Common English Mistakes in Grant Proposals by Spanish Speakers

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

Mistake Example #1

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 #2

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

Our research team is excited to submit this grant proposal for your consideration. We have theOur objectiveis to develop a new technology that will revolutionize the way we approach renewable energy. In Mexico, we have mucha lot of sun, and this project will take advantage of this natural resource to create more efficient solar panels. We have 10 yearsworkinged in this fieldfor 10 years and believe that with your support, we can achieve significant advancements.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"Very good! I just tweaked a few phrases to make the English sound more natural."

Our research team is excited to submit this grant proposal for your consideration. Our objective is to develop a new technology that will revolutionize the way we approach renewable energy. In Mexico, we have a lot of sun, and this project will take advantage of this natural resource to create more efficient solar panels. We have worked in this field for 10 years and believe that with your support, we can achieve significant advancements.

Our research team is excited to submit this grant proposal for your consideration. We have the objective to develop a new technology that will revolutionize the way we approach renewable energy. In Mexico, we have much sun, and this project will take advantage of this natural resource to create more efficient solar panels. We have 10 years working in this field and believe that with your support, we can achieve significant advancements.

Mistake Example #3

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

Our research team is proposing a study that is focusinged on the development of sustainable agricultural practices in rural areas of Mexico. We arebelievinge that by implementing these practices, we arewill reducinge the environmental impact and improvinge the livelihoods of local farmers. We are requesting funding to support our project, which isaimings to train farmers in innovative techniques and provide necessary resources for successful implementation.

Text corrected by:
Miss E., Cyprus, Europe

"I made edits to correct the overuse of present continuous tense. For example, "that is focusing on" should be "that is focused on" and "We are believing that" should be "We believe that"."

Our research team is proposing a study that is focused on the development of sustainable agricultural practices in rural areas of Mexico. We believe that by implementing these practices, we will reduce the environmental impact and improve the livelihoods of local farmers. We are requesting funding to support our project, which aims to train farmers in innovative techniques and provide necessary resources for successful implementation.

Our research team is proposing a study that is focusing on the development of sustainable agricultural practices in rural areas of Mexico. We are believing that by implementing these practices, we are reducing the environmental impact and improving the livelihoods of local farmers. We are requesting funding to support our project, which is aiming to train farmers in innovative techniques and provide necessary resources for successful implementation.