Common English Mistakes in Public Notices by Arabic Speakers

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

Mistake Example #1

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.

Mistake Example #2

Confusion between masculine and feminine pronouns

Attention Residents: The municipality would like to inform all citizens about the upcoming community event. HeIt will take place on Friday,the 15th of November, at the central park. We encourage everyone to bring their family and friends to enjoy the activities planned for the day.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"I fixed some issues with pronouns. Otherwise, it sounds good!"

Attention Residents: The municipality would like to inform all citizens about the upcoming community event. It will take place on Friday, the 15th of November, at the central park. We encourage everyone to bring their family and friends to enjoy the activities planned for the day.

Attention Residents: The municipality would like to inform all citizens about the upcoming community event. He will take place on Friday, 15th of November, at the central park. We encourage everyone to bring her family and friends to enjoy the activities planned for the day.

Mistake Example #3

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

Attention Residents: The city council hasannounced that the water supply will be interrupted on Friday. We advise all residents to store enough water for their needs. The maintenance team will be working to restore the service as soon as possible. We apologize for any inconvenience this causes andwe thank you for your understanding.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"I fixed some issues with the verb tense and polished it up a little."

Attention Residents: The city council has announced that the water supply will be interrupted on Friday. We advise all residents to store enough water for their needs. The maintenance team will be working to restore the service as soon as possible. We apologize for any inconvenience this causes and we thank you for your understanding.

Attention Residents: The city council announce that the water supply will be interrupted on Friday. We advise all residents to store enough water for their needs. The maintenance team work to restore the service as soon as possible. We apologize for any inconvenience this cause and thank you for your understanding.