to explore the unique pieces and enjoy with the creative atmosphere.