Common English Mistakes by Arabic Speakers

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

Category:Government & Policy Writing
Writing used for policy-making and government communication.
Common Users:Government Officials, Non-profits, Public Policy Analysts.
Mistake Example #1

Government & Policy Writing / Government Memo

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

To: All Department Heads Subject: Implementation of New Policy We implement new policy sStarting next month, we will implement a new policy to improve efficiency in all departments. Each department willsubmit their report bythe end of this week to ensure compliance withthe new guidelines. It is important that everyone understand the changes and apply them correctly in their daily operations.

Text corrected by:
Camille, Maryland, USA

"Looks very good overall. Watch out for proper use of verb tenses. "

To: All Department Heads Subject: Implementation of New Policy Starting next month, we will implement a new policy to improve efficiency in all departments. Each department will submit their report by the end of this week to ensure compliance with the new guidelines. It is important that everyone understand the changes and apply them correctly in their daily operations.

To: All Department Heads Subject: Implementation of New Policy We implement new policy starting next month to improve efficiency in all departments. Each department submit their report by end of this week to ensure compliance with new guidelines. It is important that everyone understand the changes and apply them correctly in their daily operations.

Mistake Example #2

Government & Policy Writing / Grant Application

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

I am honored to inform you that I ambe applying for the prestigious grant offered by your esteemed organization. It is would lith great privilegke that Io present my project proposal, which I am confident will contribute significantly to the advancement of our community. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to submit this application and I am hopeful for your caresteemedful consideration.

Text corrected by:
Miss E., Cyprus, Europe

"This is fairly good overall. I just made edits to tone down the use of formal expressions as it was a bit much."

I am honored to be applying for the prestigious grant offered by your esteemed organization. I would like to present my project proposal, which I am confident will contribute significantly to the advancement of our community. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to submit this application and I am hopeful for your careful consideration.

I am honored to inform you that I am applying for the prestigious grant offered by your esteemed organization. It is with great privilege that I present my project proposal, which I am confident will contribute significantly to the advancement of our community. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to submit this application and I am hopeful for your esteemed consideration.

Mistake Example #3

Government & Policy Writing / Legislative Report

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

The committee reviewed the proposed amendments to the environmental legislation last week. It is important that the new regulations isbe implemented by the end of the year to ensure compliance with international standards. The ministry also recommended that further studies isbe conducted to assess the impact of these changes on local industries.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"Very good! It needed some changes to make the verb tense consistent."

The committee reviewed the proposed amendments to the environmental legislation last week. It is important that the new regulations be implemented by the end of the year to ensure compliance with international standards. The ministry also recommended that further studies be conducted to assess the impact of these changes on local industries.

The committee review the proposed amendments to the environmental legislation last week. It is important that the new regulations is implemented by the end of the year to ensure compliance with international standards. The ministry also recommend that further studies is conducted to assess the impact of these changes on local industries.

Mistake Example #4

Government & Policy Writing / Official Statement

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

I am honored to inform you that tTheesteemed government of Saudi Arabia is delighted to announce the initiation of the new infrastructure project, which is a significant step towards the development of our beloved nation. It is with great pleasure and utmost respectthat we extend our sinceregratitude to all theour distinguished partners and stakeholders who have contributed to this monumental endeavor. We are privileged to assure you that this project will bring prosperity and advancement to our cherished citizens.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"I took out some of the overly formal language to make it read more smoothly."

The government of Saudi Arabia is delighted to announce the initiation of the new infrastructure project, which is a significant step towards the development of our beloved nation. It is with great pleasure that we extend our gratitude to all our distinguished partners and stakeholders who have contributed to this monumental endeavor. We assure you that this project will bring prosperity and advancement to our citizens.

I am honored to inform you that the esteemed government of Saudi Arabia is delighted to announce the initiation of the new infrastructure project, which is a significant step towards the development of our beloved nation. It is with great pleasure and utmost respect that we extend our sincere gratitude to all the distinguished partners and stakeholders who have contributed to this monumental endeavor. We are privileged to assure you that this project will bring prosperity and advancement to our cherished citizens.

Mistake Example #5

Government & Policy Writing / Policy Brief

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

I am honorpleased to inform you that theesteemed Ministry of Environment is consideringthe implementation of a new policy to enhance the sustainability of water resourcesin our beloved nation. It is with great privilege that I convey tThedetails of this initiative, which aims toll address the pressingchallenges of water scarcity andhelp ensure the prosperity of future generations. IThank am deeplygratefoul for youresteemed attention to this matter. andWe look forward to your valuedfeedbackon this significant endeavor.!

Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

"This needed some tweaking for overuse of overly formal language."

I am pleased to inform you that the Ministry of Environment is considering a new policy to enhance the sustainability of water resources. The initiative will address the challenge of water scarcity and help ensure the prosperity of future generations. Thank you for your attention to this matter. We look forward to your feedback!

I am honored to inform you that the esteemed Ministry of Environment is considering the implementation of a new policy to enhance the sustainability of water resources in our beloved nation. It is with great privilege that I convey the details of this initiative, which aims to address the pressing challenges of water scarcity and ensure the prosperity of future generations. I am deeply grateful for your esteemed attention to this matter and look forward to your valued feedback on this significant endeavor.

Mistake Example #6

Government & Policy Writing / Public Notice

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

EstDeemedar Residents,I am honored to inform you that theesteemed municipality of Riyadh is delighted to announce the commencement of the highly anticipated road maintenance project. It is with great pleasurWe that wre conveying thisimportant information to ensure the utmost convenience and satisfaction of our respectedcitizens. Weare privileged to assure you that all necessary measures will be taken to minimize any inconvenience during this prestigiousundertaking.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"I just made some small changes so it would sound a little less formal and to improve readability."

Dear Residents, I am honored to inform you that the municipality of Riyadh is delighted to announce the commencement of the highly anticipated road maintenance project. We are conveying this information to ensure the utmost convenience and satisfaction of our citizens. We assure you that all necessary measures will be taken to minimize any inconvenience during this undertaking.

Esteemed Residents, I am honored to inform you that the esteemed municipality of Riyadh is delighted to announce the commencement of the highly anticipated road maintenance project. It is with great pleasure that we convey this important information to ensure the utmost convenience and satisfaction of our respected citizens. We are privileged to assure you that all necessary measures will be taken to minimize any inconvenience during this prestigious undertaking.