Common English Mistakes in Government Memos by Arabic Speakers

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

Mistake Example #1

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

Confusion between masculine and feminine pronouns

To: All Department Heads Subject: Upcoming Policy Review Meeting Dear Colleagues, I would like to inform you about the upcoming policy review meeting scheduled for next week. Each department head should prepare theisr report and ensure sthey isare ready to present their findings. It is important that they attends the meeting on time, as their input will be crucial for the discussions. Thank you for your cooperation.

Text corrected by:
Miss E., Cyprus, Europe

"This is fairly well-written. However, be mindful of errors such as the following: "Each department head should prepare his report" should be "Each department head should prepare their report" and "It is important that he" should be "It is important that they"."

To: All Department Heads Subject: Upcoming Policy Review Meeting Dear Colleagues, I would like to inform you about the upcoming policy review meeting scheduled for next week. Each department head should prepare their report and ensure they are ready to present their findings. It is important that they attend the meeting on time, as their input will be crucial for the discussions. Thank you for your cooperation.

To: All Department Heads Subject: Upcoming Policy Review Meeting Dear Colleagues, I would like to inform you about the upcoming policy review meeting scheduled for next week. Each department head should prepare his report and ensure she is ready to present her findings. It is important that he attends the meeting on time, as her input will be crucial for the discussions. Thank you for your cooperation.

Mistake Example #3

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

To wWhom iIt mMay cConcern, I am honorpleased to inform you that theesteemed committee has reviewed the proposal with utmost diligenceandprofound respect. It is with great privilege that I convey the decisionded to proceed with the project, as iti's considered a matter of shignificanthly importance and high regardt. Ia'm deeptruly grateful for the opportunity to communicshatre thisesteemed decision and look forward to your thoughts whesteemed response at your eharliest convenia momencet.

Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

"This needed some tweaking to reduce the use of overly formal language."

To Whom It May Concern, I am pleased to inform you that the committee has reviewed the proposal and decided to proceed with the project, as it's considered highly important. I'm truly grateful for the opportunity to share this decision and look forward to your thoughts when you have a moment.

To whom it may concern, I am honored to inform you that the esteemed committee has reviewed the proposal with utmost diligence and profound respect. It is with great privilege that I convey the decision to proceed with the project, as it is considered a matter of significant importance and high regard. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to communicate this esteemed decision and look forward to your esteemed response at your earliest convenience.