Common English Mistakes in Sentence Structure Guides by Arabic Speakers

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

Mistake Example #1

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 #2

Confusion between masculine and feminine pronouns

In Saudi Arabia, when a student wants to improve his English, she often practices by writing sentences. HShe finds that practicing regularly helps her to remember the rules better. If a friend asks himer for advice, she would suggest reading English books and watching movies to enhance hiser understanding.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"Very good! I made some changes to keep the pronouns consistent."

In Saudi Arabia, when a student wants to improve his English, she often practices by writing sentences. She finds that practicing regularly helps her to remember the rules better. If a friend asks her for advice, she would suggest reading English books and watching movies to enhance her understanding.

In Saudi Arabia, when a student wants to improve his English, she often practices by writing sentences. He finds that practicing regularly helps her to remember the rules better. If a friend asks him for advice, she would suggest reading English books and watching movies to enhance his understanding.

Mistake Example #3

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

When I was young, I visited my grandmother every weekend. She always cooked delicious meals for us, and we played in the garden after lunch. My brother and I enjoyed these visits very much, and wenever wanted to leave.

Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

"This needed some corrections for verb tense issues."

When I was young, I visited my grandmother every weekend. She always cooked delicious meals for us, and we played in the garden after lunch. My brother and I enjoyed these visits very much, and never wanted to leave.

When I was young, I visit my grandmother every weekend. She always cook delicious meals for us, and we play in the garden after lunch. My brother and I enjoy these visits very much, and we never want to leave.