Common English Mistakes in Letters Of Intent by Arabic Speakers

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

Mistake Example #1

Confusion between masculine and feminine pronouns

Dear Admissions Committee, I am writing to express my interest in your esteemed university and to explain why I believe heI would be an excellent fit for your program. I have always admired the academic excellence and innovative research opportunities that your institution offers, and I am eager to contribute to herits vibrant community. Thank you for considering my application, and I look forward to the possibility of joining your university.

Text corrected by:
Miss E., Cyprus, Europe

"Just a few small changes were needed. "I believe he would be an excellent fit" should be "I believe I would be an excellent fit" and "I am eager to contribute to her vibrant community" should be "I am eager to contribute to its vibrant community"."

Dear Admissions Committee, I am writing to express my interest in your esteemed university and to explain why I believe I would be an excellent fit for your program. I have always admired the academic excellence and innovative research opportunities that your institution offers, and I am eager to contribute to its vibrant community. Thank you for considering my application, and I look forward to the possibility of joining your university.

Dear Admissions Committee, I am writing to express my interest in your esteemed university and to explain why I believe he would be an excellent fit for your program. I have always admired the academic excellence and innovative research opportunities that your institution offers, and I am eager to contribute to her vibrant community. Thank you for considering my application, and I look forward to the possibility of joining your university.

Mistake Example #2

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

Dear Admissions Committee, I am writing to express my interest in the Master's program at your esteemed university. I havestudyied English for many years and I am confident that I will succeed in your program. I hope to contribute to the academic community and learn from the diverse experiences that your institution offers. Thank you for considering my application.

Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

"This needed some corrections for verb tense issues."

Dear Admissions Committee, I am writing to express my interest in the Master's program at your esteemed university. I have studied English for many years and I am confident that I will succeed in your program. I hope to contribute to the academic community and learn from the diverse experiences that your institution offers. Thank you for considering my application.

Dear Admissions Committee, I am writing to express my interest in the Master's program at your esteemed university. I study English for many years and I am confident that I will succeed in your program. I hope to contribute to the academic community and learn from the diverse experiences that your institution offer. Thank you for considering my application.

Mistake Example #3

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

Dear Admissions Committee, I am honored to inform you thatI am writing this letter to express my deepest interest in the Mmaster's program at your esteemed university. I am privileged to have the opportunity to present my qualifications and I am humbled to state that I ameager to contribute to the academic community with mythe utmost dedication.

Text corrected by:
Miss E., Cyprus, Europe

"I made edits to tone down on the use of formal expressions."

Dear Admissions Committee, I am writing this letter to express my deep interest in the master's program at your esteemed university. I am privileged to have the opportunity to present my qualifications and I am eager to contribute to the academic community with the utmost dedication.

Dear Admissions Committee, I am honored to inform you that I am writing this letter to express my deepest interest in the Master's program at your esteemed university. I am privileged to have the opportunity to present my qualifications and I am humbled to state that I am eager to contribute to the academic community with my utmost dedication.