Common English Mistakes in User Manuals by Spanish Speakers

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

Mistake Example #1

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 #2

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

To install the software, first you need to open the computer and locate the USB port. Insert the USB and wait until the computer recognizes it. After this, you have to click ion the icon that appears on the screen. If you have any questions, please consult the help section ion the website.

Text corrected by:
Vince, United States

"Just a few changes were needed to address small errors. Good job! "

To install the software, first you need to open the computer and locate the USB port. Insert the USB and wait until the computer recognizes it. After this, you have to click on the icon that appears on the screen. If you have any questions, please consult the help section on the website.

To install the software, first you need to open the computer and locate the USB port. Insert the USB and wait until the computer recognize it. After this, you have to click in the icon that appears on the screen. If you have any question, please consult the help section in the website.

Mistake Example #3

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

To assemble the device, please connect the power cable witho the socket located on the back panel. Ensure that the cable is inserted with the correct orientation to avoid damage. After connecting, press the power button for three seconds to turn on the device. If the device does not start, verify that it is connected witho a working power source.

Text corrected by:
Camille, Maryland, USA

"There were just a few errors with prepositions. Nice job overall!"

To assemble the device, please connect the power cable to the socket located on the back panel. Ensure that the cable is inserted with the correct orientation to avoid damage. After connecting, press the power button for three seconds to turn on the device. If the device does not start, verify that it is connected to a working power source.

To assemble the device, please connect the power cable with the socket located on the back panel. Ensure that the cable is inserted with the correct orientation to avoid damage. After connecting, press the power button for three seconds to turn on the device. If the device does not start, verify that it is connected with a working power source.