Common English Mistakes in Personal Essays by Arabic Speakers

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

Mistake Example #1

Confusion between masculine and feminine pronouns

When I first met my friend Sara, she was very kind and welcoming. She invited me to her home, andhe showed me around ther beautiful garden. I was impressed by how much effort she put into maintaining it, and she even gave me some tips on how to care for my own plants.

Text corrected by:
Vince, United States

"Just a few minor tweaks to make pronoun usage consistent :) Nice work! "

When I first met my friend Sara, she was very kind and welcoming. She invited me to her home and showed me around her beautiful garden. I was impressed by how much effort she put into maintaining it, and she even gave me some tips on how to care for my own plants.

When I first met my friend Sara, he was very kind and welcoming. She invited me to her home, and he showed me around the beautiful garden. I was impressed by how much effort she put into maintaining it, and he even gave me some tips on how to care for my own plants.

Mistake Example #2

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

When I was young, I always dreamed tof traveling the world and seeing different cultures. Last year, I finally visited Paris with my family, and it was an amazing experience. We walked through the beautiful streets, and I feelt like I wams in a movie. Every day, we explored new places and tryied delicious food. I hope to visit more countries in the future and learn more about the world.

Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

"This needed some corrections for verb tense issues."

When I was young, I always dreamed of traveling the world and seeing different cultures. Last year, I finally visited Paris with my family, and it was an amazing experience. We walked through the beautiful streets, and I felt like I was in a movie. Every day, we explored new places and tried delicious food. I hope to visit more countries in the future and learn more about the world.

When I was young, I always dream to travel the world and see different cultures. Last year, I finally visit Paris with my family, and it was an amazing experience. We walk through the beautiful streets, and I feel like I am in a movie. Every day, we explore new places and try delicious food. I hope to visit more countries in the future and learn more about the world.

Mistake Example #3

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

I am honored to inform you that mMy journey in life has been a remarkable one, filled with many experiences that have shaped who I am today. It is with great pleasure that I share with you the story of my childhood in the beautiful city of Riyadh, where I was privileged to grow up surrounded by a loving family. I am delighted to express that tThese formative years have instilled in me values and traditions that I hold dear to my heart.

Text corrected by:
Miss E., Cyprus, Europe

"I made edits to tone down on the use of formal expressions."

My journey in life has been a remarkable one, filled with many experiences that have shaped who I am today. It is with great pleasure that I share with you the story of my childhood in the beautiful city of Riyadh, where I was privileged to grow up surrounded by a loving family. These formative years have instilled in me values and traditions that I hold dear to my heart.

I am honored to inform you that my journey in life has been a remarkable one, filled with many experiences that have shaped who I am today. It is with great pleasure that I share with you the story of my childhood in the beautiful city of Riyadh, where I was privileged to grow up surrounded by a loving family. I am delighted to express that these formative years have instilled in me values and traditions that I hold dear to my heart.