Common English Mistakes in Memo by Arabic Speakers

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

Mistake Example #1

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

To: All Staff Subject: Project Update Dear Team, I am writing to inform you about the progress of the new project. We completed the first phase last week, and nowwe nowhave moved to the second phase. It is important that everyone submit their reports bythe end of this week. If you have any questions, please reach out to me. Thank you for your cooperation.

Text corrected by:
Vince, United States

"Very good! Just a couple of changes to make things consistent."

To: All Staff Subject: Project Update Dear Team, I am writing to inform you about the progress of the new project. We completed the first phase last week, and now we have moved to the second phase. It is important that everyone submit their reports by the end of this week. If you have any questions, please reach out to me. Thank you for your cooperation.

To: All Staff Subject: Project Update Dear Team, I am writing to inform you about the progress of the new project. We complete the first phase last week, and we now move to the second phase. It is important that everyone submit their reports by end of this week. If you have any questions, please reach out to me. Thank you for your cooperation.

Mistake Example #2

Confusion between masculine and feminine pronouns

To: All Staff Subject: Upcoming Team Meeting Dear Team, I want to inform you about the meeting scheduled for next Monday. Each member should prepare hisa presentation and bring their ideas to the table. It is important that everyone shares theisr thoughts so we can make the best decisions for the project. Thank you for your cooperation.

Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

"This needed some tweaking to replace the pronouns."

To: All Staff Subject: Upcoming Team Meeting Dear Team, I want to inform you about the meeting scheduled for next Monday. Each member should prepare a presentation and bring their ideas to the table. It is important that everyone shares their thoughts so we can make the best decisions for the project. Thank you for your cooperation.

To: All Staff Subject: Upcoming Team Meeting Dear Team, I want to inform you about the meeting scheduled for next Monday. Each member should prepare his presentation and bring her ideas to the table. It is important that everyone shares his thoughts so we can make the best decision for the project. Thank you for your cooperation.

Mistake Example #3

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

Subject: Important Update on Project Timeline Dear EsteemedTeamMembers, I am honored to inform you that wWe have reached a significant milestone in our project, and I am privileged to announce thatthe next phase will commbegince next week. It is with great pPleasure that I request your esteemed presence attend the meeting scheduled forn Monday, where we will discuss the details, and I am dewilighted tol share the progress with you all. YI appreciate your cooperation is highly appreciated,andI am grateful for your continued dedication to our success.

Text corrected by:
Camille, Maryland, USA

"I toned down the formality to sound more natural. "

Subject: Important Update on Project Timeline Dear Team, We have reached a significant milestone in our project, and the next phase will begin next week. Please attend the meeting on Monday, where we will discuss the details, and I will share the progress with you all. I appreciate your cooperation and your continued dedication to our success.

Subject: Important Update on Project Timeline Dear Esteemed Team Members, I am honored to inform you that we have reached a significant milestone in our project, and I am privileged to announce that the next phase will commence next week. It is with great pleasure that I request your esteemed presence at the meeting scheduled for Monday, where we will discuss the details and I am delighted to share the progress with you all. Your cooperation is highly appreciated, and I am grateful for your continued dedication to our success.