Common English Mistakes in Court Documents by Arabic Speakers

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

Mistake Example #1

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 #2

Confusion between masculine and feminine pronouns

In the matter of the case before the honorable court, the defendant has stated that she was not present at the scene of the incident. However, during the cross-examination, it was revealed that she had prior knowledge of the events that transpired. The witness, who testified on behalf of the prosecution, confirmed that she saw the defendant leaving the premises shortly after the incident occurred.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"I fixed some confusion with the pronouns. Otherwise, it looks pretty good!"

In the matter of the case before the honorable court, the defendant has stated that she was not present at the scene of the incident. However, during the cross-examination, it was revealed that she had prior knowledge of the events that transpired. The witness, who testified on behalf of the prosecution, confirmed that she saw the defendant leaving the premises shortly after the incident occurred.

In the matter of the case before the honorable court, the defendant has stated that she was not present at the scene of the incident. However, during the cross-examination, it was revealed that he had prior knowledge of the events that transpired. The witness, who testified on behalf of the prosecution, confirmed that she saw the defendant leaving the premises shortly after the incident occurred.

Mistake Example #3

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

In the matter of the defendant, it is alleged that he taooke the property without permission on the date of June 15, 2023. The witness states that she seeaw the defendant near the scene of the incident. It is important that the court consider all evidence presented to ensure justice is served.

Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

"This needed some corrections for verb tense issues."

In the matter of the defendant, it is alleged that he took the property without permission on the date of June 15, 2023. The witness states that she saw the defendant near the scene of the incident. It is important that the court consider all evidence presented to ensure justice is served.

In the matter of the defendant, it is alleged that he take the property without permission on the date of June 15, 2023. The witness state that she see the defendant near the scene of the incident. It is important that the court consider all evidence presented to ensure justice is served.