Common English Mistakes in Investigative Reports by Slovak Speakers

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

Mistake Example #1

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

In the course of our investigation, we arediscoveringed that the suspect ihasbeen living in the city sincefor five years. He isclaimings to have no involvement in the incident, but witnesses harve sayingd otherwise. We are interviewing several people who areknowing him wellin order to gather more information.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"It needed some changes to make the verb tenses consistent. Good work overall!"

In the course of our investigation, we discovered that the suspect has been living in the city for five years. He claims to have no involvement in the incident, but witnesses have said otherwise. We are interviewing several people who know him well in order to gather more information.

In the course of our investigation, we are discovering that the suspect is living in the city since five years. He is claiming to have no involvement in the incident, but witnesses are saying otherwise. We are interviewing several people who are knowing him well to gather more information.

Mistake Example #2

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

Ina recent investigation,it was discovered that pollution levels in Bratislava have increased significantly over the past year. It is concerning that air quality measurements show dangerous levels of particulates, especially in industrial areas. Authorities are urged to take immediate action to address this issue before itbecomes a severe health risk for residents.

Text corrected by:
Miss E., Cyprus, Europe

"This is fairly well-written. However, please remember to use "it" in your sentences."

In a recent investigation, it was discovered that pollution levels in Bratislava have increased significantly over the past year. It is concerning that air quality measurements show dangerous levels of particulates, especially in industrial areas. Authorities are urged to take immediate action to address this issue before it becomes a severe health risk for residents.

In recent investigation, discovered that pollution levels in Bratislava have increased significantly over the past year. Is concerning that air quality measurements show dangerous levels of particulates, especially in industrial areas. Authorities are urged to take immediate action to address this issue before becomes a severe health risk for residents.

Mistake Example #3

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

Ina recent investigation, the team discovered the houseabandoned ihouse on the outskirts of the city. The localresidentslocal reported seeing the mansuspiciousman entering the building late at night. Authorities are now examining the evidence collected from the crimescene crime to determine the events leading up to the incidentmysteriousincident.

Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

"This needed some tweaking to correct improper adjective placement."

In a recent investigation, the team discovered the abandoned house on the outskirts of the city. The local residents reported seeing the suspicious man entering the building late at night. Authorities are now examining the evidence collected from the crime scene crime to determine the events leading up to the mysterious incident.

In recent investigation, the team discovered the house abandoned in the outskirts of the city. The residents local reported seeing the man suspicious entering the building late at night. Authorities are now examining the evidence collected from the scene crime to determine the events leading up to the incident mysterious.