Common English Mistakes by Arabic Speakers

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

Category:ESL Writing
Writing for English as a Second Language learners improving their skills.
Common Users:Non-native speakers, Language learners.
Mistake Example #1

ESL Writing / Email Practice

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

Subject: Request for Meeting Dear Mr. Ahmed,I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to inform you that I attended the conference last week, andwhere I learned many new strategies. I suggest we meet next Tuesday to discuss how wewill implement these ideas in our project. Please let me know if this time works for you. Thank you for your consideration.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"I corrected some problems with the verb tense and polished up the text. Good work!"

Subject: Request for Meeting Dear Mr. Ahmed, I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to inform you that I attended the conference last week, where I learned many new strategies. I suggest we meet next Tuesday to discuss how we will implement these ideas in our project. Please let me know if this time works for you. Thank you for your consideration.

Subject: Request for Meeting Dear Mr. Ahmed, I hope this email find you well. I am writing to inform you that I attend the conference last week, and I learn many new strategies. I suggest we meet next Tuesday to discuss how we implement these ideas in our project. Please let me know if this time work for you. Thank you for your consideration.

Mistake Example #2

ESL Writing / Essay Writing Practice

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

In my opinion, education is very important for everyone. When I was a child, I always dreamed tof becomeing a doctor. I believe that if a person studyies hard, hecan achieve his goals and make his family proud.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"I fixed some issues with the verb tense. Good job overall!"

In my opinion, education is very important for everyone. When I was a child, I always dreamed of becoming a doctor. I believe that if a person studies hard, he can achieve his goals and make his family proud.

In my opinion, education is very important for everyone. When I was a child, I always dream to become a doctor. I believe that if a person study hard, he achieve his goals and make his family proud.

Mistake Example #3

ESL Writing / Grammar Exercises

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

Yesterday, I visited my friend who lives in Riyadh. We talked about our plans for the weekend, and he suggested that we go to the beach. I agreed with him because I think it is a good idea to relax after a busy week.

Text corrected by:
Camille, Maryland, USA

"I have just corrected the tenses throughout. Nice job! "

Yesterday, I visited my friend who lives in Riyadh. We talked about our plans for the weekend, and he suggested that we go to the beach. I agreed with him because I think it is a good idea to relax after a busy week.

Yesterday, I visit my friend who live in Riyadh. We talk about our plans for the weekend, and he suggest that we go to the beach. I agree with him because I think it is a good idea to relax after a busy week.

Mistake Example #4

ESL Writing / Pronunciation Guide

Confusion between masculine and feminine pronouns

In this pronunciation guide, hwe will learn how to say the English vowels correctly. First, hwe should focus on the sound of "a" in words like "cat" and "hat." Then, shwe can practice the "i" sound in "sit" and "hit." It is important that hwe listens carefully to the examples and repeat them several times.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"Nice work! I just changed all the pronouns to "we"."

In this pronunciation guide, we will learn how to say the English vowels correctly. First, we should focus on the sound of "a" in words like "cat" and "hat." Then, we can practice the "i" sound in "sit" and "hit." It is important that we listen carefully to the examples and repeat them several times.

In this pronunciation guide, he will learn how to say the English vowels correctly. First, he should focus on the sound of "a" in words like "cat" and "hat." Then, she can practice the "i" sound in "sit" and "hit." It is important that he listens carefully to the examples and repeat them several times.

Mistake Example #5

ESL Writing / Sentence Structure Guide

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

I am honored to inform you thatI have completed the assignment you requested with theutmost dedication and diligence. It is with greatm pleasured that Io presentto you the results of my effortsto you, which Iwill hopewifully meet youresteemed expectations. I am sincerely grateful for the opportunity to contribute to this project and am at your service for any further assistance you may require.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"I changed the tone so it would sound a little less formal, but still professional."

I have completed the assignment you requested with the utmost dedication and diligence. I am pleased to present the results of my efforts to you, which will hopefully meet your expectations. I am sincerely grateful for the opportunity to contribute to this project and am at your service for any further assistance you may require.

I am honored to inform you that I have completed the assignment you requested with utmost dedication and diligence. It is with great pleasure that I present to you the results of my efforts, which I hope will meet your esteemed expectations. I am sincerely grateful for the opportunity to contribute to this project and am at your service for any further assistance you may require.

Mistake Example #6

ESL Writing / Vocabulary Building Exercises

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

In this exercise, you learn new words to improve your English vocabulary. Yesterday, I studyied many new words, and today I'll try to use them in sentences. My friend helps meto understand the meanings of difficult words, and we practice together every day.

Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

"This needed some corrections for verb tense misuse."

In this exercise, you learn new words to improve your English vocabulary. Yesterday, I studied many new words, and today I'll try to use them in sentences. My friend helps me understand the meanings of difficult words, and we practice together every day.

In this exercise, you learn new words to improve your English vocabulary. Yesterday, I study many new words, and today I try to use them in sentences. My friend help me to understand the meaning of difficult words, and we practice together every day.