Common English Mistakes in Personal Essays by Arabic Speakers

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

Mistake Example #1

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

I amwould honorliked to inform you that my journey to discover the beauty of the world has been aprofoundexperience. I am privileged to express that tThe vast deserts of Saudi Arabia have taught me the value of patience and resilience. Itis with grakeat pleasure that Iin shareing my admiration for the endless horizon, which fills my heart with a sense of peace and wonder.

Text corrected by:
Vince, United States

"Just a few small changes were needed to reduce the use of formal expressions. Well done! "

I would like to inform you that my journey to discover the beauty of the world has been profound. The vast deserts of Saudi Arabia have taught me the value of patience and resilience. I take pleasure in sharing my admiration for the endless horizon, which fills my heart with a sense of peace and wonder.

I am honored to inform you that my journey to discover the beauty of the world has been a profound experience. I am privileged to express that the vast deserts of Saudi Arabia have taught me the value of patience and resilience. It is with great pleasure that I share my admiration for the endless horizon, which fills my heart with a sense of peace and wonder.

Mistake Example #2

Confusion between masculine and feminine pronouns

When I was a child, my grandmother used to tell me stories about her life in the village. She was a strong woman, and she always inspired me with her courage and wisdom. I remember how she would sit by the window, knitting and sharing tales of her adventures, and I would listen with wide eyes, dreaming of the day I could be as brave as shime was.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"Lovely! I just made some changes to keep the pronouns (she/her) consistent."

When I was a child, my grandmother used to tell me stories about her life in the village. She was a strong woman, and she always inspired me with her courage and wisdom. I remember how she would sit by the window, knitting and sharing tales of her adventures, and I would listen with wide eyes, dreaming of the day I could be as brave as she was.

When I was a child, my grandmother used to tell me stories about her life in the village. She was a strong woman, and he always inspired me with her courage and wisdom. I remember how he would sit by the window, knitting and sharing tales of her adventures, and I would listen with wide eyes, dreaming of the day I could be as brave as him.

Mistake Example #3

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

When I was young, I dreamt tof becomeing a famous writer. Every day, I siat in my room and wriote stories about adventures in the desert. My father always sayid to me, "You must work hard to achieve your dreams," and I taooke his advice seriously.

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

"I made a few changes to the verb tenses, but overall, the ideas in this text are clearly expressed."

When I was young, I dreamt of becoming a famous writer. Every day, I sat in my room and wrote stories about adventures in the desert. My father always said to me, "You must work hard to achieve your dreams," and I took his advice seriously.

When I was young, I dream to become a famous writer. Every day, I sit in my room and write stories about adventures in the desert. My father always say to me, "You must work hard to achieve your dreams," and I take his advice seriously.