Common English Mistakes in Personal Statements by Arabic Speakers

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

Mistake Example #1

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

I am writing to express my interest in the marketing position at your esteemed company. I graduated from King Saud University last year, and I haveworked in a local firm since then. My passion for marketing and my skills in communication make me a strong candidate for this role.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"Good work! It just needed a couple of changes to make the verb tense consistent."

I am writing to express my interest in the marketing position at your esteemed company. I graduated from King Saud University last year, and I have worked in a local firm since then. My passion for marketing and my skills in communication make me a strong candidate for this role.

I am writing to express my interest in the marketing position at your esteemed company. I graduate from King Saud University last year, and I work in a local firm since then. My passion for marketing and my skills in communication make me a strong candidate for this role.

Mistake Example #2

Confusion between masculine and feminine pronouns

I am writing to express my interest in the marketing position at youresteemed company. I have always admired your innovative approach to business, and I believe heI would be a great fit for the team. My previous manager praised hermy ability to lead projects efficiently, and I am eager to bring hismy skills to your organization.

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

"I just replaced a word or two to make the English sound more natural. Otherwise, the ideas in this text are clearly expressed."

I am writing to express my interest in the marketing position at your company. I have always admired your innovative approach to business, and I believe I would be a great fit for the team. My previous manager praised my ability to lead projects efficiently, and I am eager to bring my skills to your organization.

I am writing to express my interest in the marketing position at your esteemed company. I have always admired your innovative approach to business, and I believe he would be a great fit for the team. My previous manager praised her ability to lead projects efficiently, and I am eager to bring his skills to your organization.

Mistake Example #3

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

I am howritinoredg to inform you that I am applying for the position of Marketing Specialist at your esteemedcompany. It is would lith great privilegke that Io express my deep interest in contributing to yourprestigious team, as I have always admired the exceptional reputation of your organization. I am sincerely grateful for the opportunity to present my qualifications and am eager to demonstrate my dedication and skills in this highly respected role.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"I took out some of the overly formal expressions to improve the flow of the text while retaining a professional tone. Nice work!"

I am writing to inform you that I am applying for the position of Marketing Specialist at your company. I would like to express my deep interest in contributing to your team, as I have always admired the exceptional reputation of your organization. I am sincerely grateful for the opportunity to present my qualifications and am eager to demonstrate my dedication and skills in this highly respected role.

I am honored to inform you that I am applying for the position of Marketing Specialist at your esteemed company. It is with great privilege that I express my deep interest in contributing to your prestigious team, as I have always admired the exceptional reputation of your organization. I am sincerely grateful for the opportunity to present my qualifications and am eager to demonstrate my dedication and skills in this highly respected role.