Common English Mistakes in Op-Eds by Spanish Speakers

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

Mistake Example #1

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 #2

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

In recent years, the debate about climate change has become more intense, especially in Mexico where many people are married with the land and its traditions. As a country that relies heavily on agriculture, the effects of climate change are felt deeply by those who are married with farming and depend on it for their livelihood. It is crucial that we address these issues with urgency to protect our future generations.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"This text has a lot of problems, but the prepositions are fine."

In recent years, the debate about climate change has become more intense, especially in Mexico where many people are married with the land and its traditions. As a country that relies heavily on agriculture, the effects of climate change are felt deeply by those who are married with farming and depend on it for their livelihood. It is crucial that we address these issues with urgency to protect our future generations.

In recent years, the debate about climate change has become more intense, especially in Mexico where many people are married with the land and its traditions. As a country that relies heavily on agriculture, the effects of climate change are felt deeply by those who are married with farming and depend on it for their livelihood. It is crucial that we address these issues with urgency to protect our future generations.

Mistake Example #3

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

In recent years, I hamve been seeing that the pollution in Mexico City is becoming a bigger problem. Many people are worryinged about the air quality, and I am hearing complaints from my neighbors every day. We areneeding to take action now to ensure a healthier future for our children.

Text corrected by:
Miss E., Cyprus, Europe

"Please be mindful of your use of present continuous tenses. For example, "In recent years, I am seeing" should be "In recent years, I have been seeing" and "Many people are worrying about the air quality" should be "Many people are worried about the air quality"."

In recent years, I have been seeing that the pollution in Mexico City is becoming a bigger problem. Many people are worried about the air quality, and I am hearing complaints from my neighbors every day. We need to take action now to ensure a healthier future for our children.

In recent years, I am seeing that the pollution in Mexico City is becoming a bigger problem. Many people are worrying about the air quality, and I am hearing complaints from my neighbors every day. We are needing to take action now to ensure a healthier future for our children.