Common English Mistakes in Book Reviews by Spanish Speakers

This page focuses on errors typically made by native Spanish speakers from Spain when writing a Book Review in English.

Mistake Example #1

Confusion between 'do' and 'make' ('I make a mistake' instead of 'I made a mistake')

The book "The Shadow of the Wind" by Carlos Ruiz Zafón is a captivating novel that I highly recommend. I madoe a great effort to finish it in just two days because the story was so engaging. The author makdoes an excellent jobin creating a mysterious atmosphere that keeps the reader hooked from the beginning to the end.

Text corrected by:
Michele A., Boston, Massachusetts; United States

"I replaced "do" and "make" as indicated by correct English usage. Otherwise, the ideas in this text were clearly expressed."

The book "The Shadow of the Wind" by Carlos Ruiz Zafón is a captivating novel that I highly recommend. I made a great effort to finish it in just two days because the story was so engaging. The author does an excellent job creating a mysterious atmosphere that keeps the reader hooked from the beginning to the end.

The book "The Shadow of the Wind" by Carlos Ruiz Zafón is a captivating novel that I highly recommend. I do a great effort to finish it in just two days because the story was so engaging. The author makes an excellent job in creating a mysterious atmosphere that keeps the reader hooked from the beginning to the end.

Mistake Example #2

Misuse of present continuous ('I am having 30 years of experience' instead of 'I have 30 years of experience')

I am reading "The Shadow of the Wind" by Carlos Ruiz Zafón, and I amfinding it very captivating. The way the author isweavinges the mystery andthe history of Barcelona ismakinges me feel like Ia'mbeing there. I amrecommending this book to anyone who islovinges a good story with rich characters and intriguing plot twists.

Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

"This needed tweaks to reduce the use of present continuous tense."

I am reading "The Shadow of the Wind" by Carlos Ruiz Zafón, and I find it very captivating. The way the author weaves the mystery and history of Barcelona makes me feel like I'm there. I recommend this book to anyone who loves a good story with rich characters and intriguing plot twists.

I am reading "The Shadow of the Wind" by Carlos Ruiz Zafón, and I am finding it very captivating. The way the author is weaving the mystery and the history of Barcelona is making me feel like I am being there. I am recommending this book to anyone who is loving a good story with rich characters and intriguing plot twists.

Mistake Example #3

Direct translations from Spanish ('It makes sense' vs. 'It has sense')

The book "The Shadow of the Wind" by Carlos Ruiz Zafón is a masterpiece that captivates the reader from the first page. It hmakes sense that the story is set in post-war Barcelona, as the city itself becomes a character with its mysterious and gothic atmosphere. The way the author describes the characters and their emotions makes you feel like you are walking through the streets with them, experiencing their adventures firsthand.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"Great job! It just needed one small adjustment to make the English sound more natural."

The book "The Shadow of the Wind" by Carlos Ruiz Zafón is a masterpiece that captivates the reader from the first page. It makes sense that the story is set in post-war Barcelona, as the city itself becomes a character with its mysterious and gothic atmosphere. The way the author describes the characters and their emotions makes you feel like you are walking through the streets with them, experiencing their adventures firsthand.

The book "The Shadow of the Wind" by Carlos Ruiz Zafón is a masterpiece that captivates the reader from the first page. It has sense that the story is set in post-war Barcelona, as the city itself becomes a character with its mysterious and gothic atmosphere. The way the author describes the characters and their emotions makes you feel like you are walking through the streets with them, experiencing their adventures firsthand.