Common English Mistakes in Journal Entries by Arabic Speakers

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

Mistake Example #1

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

Today I waoke up early and decided to go for a walk in the park. The weather iwas nice, and I enjoyed the fresh air. After that, I meet my friend Ahmed, and we talked about our plans for the weekend. We agreed that wewill visit the new restaurant in town tomorrow.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"Nice work! I just corrected a few problems with the verb tense."

Today I woke up early and decided to go for a walk in the park. The weather was nice, and I enjoyed the fresh air. After that, I met my friend Ahmed, and we talked about our plans for the weekend. We agreed that we will visit the new restaurant in town tomorrow.

Today I wake up early and decide to go for a walk in the park. The weather is nice, and I enjoy the fresh air. After that, I meet my friend Ahmed, and we talk about our plans for the weekend. We agree that we visit the new restaurant in town tomorrow.

Mistake Example #2

Confusion between masculine and feminine pronouns

Today was a very special day because my friend Sara invited me to her house for dinner. HShe cooked a delicious meal, and I was very impressed by hiser cooking skills. After dinner, we watched a movie together, and she chose a very interesting film that I had never seen before. I am grateful for hiser hospitality and hope to invite himer to my house soon.

Text corrected by:
Miss E., Cyprus, Europe

"Be mindful of your use of pronouns. For example, "He cooked" should be "She cooked" and "his cooking skills" should be "her cooking skills"."

Today was a very special day because my friend Sara invited me to her house for dinner. She cooked a delicious meal, and I was very impressed by her cooking skills. After dinner, we watched a movie together, and she chose a very interesting film that I had never seen before. I am grateful for her hospitality and hope to invite her to my house soon.

Today was a very special day because my friend Sara invited me to her house for dinner. He cooked a delicious meal, and I was very impressed by his cooking skills. After dinner, we watched a movie together, and she chose a very interesting film that I had never seen before. I am grateful for his hospitality and hope to invite him to my house soon.

Mistake Example #3

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

Today, I am honored towill inform you about my day, which was filled with great joy and excitement. Iam privileged to have spent time with my dear friends at the park, where we engaged in delightful conversations and shared many laughs. I am grateful to have such wonderful people in my life, and I am looking forward to our next gathering with great anticipation.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"Nice work! I just made a few changes so it would sound a little less formal."

Today, I will inform you about my day, which was filled with great joy and excitement. I spent time with my dear friends at the park, where we engaged in delightful conversations and shared many laughs. I am grateful to have such wonderful people in my life, and I am looking forward to our next gathering with great anticipation.

Today, I am honored to inform you about my day, which was filled with great joy and excitement. I am privileged to have spent time with my dear friends at the park, where we engaged in delightful conversations and shared many laughs. I am grateful to have such wonderful people in my life, and I am looking forward to our next gathering with great anticipation.