Common English Mistakes in Reference Letters by Slovak Speakers

This page focuses on errors typically made by native Slovak speakers from Slovakia when writing a Reference Letter in English.

Mistake Example #1

Omitting 'it' as a subject in dummy subject sentences ('Is raining' instead of 'It is raining')

To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to recommend Jana Novak for aposition in your company. It is clear that she has exceptional skills in project management and leadership. HIt has been a pleasure to work with her, and I am confident she will be avaluable asset to your team.

Text corrected by:
Miss E., Cyprus, Europe

"This is well-written overall. However, remember to use subjects in your sentences. For example, "Is clear" should be "It is clear" and "Has been" should be "It has been"."

To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to recommend Jana Novak for a position in your company. It is clear that she has exceptional skills in project management and leadership. It has been a pleasure to work with her, and I am confident she will be a valuable asset to your team.

To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to recommend Jana Novak for position in your company. Is clear that she has exceptional skills in project management and leadership. Has been a pleasure to work with her, and I am confident she will be valuable asset to your team.

Mistake Example #2

Incorrect placement of adjectives ('The car red' instead of 'The red car')

To Whom It May Concern,I am writing to recommend an excellenthe candidateexcellent for the position. During our time working together, I found the skcandilldate's communication of the candskidatells to be outstanding. I am confident that the valuablecontributionvaluable they will make to your team will be significant.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"Nice work! I just made some changes to the word order."

To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to recommend an excellent candidate for the position. During our time working together, I found the candidate's communication skills to be outstanding. I am confident that the valuable contribution they will make to your team will be significant.

To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to recommend the candidate excellent for the position. During our time working together, I found the skills communication of the candidate to be outstanding. I am confident that the contribution valuable they will make to your team will be significant.

Mistake Example #3

Struggles with perfect tenses ('I am here since three years')

To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to recommend Mr. Jozef Novak for the position at your company. I haveknown himJozef sincefor five years and during this time, he has been a dedicated and hardworking employee. He has improved the team performance significantly and I am confident he will be a valuable asset to your organization.

Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

"This needed some tweaking for verb tense issues."

To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to recommend Mr. Jozef Novak for the position at your company. I have known Jozef for five years and during this time, he has been a dedicated and hardworking employee. He has improved the team performance significantly and I am confident he will be a valuable asset to your organization.

To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to recommend Mr. Jozef Novak for the position at your company. I know him since five years and during this time, he has been a dedicated and hardworking employee. He has improved the team performance significantly and I am confident he will be a valuable asset to your organization.