Common English Mistakes in User Manuals by Arabic Speakers

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

Mistake Example #1

Confusion between masculine and feminine pronouns

To operate the new washing machine, first ensure that heit is properly connected to the power supply. After that, load herit with clothes, making sure heit is not overloaded. Select the desired washing cycle and press the start button. SheIt will begin the washing process,. and oOnce completed, heit will automatically turn off. If you need to pause thermachine during the cycle, press the pause button and wait for himt to stop.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"I changed "he" and "she" to "it" because the subject is a machine, not a person."

To operate the new washing machine, first ensure that it is properly connected to the power supply. After that, load it with clothes, making sure it is not overloaded. Select the desired washing cycle and press the start button. It will begin the washing process. Once completed, it will automatically turn off. If you need to pause the machine during the cycle, press the pause button and wait for it to stop.

To operate the new washing machine, first ensure that he is properly connected to the power supply. After that, load her with clothes, making sure he is not overloaded. Select the desired washing cycle and press the start button. She will begin the washing process, and once completed, he will automatically turn off. If you need to pause her during the cycle, press the pause button and wait for him to stop.

Mistake Example #2

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

To operate the washing machine, you first open the door and place the clothes inside. Then, you select the desired wash cycle by turning the knob to the correct setting. After that, you add detergent into the dispenser and close the door. Finally, you press the start button, and the machine begins to wash the clothes. If you want to stop the machine during the cycle, you press the pause button, and the machine stops immediately.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"Very good! Just a couple of changes to make verb tense consistent."

To operate the washing machine, you first open the door and place the clothes inside. Then, you select the desired wash cycle by turning the knob to the correct setting. After that, you add detergent into the dispenser and close the door. Finally, you press the start button, and the machine begins to wash the clothes. If you want to stop the machine during the cycle, you press the pause button, and the machine stops immediately.

To operate the washing machine, you first open the door and place the clothes inside. Then, you select the desired wash cycle by turning the knob to the correct setting. After that, you add detergent into the dispenser and close the door. Finally, you press the start button, and the machine begin to wash the clothes. If you want to stop the machine during the cycle, you press the pause button, and the machine stop immediately.

Mistake Example #3

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

EstDeemedar User,I am honored to inform you that tThis user manual is designed to guide you through the esteemedprocess of setting up your new device. It is with great pleasure that I convey to you tThe detailed instructions, which are crafted to ensure yourutmost satisfaction and success in utilizing the product. KiThandlkyallow me to express my sincere gratitude for choosing our product, and I am at your service should you require any further assistance.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"Good work! I took out some of the overly formal expressions and tightened the language a bit."

Dear User, This user manual is designed to guide you through the process of setting up your new device. The detailed instructions are crafted to ensure your satisfaction and success in utilizing the product. Thank you for choosing our product, and I am at your service should you require any further assistance.

Esteemed User, I am honored to inform you that this user manual is designed to guide you through the esteemed process of setting up your new device. It is with great pleasure that I convey to you the detailed instructions, which are crafted to ensure your utmost satisfaction and success in utilizing the product. Kindly allow me to express my sincere gratitude for choosing our product, and I am at your service should you require any further assistance.