Common English Mistakes in Essay Writing Practices by Arabic Speakers

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

Mistake Example #1

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 #2

Confusion between masculine and feminine pronouns

In my opinion, the best teacher I ever had was Mr. Ahmed. ShHe was very kind and always helped his students understand the lessons. I remember when he explained the math problems, she made it so easy for us to follow.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"I changed the feminine pronouns (she/her/hers) to masculine ones (he/him/his) because Mr. Ahmed is a man."

In my opinion, the best teacher I ever had was Mr. Ahmed. He was very kind and always helped his students understand the lessons. I remember when he explained the math problems, he made it so easy for us to follow.

In my opinion, the best teacher I ever had was Mr. Ahmed. She was very kind and always helped his students understand the lessons. I remember when he explained the math problems, she made it so easy for us to follow.

Mistake Example #3

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

I am honored to express my thoughts on the importance of eEducation is so important to our society. Itis with great pleasure that I emphasize how education opens doors to numerous opportunities and I am delighted to state that itis the key to success. Iam privileged to share my belief that investing in education is the most valuable decision one can make for the future.

Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

"This needed some tweaking to sound more native and natural."

Education is so important to our society. It opens doors to numerous opportunities and is the key to success. Investing in education is the most valuable decision one can make for the future.

I am honored to express my thoughts on the importance of education in our society. It is with great pleasure that I emphasize how education opens doors to numerous opportunities and I am delighted to state that it is the key to success. I am privileged to share my belief that investing in education is the most valuable decision one can make for the future.