Common English Mistakes in User Manuals by Slovak Speakers

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

Mistake Example #1

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

To assemble the device, first attach the frontpanelfront to the metalframemetal using the screws provided. Ensure that the wireselectricalwires are connected properly to the correctterminalscorrect. Once the assembly iscomplete, plug the cordpowercord into the walloutletwall and switch on the device. If the lightindicatorlight does not illuminate, check the wireconnections wireagain.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

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

To assemble the device, first attach the front panel to the metal frame using the screws provided. Ensure that the electrical wires are connected properly to the correct terminals. Once the assembly is complete, plug the power cord into the wall outlet and switch on the device. If the indicator light does not illuminate, check the wire connections again.

To assemble the device, first attach the panel front to the frame metal using the screws provided. Ensure that the wires electrical are connected properly to the terminals correct. Once the assembly complete, plug the cord power into the outlet wall and switch on the device. If the light indicator does not illuminate, check the connections wire again.

Mistake Example #2

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

To install the software, you have to ensure that your computer is connected to the internet. I hamve been using this software sincefor two years, and it has been very reliable. After downloading, you should have beenseeing the installation wizard, which will guide you through the process.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"Very good! I just made some changes to fox the verb tense."

To install the software, you have to ensure that your computer is connected to the internet. I have been using this software for two years, and it has been very reliable. After downloading, you should see the installation wizard, which will guide you through the process.

To install the software, you have to ensure that your computer is connected to the internet. I am using this software since two years, and it has been very reliable. After downloading, you should have been seeing the installation wizard, which will guide you through the process.

Mistake Example #3

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

To start the device, press the power button located on the right side. It is important to ensure that the battery is fully charged before first use. Once it ispowered on,it will display the home screen where you can access all functions.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"I just added a few words to make the sentences complete. Nice work!"

To start the device, press the power button located on the right side. It is important to ensure that the battery is fully charged before first use. Once it is powered on, it will display the home screen where you can access all functions.

To start the device, press the power button located on the right side. Is important to ensure that the battery is fully charged before first use. Once powered on, will display the home screen where you can access all functions.