Common English Mistakes by Spanish Speakers

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

Category:Student
Personal writing used for admissions and transfer letters.
Common Users:Students of various disciplines.
Mistake Example #1

Student / Admission Essay

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

I am very excited to apply for the Master's program in Environmental Science at your esteemed university. SEver since I was a child, I have been fascinated with the natural world and how we can protect it. I am married with mypassionate faborut sustainability and believe thatyour program will provide me withthe knowledge and skillsI need to make a significant impact in this field.

Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

"This needed some corrections for improper prepositional phrasing."

I am very excited to apply for the Master's program in Environmental Science at your esteemed university. Ever since I was a child, I have been fascinated with the natural world and how we can protect it. I am passionate about sustainability and believe your program will provide the knowledge and skills I need to make a significant impact in this field.

I am very excited to apply for the Master's program in Environmental Science at your esteemed university. Since I was a child, I have been fascinated with the natural world and how we can protect it. I am married with my passion for sustainability and believe that your program will provide me with the knowledge and skills to make a significant impact in this field.

Mistake Example #2

Student / Personal Statement

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

I am excited to apply ftor the Master's program in Environmental Science at your esteemed university. Growing up in Mexico, I have always been fascinated with nature and its preservation. I am comarrmitted witho my passion for environmental conservation, and I believe this program will help me achieve my career goals.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"I changed some prepositions, plus a few other words, to make the English sound correct and natural."

I am excited to apply to the Master's program in Environmental Science at your esteemed university. Growing up in Mexico, I have always been fascinated with nature and its preservation. I am committed to my passion for environmental conservation, and I believe this program will help me achieve my career goals.

I am excited to apply for the Master's program in Environmental Science at your esteemed university. Growing up in Mexico, I have always been fascinated with nature and its preservation. I am married with my passion for environmental conservation, and I believe this program will help me achieve my career goals.

Mistake Example #3

Student / Transfer Essay

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

I am writing this transfer essay because I amwanting to join your university. I am studying engineering at my current school, and I amhopinge to continue my studies with you. I ambelievinge that your program isofferings the best opportunities for my future career.

Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

"This needed some corrections for verb tense issues."

I am writing this transfer essay because I want to join your university. I am studying engineering at my current school, and I hope to continue my studies with you. I believe that your program offers the best opportunities for my future career.

I am writing this transfer essay because I am wanting to join your university. I am studying engineering at my current school, and I am hoping to continue my studies with you. I am believing that your program is offering the best opportunities for my future career.