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:Legal & Formal Writing
Writing used in legal and formal contexts.
Common Users:Lawyers, Paralegals, Law Students.
Mistake Example #1

Legal & Formal Writing / Agreement

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

I am honored to inform you that we have reached an agreement regarding the terms of our partnership, and it is with great pleasure thatI express my sincere gratitude for your esteemedcooperation in this matter. It is mydistinguished privilege to confirm that all parties involved have graciously accepted the conditions outlined, and I am deeplyhumbled to convey my appreciation for your esteemedunderstanding and support.


Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"Good work! I took out some of the overly formal expressions while retaining the professional tone of this text."

I am honored to inform you that we have reached an agreement regarding the terms of our partnership, and I express my sincere gratitude for your cooperation in this matter. It is my privilege to confirm that all parties involved have graciously accepted the conditions outlined, and I am humbled to convey my appreciation for your understanding and support.

I am honored to inform you that we have reached an agreement regarding the terms of our partnership, and it is with great pleasure that I express my sincere gratitude for your esteemed cooperation in this matter. It is my distinguished privilege to confirm that all parties involved have graciously accepted the conditions outlined, and I am deeply humbled to convey my appreciation for your esteemed understanding and support.

Mistake Example #2

Legal & Formal Writing / Contract

Confusion between masculine and feminine pronouns

This Agreement is made between Mr. Ahmed Al-Farsi, who is referred to as "the Buyer," and Ms. Sarah Johnson, who is referred to as "the Seller." HShe agrees to sell her property located at 123 Main Street, Riyadh, and she agrees to purchase it for the agreed price. The Buyer shall pay the Seller the full amount by the date specified in the contract, and she will ensure that all necessary documents are provided to herim for the transfer of ownership.


Text corrected by:
Vince, United States

"Very good! Just a couple of changes to make the pronouns match the parties involved. "

This Agreement is made between Mr. Ahmed Al-Farsi, who is referred to as "the Buyer," and Ms. Sarah Johnson, who is referred to as "the Seller." She agrees to sell her property located at 123 Main Street, Riyadh, and he agrees to purchase it for the agreed price. The Buyer shall pay the Seller the full amount by the date specified in the contract, and she will ensure that all necessary documents are provided to him for the transfer of ownership.

This Agreement is made between Mr. Ahmed Al-Farsi, who is referred to as "the Buyer," and Ms. Sarah Johnson, who is referred to as "the Seller." He agrees to sell her property located at 123 Main Street, Riyadh, and she agrees to purchase it for the agreed price. The Buyer shall pay the Seller the full amount by the date specified in the contract, and he will ensure that all necessary documents are provided to her for the transfer of ownership.

Mistake Example #3

Legal & Formal Writing / Court Document

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

To the Honorable Court, Iam deeply honored to present this humble petition before your esteemed presence. It is with the utmost respectand reverence that Ifully submit this request for your graciousconsideration, hoping that yourthonorable court will find it within itsesteemed wisdom to grant the relief sought herein. I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity to address such a distinguished assembly, and I remain at your service for any further clarifications you may require.


Text corrected by:
Vince, United States

"This was well-written – I just made a few minor changes to make it sound a bit less old-fashioned :)"

To the Honorable Court, I present this humble petition before you. I respectfully submit this request for your consideration, hoping that the court will find it within its wisdom to grant the relief sought herein. I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity to address such a distinguished assembly, and I remain at your service for any further clarification you may require.

To the Honorable Court, I am deeply honored to present this humble petition before your esteemed presence. It is with the utmost respect and reverence that I submit this request for your gracious consideration, hoping that your honorable court will find it within its esteemed wisdom to grant the relief sought herein. I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity to address such a distinguished assembly, and I remain at your service for any further clarifications you may require.

Mistake Example #4

Legal & Formal Writing / Legal Brief

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

In the matter of the contract dispute between the parties, it is essential to note that the defendant argued that he doid not breach the agreement terms. The plaintiff claimed that the payment was not made on time, which caused significant financial loss. We request the court to consider all evidence presented and make a ruling that reflectthes justice and fairness.


Text corrected by:
Miss E., Cyprus, Europe

"This is a fairly good write-up. However, don't forget to use tenses properly. For example, "the defendant argue that he do not breach the agreement terms" should be "the defendant argued that he did not breach the agreement terms" and "The plaintiff claim that the payment was not made on time" should be "The plaintiff claimed that the payment was not made on time"."

In the matter of the contract dispute between the parties, it is essential to note that the defendant argued that he did not breach the agreement terms. The plaintiff claimed that the payment was not made on time, which caused significant financial loss. We request the court to consider all evidence presented and make a ruling that reflects justice and fairness.

In the matter of the contract dispute between the parties, it is essential to note that the defendant argue that he do not breach the agreement terms. The plaintiff claim that the payment was not made on time, which cause significant financial loss. We request the court to consider all evidence presented and make a ruling that reflect the justice and fairness.

Mistake Example #5

Legal & Formal Writing / Legal Memo

Confusion between masculine and feminine pronouns

To: Legal Department Subject: Review of Contractual Obligations In the recent case involving Mr. Ahmed and heris business partner, it is crucial to examine the clauses that she has agreed upon. The contract stipulates that he must fulfill heris obligations by the end of the fiscal year. It is important to ensure that heris responsibilities are clearly outlined to avoid any potential disputes.


Text corrected by:
Miss E., Cyprus, Europe

"This is about Mr. Ahmed, so the pronouns should be "he", "his" or "him". For example, "her business partner" should be "his business partner" and "she has agreed upon" should be "he has agreed upon"."

To: Legal Department Subject: Review of Contractual Obligations In the recent case involving Mr. Ahmed and his business partner, it is crucial to examine the clauses that he has agreed upon. The contract stipulates that he must fulfill his obligations by the end of the fiscal year. It is important to ensure that his responsibilities are clearly outlined to avoid any potential disputes.

To: Legal Department Subject: Review of Contractual Obligations In the recent case involving Mr. Ahmed and her business partner, it is crucial to examine the clauses that she has agreed upon. The contract stipulates that he must fulfill her obligations by the end of the fiscal year. It is important to ensure that her responsibilities are clearly outlined to avoid any potential disputes.

Mistake Example #6

Legal & Formal Writing / Privacy Policy

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

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect and useyour personal information when you visit our website. We are committed to protecting your privacy andwe ensure that your data is secure. If you have any questions about this policy, please contact us and we will respond as soon as possible.


Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"It needed a few verb tense changes, but otherwise it sounds good."

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect and use your personal information when you visit our website. We are committed to protecting your privacy and we ensure that your data is secure. If you have any questions about this policy, please contact us and we will respond as soon as possible.

This Privacy Policy explain how we collect and use personal information when you visit our website. We are committed to protect your privacy and ensure that your data is secure. If you have any questions about this policy, please contact us and we will respond as soon as possible.

Mistake Example #7

Legal & Formal Writing / Terms & Conditions

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

These Terms and Conditions is apply to all users who access our service. By using our service, you agree that you read and understand these terms. If you have any questions, please contact us before you proceed with any transaction.


Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

"This just needed one omission to correct a verb tense error."

These Terms and Conditions apply to all users who access our service. By using our service, you agree that you read and understand these terms. If you have any questions, please contact us before you proceed with any transaction.

These Terms and Conditions is apply to all users who access our service. By using our service, you agree that you read and understand these terms. If you have any questions, please contact us before you proceed with any transaction.

Mistake Example #8

Legal & Formal Writing / Will & Testament

Confusion between masculine and feminine pronouns

I, Ahmed Al-Faisal, being of sound mind and body, declare this to be my last will and testament. I appoint my brother, Fatima Al-Faisal, as the executor of my estate. He shall distribute my assets according to my wishes, ensuring that she carries out all duties with fairness and integrity.


Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

"This just needed one change to correct the pronoun "she." Otherwise, it has no errors."

I, Ahmed Al-Faisal, being of sound mind and body, declare this to be my last will and testament. I appoint my brother, Fatima Al-Faisal, as the executor of my estate. He shall distribute my assets according to my wishes, ensuring that he carries out all duties with fairness and integrity.

I, Ahmed Al-Faisal, being of sound mind and body, declare this to be my last will and testament. I appoint my brother, Fatima Al-Faisal, as the executor of my estate. He shall distribute my assets according to my wishes, ensuring that she carries out all duties with fairness and integrity.