Common English Mistakes in Life Advice Columns by Arabic Speakers

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

Mistake Example #1

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

Dear Advice Seeker,I understand you arefaceing difficulty with balancing work and family time. It is important you find time for both, but sometimes you mayfeel overwhelmed. I suggest you make a schedule that helps you organize your day better. When you do this, you will see that you have more time for your family and also for yourself. Remember, it is not about how much time you spend, but how you spend it.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"Very good! I fixed some issues with the grammar, including the verb tense."

Dear Advice Seeker, I understand you are facing difficulty with balancing work and family time. It is important you find time for both, but sometimes you may feel overwhelmed. I suggest you make a schedule that helps you organize your day better. When you do this, you will see that you have more time for your family and also for yourself. Remember, it is not about how much time you spend, but how you spend it.

Dear Advice Seeker, I understand you face difficulty with balancing work and family time. It is important you find time for both, but sometimes you feel overwhelmed. I suggest you make a schedule that help you organize your day better. When you do this, you will see that you have more time for your family and also for yourself. Remember, it is not about how much time you spend, but how you spend it.

Mistake Example #2

Confusion between masculine and feminine pronouns

Dear Advice Columnist, I am writing to seek your guidance about a situation with my friend. HShe is very kind and supportive, but sometimes shecan be too protective. I appreciate hiser concern, but I feel like she doesn't trust my decisions. How can I talk to himer about this without hurting her feelings?

Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

"This needed some tweaking for masculine vs. feminine pronoun use."

Dear Advice Columnist, I am writing to seek your guidance about a situation with my friend. She is very kind and supportive, but sometimes can be too protective. I appreciate her concern, but I feel like she doesn't trust my decisions. How can I talk to her about this without hurting her feelings?

Dear Advice Columnist, I am writing to seek your guidance about a situation with my friend. He is very kind and supportive, but sometimes she can be too protective. I appreciate his concern, but I feel like she doesn't trust my decisions. How can I talk to him about this without hurting her feelings?

Mistake Example #3

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

Dear Advice Seeker, I am honored to inform you that yYour situation is of gvereaty importancet and deservesthe utmost consideration. It is with the deepest respcommectnd that I suggestyouto take a moment tof reflection before making any decisions, as this will undoubtedly lead to the most favorable outcome. Please be assured that yYour concerns are being taken with the highest level ofseriousnessly, and I am at your service to provide further guidance.

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

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

Dear Advice Seeker, Your situation is very important and deserves consideration. I recommend that you take a moment to reflect before making any decisions, as this will undoubtedly lead to the most favorable outcome. Your concerns are being taken seriously, and I am at your service to provide further guidance.

Dear Advice Seeker, I am honored to inform you that your situation is of great importance and deserves the utmost consideration. It is with the deepest respect that I suggest you to take a moment of reflection before making any decisions, as this will undoubtedly lead to the most favorable outcome. Please be assured that your concerns are being taken with the highest level of seriousness, and I am at your service to provide further guidance.