Common English Mistakes in Short Stories by Arabic Speakers

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

Mistake Example #1

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

In the heart of the desert,I am honored to inform you that a young boy named Ahmed embarked on a journey of great significance. He was, indeed, most pforiviltunateged to discover an ancient map, which, I must respectfully state, led him to a hidden oasis. IHe felt is with utmost sincerity that I convey to you the profound joyhe felt upon finding the treasure, a moment that, I assure you, will be remembered with great reverence.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"I took out the formal expressions because the text sounds better and more natural without them."

In the heart of the desert, a young boy named Ahmed embarked on a journey of great significance. He was, indeed, most fortunate to discover an ancient map which led him to a hidden oasis. He felt a profound joy upon finding the treasure, a moment that will be remembered with great reverence.

In the heart of the desert, I am honored to inform you that a young boy named Ahmed embarked on a journey of great significance. He was, indeed, most privileged to discover an ancient map, which, I must respectfully state, led him to a hidden oasis. It is with utmost sincerity that I convey to you the profound joy he felt upon finding the treasure, a moment that, I assure you, will be remembered with great reverence.

Mistake Example #2

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

In the quiet village of Al-Ula, a young boy named Sami dreams tof becomeing a great explorer. Every day, he climbs the ancient rocks and imagines himself discovering hidden treasures. One morning, as the sun rises over the desert, Sami decides to venture further than ever before, hoping to find the secrets of the past.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"Sounds great! I just made some adjustments to the verb tense."

In the quiet village of Al-Ula, a young boy named Sami dreams of becoming a great explorer. Every day, he climbs the ancient rocks and imagines himself discovering hidden treasures. One morning, as the sun rises over the desert, Sami decides to venture further than ever before, hoping to find the secrets of the past.

In the quiet village of Al-Ula, a young boy named Sami dream to become a great explorer. Every day, he climb the ancient rocks and imagine himself discovering hidden treasures. One morning, as the sun rise over the desert, Sami decide to venture further than ever before, hoping to find the secrets of the past.

Mistake Example #3

Confusion between masculine and feminine pronouns

In the quiet village of Al-Ula, there was a young girl named Layla who loved to explore the ancient ruins. One day, she found an old map that she believed would lead her to hidden treasure. Excitedly, Layla shared hiser discovery with her brother, and together, sthey set out on an adventure that would change theisr lifves forever.

Text corrected by:
Vince, United States

"Just a few minor tweaks to ensure everything is consistent :) Nice work! "

In the quiet village of Al-Ula, there was a young girl named Layla who loved to explore the ancient ruins. One day, she found an old map that she believed would lead her to hidden treasure. Excitedly, Layla shared her discovery with her brother, and together they set out on an adventure that would change their lives forever.

In the quiet village of Al-Ula, there was a young girl named Layla who loved to explore the ancient ruins. One day, she found an old map that he believed would lead her to hidden treasure. Excitedly, Layla shared his discovery with her brother, and together, she set out on an adventure that would change his life forever.