Common English Mistakes in Novels by Arabic Speakers

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

Mistake Example #1

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

In the quiet village of Al-Ula, the sun set behind the ancient rocks, painting the sky with colors of fire. Layla siat on the old stone wall, her eyes following the path of the stars as they begian to appear. She remembered the stories her grandmotherused to tell her about the spirits that danced in the desert night. As the cool breeze whispered through the palm trees, she feel a sense of peace, knowing that tomorrow wioulld bring new adventures.

Text corrected by:
Michele A., Boston, Massachusetts; United States

"I corrected some of the verb tenses. Overall, the ideas in this text are clearly expressed."

In the quiet village of Al-Ula, the sun set behind the ancient rocks, painting the sky with colors of fire. Layla sat on the old stone wall, her eyes following the path of the stars as they began to appear. She remembered the stories her grandmother used to tell her about the spirits that danced in the desert night. As the cool breeze whispered through the palm trees, she feel a sense of peace, knowing that tomorrow would bring new adventures.

In the quiet village of Al-Ula, the sun set behind the ancient rocks, painting the sky with colors of fire. Layla sit on the old stone wall, her eyes follow the path of the stars as they begin to appear. She remember the stories her grandmother tell her about the spirits that dance in the desert night. As the cool breeze whisper through the palm trees, she feel a sense of peace, knowing that tomorrow will bring new adventures.

Mistake Example #2

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

In the vast desert of Rub' al Khali,I am honored to inform you that the sun sets with a grace that is unparalleled. The golden sands, I must express, are a testament to the beautythat is bestowed upon this land by the Almighty. As the stars begin to twinkle, I am privileged to witness the night sky, which is—a canvas painted by the hands of the divine.

Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

"This needed some adjustments to reduce/eliminate the overuse of formal expressions."

In the vast desert of Rub' al Khali, the sun sets with a grace that is unparalleled. The golden sands are a testament to the beauty bestowed upon this land by the Almighty. As the stars begin to twinkle, I am privileged to witness the night sky—a canvas painted by the hands of the divine.

In the vast desert of Rub' al Khali, I am honored to inform you that the sun sets with a grace that is unparalleled. The golden sands, I must express, are a testament to the beauty that is bestowed upon this land by the Almighty. As the stars begin to twinkle, I am privileged to witness the night sky, which is a canvas painted by the hands of the divine.

Mistake Example #3

Confusion between masculine and feminine pronouns

In the heart of the desert, Ali watched as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the sands. He remembered the stories his grandmother used to tell him, how she would weave tales of brave warriors and their adventures. Ali felt a deep connection to her, as if she was guiding him through his own journey. He knew that she would be proud of him, and he hoped to honor her memory with his actions.

Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

"All masculine and feminine pronouns appear to be correct."

In the heart of the desert, Ali watched as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the sands. He remembered the stories his grandmother used to tell him, how she would weave tales of brave warriors and their adventures. Ali felt a deep connection to her, as if she was guiding him through his own journey. He knew that she would be proud of him, and he hoped to honor her memory with his actions.

In the heart of the desert, Ali watched as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the sands. He remembered the stories his grandmother used to tell him, how she would weave tales of brave warriors and their adventures. Ali felt a deep connection to her, as if she was guiding him through his own journey. He knew that she would be proud of him, and he hoped to honor her memory with his actions.