Common English Mistakes in Legal Briefs by Arabic Speakers

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

Mistake Example #1

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 #2

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

I am honored to inform you thatI have reviewed the case documents withoroutmost dighligencey and respect. It is with great privilege that Im presenting my findings, which I believe will be of significant benefit to your esteemedposition. I amdeeply grateful for the opportunity to contribute to this important legal matter, and I am at your service for any further clarifications you may require.

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

"I changed some of the sentences so the phrasing is more straightforward. Otherwise, the ideas in this text are clearly expressed."

I have reviewed the case documents thoroughly and am presenting my findings, which I believe will be of significant benefit to your position. I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to this important legal matter, and I am at your service for any further clarifications you may require.

I am honored to inform you that I have reviewed the case documents with utmost diligence and respect. It is with great privilege that I present my findings, which I believe will be of significant benefit to your esteemed position. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to contribute to this important legal matter, and I am at your service for any further clarifications you may require.

Mistake Example #3

Confusion between masculine and feminine pronouns

In the matter of the contract dispute between Mr. Ahmed and Ms. Sarah, it is crucial to note that he has fulfilled heris obligations under the agreement. However, she claims that he did not receive the payment on time, which he believes is a breach of contract. It is imperative that the court considers his evidence to ensure that justice is servedfor her.

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

"I changed one of the pronouns to agree with the other pronoun in the same sentence."

In the matter of the contract dispute between Mr. Ahmed and Ms. Sarah, it is crucial to note that he has fulfilled his obligations under the agreement. However, she claims that he did not receive the payment on time, which he believes is a breach of contract. It is imperative that the court considers his evidence to ensure that justice is served.

In the matter of the contract dispute between Mr. Ahmed and Ms. Sarah, it is crucial to note that he has fulfilled her obligations under the agreement. However, she claims that he did not receive the payment on time, which he believes is a breach of contract. It is imperative that the court considers his evidence to ensure that justice is served for her.