Common English Mistakes in Lab Reports by Arabic Speakers

This page focuses on errors typically made by native Arabic speakers from Saudi Arabia when writing a Lab Report in English.

Mistake Example #1

Confusion between masculine and feminine pronouns

In this experiment, we observed the reaction of the chemical compound when heit was exposed to heat. SheIt changed color from blue to green, indicating that heit underwent a transformation. The results suggest that sheit can be used as a reliable indicator in future experiments.

Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

"Changes were made to correct pronoun errors."

In this experiment, we observed the reaction of the chemical compound when it was exposed to heat. It changed color from blue to green, indicating that it underwent a transformation. The results suggest that it can be used as a reliable indicator in future experiments.

In this experiment, we observed the reaction of the chemical compound when he was exposed to heat. She changed color from blue to green, indicating that he underwent a transformation. The results suggest that she can be used as a reliable indicator in future experiments.

Mistake Example #2

Overuse of formal expressions ('I am honored to inform you...')

In this lab report, I am hconored tofinformyou that the experiment was conducted with utmostprecision and dedication. The results, which I am privileged to present, indicate a significant improvement in the reaction rate, and I am delighted to share thatthe hypothesis was supported by the data. I am gratTheful to report that thse findingswill contribute greatly to the field of chemistry, and I am pleased to conclude thatfurther research is encouraged.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"I made some stylistic improvements, including removing some of the overly formal expressions."

In this lab report, I confirm that the experiment was conducted with precision and dedication. The results indicate a significant improvement in the reaction rate, and the hypothesis was supported by the data. These findings will contribute greatly to the field of chemistry, and further research is encouraged.

In this lab report, I am honored to inform you that the experiment was conducted with utmost precision and dedication. The results, which I am privileged to present, indicate a significant improvement in the reaction rate, and I am delighted to share that the hypothesis was supported by the data. I am grateful to report that the findings contribute greatly to the field of chemistry, and I am pleased to conclude that further research is encouraged.

Mistake Example #3

Misuse of verb tense (e.g., 'He go to school' instead of 'He goes to school')

In this experiment, we measure the effect of temperature on the reaction rate. First, we heat the solution to 50 degrees Celsius, and then we add the catalyst. The reaction starts immediately, and we observe the color change. After five minutes, the color changes to blue, indicating the reaction is complete. We record the time and temperature for each trial to ensure accuracy.

Text corrected by:
Camille, Maryland, USA

"I assume you do not want to use the past tense here, so I left it in the present tense. I corrected for subject-verb agreemet. "

In this experiment, we measure the effect of temperature on the reaction rate. First, we heat the solution to 50 degrees Celsius, and then we add the catalyst. The reaction starts immediately, and we observe the color change. After five minutes, the color changes to blue, indicating the reaction is complete. We record the time and temperature for each trial to ensure accuracy.

In this experiment, we measure the effect of temperature on the reaction rate. First, we heat the solution to 50 degrees Celsius and then we add the catalyst. The reaction start immediately, and we observe the color change. After five minutes, the color change to blue, indicating the reaction is complete. We record the time and temperature for each trial to ensure accuracy.