Common English Mistakes in Investigative Reports by Spanish Speakers

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

Mistake Example #1

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 #2

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

The investigative report reveals that the local community in Guadalajara is facing significant challenges with water supply. Residents express concerns, saying, "I hamvemuchry thirsty because the water is not arriving regularly." The city officials, who have 10 ybearsen working on infrastructure improvements for 10 years, claim that the situation is under control, but the citizens aredemanding immediate action.

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."

The investigative report reveals that the local community in Guadalajara is facing significant challenges with water supply. Residents express concerns, saying, "I am very thirsty because the water is not arriving regularly." The city officials, who have been working on infrastructure improvements for 10 years, claim that the situation is under control, but the citizens are demanding immediate action.

The investigative report reveals that the local community in Guadalajara is facing significant challenges with water supply. Residents express concerns, saying, "I have much thirst because the water is not arriving regularly." The city officials, who have 10 years working on infrastructure improvements, claim that the situation is under control, but the citizens demand immediate action.

Mistake Example #3

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

In the recent investigation, I amdiscoveringed that the pollution levels in Mexico City are increasing rapidly. I aminterviewinged residents who areexpressinged concerns about the air quality, and they aresayingd that they are noticing more health issues. The government is implementing new policies, but many citizens arefeeling that the changes are not happening quickly enough to make a difference.

Text corrected by:
Miss E., Cyprus, Europe

"Please be mindful of your use of present continuous tenses. For example, "In the recent investigation, I am discovering that" should be "In the recent investigation, I discovered that" and "I am interviewing residents who are expressing concerns" should be "I interviewed residents who expressed concerns"."

In the recent investigation, I discovered that the pollution levels in Mexico City are increasing rapidly. I interviewed residents who expressed concerns about the air quality, and they said that they are noticing more health issues. The government is implementing new policies, but many citizens feel that the changes are not happening quickly enough to make a difference.

In the recent investigation, I am discovering that the pollution levels in Mexico City are increasing rapidly. I am interviewing residents who are expressing concerns about the air quality, and they are saying that they are noticing more health issues. The government is implementing new policies, but many citizens are feeling that the changes are not happening quickly enough to make a difference.