Common English Mistakes by Spanish Speakers

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

Category:Technical & Scientific Writing
Writing for scientific and technical subjects.
Common Users:Engineers, Scientists, Tech Writers.
Mistake Example #1

Technical & Scientific Writing / Engineering Specification

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

The engineering specification outlines the requirements for the new hydraulic system designed for the water treatment plant. The system is composed byof several components, including pumps, valves, and control units, which must be installed according witho the guidelines provided. It is crucial to ensure that all parts are compatible with each other to avoid operational issues.


Text corrected by:
Camille, Maryland, USA

"Almost perfect! I have just made a few corrections to the prepositions. "

The engineering specification outlines the requirements for the new hydraulic system designed for the water treatment plant. The system is composed of several components, including pumps, valves, and control units, which must be installed according to the guidelines provided. It is crucial to ensure that all parts are compatible with each other to avoid operational issues.

The engineering specification outlines the requirements for the new hydraulic system designed for the water treatment plant. The system is composed by several components, including pumps, valves, and control units, which must be installed according with the guidelines provided. It is crucial to ensure that all parts are compatible with each other to avoid operational issues.

Mistake Example #2

Technical & Scientific Writing / Grant Proposal

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

Our research team is applying for a grant with the purpose of developing sustainable agricultural practices in rural communities. We are collaborating with several local organizations and universities to ensure that the project is aligned with the needs of the communities we are woserkvingwith. The funds will be used for purchasing equipment, conducting workshops, and providing training to farmers,. which wWe are committed witho improving their livelihoods and making a positiveenvironmental impact.


Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"I changed "committed with" to "committed to" and made a number of stylistic improvements."

Our research team is applying for a grant with the purpose of developing sustainable agricultural practices in rural communities. We are collaborating with several local organizations and universities to ensure that the project is aligned with the needs of the communities we are serving. The funds will be used for purchasing equipment, conducting workshops, and providing training to farmers. We are committed to improving their livelihoods and making a positive environmental impact.

Our research team is applying for a grant with the purpose of developing sustainable agricultural practices in rural communities. We are collaborating with several local organizations and universities to ensure that the project is aligned with the needs of the communities we are working with. The funds will be used for purchasing equipment, conducting workshops, and providing training to farmers, which we are committed with improving their livelihoods and environmental impact.

Mistake Example #3

Technical & Scientific Writing / Patent Application

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

The present invention relates witho a novel method for improving the efficiency of solar panels. The method is based ion the integration of a new type of photovoltaic cell that is designed to maximize energy absorption. This technology is particularly useful for regions with high solar exposure, such as Mexico, where the demand for renewable energy sources is increasing.


Text corrected by:
Vince, United States

"Almost perfect :)"

The present invention relates to a novel method for improving the efficiency of solar panels. The method is based on the integration of a new type of photovoltaic cell that is designed to maximize energy absorption. This technology is particularly useful for regions with high solar exposure, such as Mexico, where the demand for renewable energy sources is increasing.

The present invention relates with a novel method for improving the efficiency of solar panels. The method is based in the integration of a new type of photovoltaic cell that is designed to maximize energy absorption. This technology is particularly useful for regions with high solar exposure, such as Mexico, where the demand for renewable energy sources is increasing.

Mistake Example #4

Technical & Scientific Writing / Scientific Paper

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

In recent studies about the effects of climate change in Mexico, it was observed that the temperature increase is marrlinked witho the rise in sea levels. This phenomenon is particularly evident in coastal regions, where communities are struggling witho adapting to the new environmental conditions. Researchers are focusing ion understanding how these changes are impacting local ecosystems and what measures can be implemented to mitigate the adverse effects.


Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"I fixed some issues with prepositions and polished up the text. Well done!"

In recent studies about the effects of climate change in Mexico, it was observed that the temperature increase is linked to the rise in sea levels. This phenomenon is particularly evident in coastal regions, where communities are struggling to adapt to the new environmental conditions. Researchers are focusing on understanding how these changes are impacting local ecosystems and what measures can be implemented to mitigate the adverse effects.

In recent studies about the effects of climate change in Mexico, it was observed that the temperature increase is married with the rise in sea levels. This phenomenon is particularly evident in coastal regions, where communities are struggling with adapting to the new environmental conditions. Researchers are focusing in understanding how these changes are impacting local ecosystems and what measures can be implemented to mitigate the adverse effects.

Mistake Example #5

Technical & Scientific Writing / Technical Report

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

The recent analysis of the data collected from the solar panel installations in the region shows that the efficiency of the panels is highly dependent withupon the angle of installation. It is crucial to ensure that the panels are aligned correctly with the sun's path to maximize energy output. AddiFurtihermonallyre, the maintenance schedule should be adherfollowed withn order to prevent any loss of efficiency due to dust accumulation.


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

"I corrected some of the prepositions and made some small changes to improve fluidity and readability. Overall, your ideas were clearly expressed."

The recent analysis of the data collected from the solar panel installations in the region shows that the efficiency of the panels is highly dependent upon the angle of installation. It is crucial to ensure that the panels are aligned correctly with the sun's path to maximize energy output. Furthermore, the maintenance schedule should be followed in order to prevent any loss of efficiency due to dust accumulation.

The recent analysis of the data collected from the solar panel installations in the region shows that the efficiency of the panels is highly dependent with the angle of installation. It is crucial to ensure that the panels are aligned correctly with the sun's path to maximize energy output. Additionally, the maintenance schedule should be adhered with to prevent any loss of efficiency due to dust accumulation.

Mistake Example #6

Technical & Scientific Writing / User Manual

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

To operate the new coffee machine, you arepressing the power button and waiting until the display isshowings the main menu. Then, you are selecting your desired coffee type by turning the knob and pressing the select button. If you arewanting to adjust the strength of the coffee, you areusinge the strength button to choose your preference before the brewing process isstartings.


Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"Nice work! I made some changes from the present continuous tense (-ing) of certain verbs to the simple present tense."

To operate the new coffee machine, you press the power button and wait until the display shows the main menu. Then you are select your desired coffee type by turning the knob and pressing the select button. If you want to adjust the strength of the coffee, you use the strength button to choose your preference before the brewing process starts.

To operate the new coffee machine, you are pressing the power button and waiting until the display is showing the main menu. Then, you are selecting your desired coffee type by turning the knob and pressing the select button. If you are wanting to adjust the strength of the coffee, you are using the strength button to choose your preference before the brewing process is starting.

Mistake Example #7

Technical & Scientific Writing / White Paper

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

In this white paper, we are analyzinge how the renewable energy sources are impacting the environment in Mexico. We harve observinged that solar panels are becoming more popular in rural areas, and they are providing a sustainable solution for Mexico'senergy needs. Additionally, we areseeing that wind farms are contributing significantly to the reduction of carbon emissions, and they are helping to meet the country's energy demands efficiently.


Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

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

In this white paper, we analyze how the renewable energy sources are impacting the environment in Mexico. We have observed that solar panels are becoming more popular in rural areas, and they are providing a sustainable solution for Mexico's energy needs. Additionally, we see that wind farms are contributing significantly to the reduction of carbon emissions, and they are helping to meet the country's energy demands efficiently.

In this white paper, we are analyzing how the renewable energy sources are impacting the environment in Mexico. We are observing that solar panels are becoming more popular in rural areas, and they are providing a sustainable solution for energy needs. Additionally, we are seeing that wind farms are contributing significantly to the reduction of carbon emissions, and they are helping to meet the country's energy demands efficiently.