Common English Mistakes in Legal Briefs by Slovak Speakers

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

Mistake Example #1

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

In response to the recent case,it is important to note that the evidence presented lacks substantial support. It is clear from the testimonies that the defendant was not present at the scene during the alleged time of the incident. Therefore, it is our position that the charges should be dismissed due to insufficient proof.

Text corrected by:
Camille, Maryland, USA

"Don't forget to use the word "it" as appropriate, as shown. "

In response to the recent case, it is important to note that the evidence presented lacks substantial support. It is clear from the testimonies that the defendant was not present at the scene during the alleged time of the incident. Therefore, it is our position that the charges should be dismissed due to insufficient proof.

In response to the recent case, is important to note that the evidence presented lacks substantial support. Is clear from the testimonies that the defendant was not present at the scene during the alleged time of the incident. Therefore, is our position that the charges should be dismissed due to insufficient proof.

Mistake Example #2

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

In the case presented, the defendant argues that the contract terms were not fulfilled by the company constructioncompany. Thenew buildingnew was supposed to be completed by the date specified in the agreement, but delayssignificantdelays occurred. Furthermore, the materials used were not of the highqualityhigh promised, leading to issuesstructuralissues that compromise the safety of the potentialoccupantspotential. We request that the court consider these breaches serious and grant the relief appropriate to the plaintiff.

Text corrected by:
Miss E., Cyprus, Europe

"Be mindful of errors such as the following: "the company construction" should be "the construction company" and "The building new" should be "The new building"."

In the case presented, the defendant argues that the contract terms were not fulfilled by the construction company. The new building was supposed to be completed by the date specified in the agreement, but significant delays occurred. Furthermore, the materials used were not of the high quality promised, leading to structural issues that compromise the safety of the potential occupants. We request that the court consider these breaches serious and grant the relief appropriate to the plaintiff.

In the case presented, the defendant argues that the contract terms were not fulfilled by the company construction. The building new was supposed to be completed by the date specified in the agreement, but delays significant occurred. Furthermore, the materials used were not of the quality high promised, leading to issues structural that compromise the safety of the occupants potential. We request that the court consider these breaches serious and grant the relief appropriate to the plaintiff.

Mistake Example #3

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

In the matter of the case before the court, I am representing the plaintiff who is claiming damages for breach of contract. I hamve been working on this case for the pasincet two years, and during this period, I have gathered substantial evidence to support our claims. The defendant has been notified of these proceedings since last year, yet they have failed to provide a satisfactory response.

Text corrected by:
Miss E., Cyprus, Europe

"This is mostly fine - just this: "I am working on this case since two years" should be "I have been working on this case for the past two years"."

In the matter of the case before the court, I am representing the plaintiff who is claiming damages for breach of contract. I have been working on this case for the past two years, and during this period, I have gathered substantial evidence to support our claims. The defendant has been notified of these proceedings since last year, yet they have failed to provide a satisfactory response.

In the matter of the case before the court, I am representing the plaintiff who is claiming damages for breach of contract. I am working on this case since two years, and during this period, I have gathered substantial evidence to support our claims. The defendant has been notified of these proceedings since last year, yet they have failed to provide a satisfactory response.