Common English Mistakes in Essays by Spanish Speakers

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

Mistake Example #1

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

In the essay about environmental conservation, I want to discuss how we can make a difference in our communities. Many people think thatere's they cannot do anything significantthey can do, but even small actions can mhakve a big impact. For example, when we makerecycling becomesa habit, wit redopresents a positive change for the environment. It is important to domake efforts to educate others about the benefits of sustainable practices.

Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

"This needed some tweaking to refine the use of "do" vs. "make.""

In the essay about environmental conservation, I want to discuss how we can make a difference in our communities. Many people think there's nothing significant they can do, but even small actions can have a big impact. For example, when recycling becomes a habit, it represents a positive change for the environment. It is important to make efforts to educate others about the benefits of sustainable practices.

In the essay about environmental conservation, I want to discuss how we can make a difference in our communities. Many people think that they cannot do anything significant, but even small actions can make a big impact. For example, when we make recycling a habit, we do a positive change for the environment. It is important to do efforts to educate others about the benefits of sustainable practices.

Mistake Example #2

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

In my essay, I amdiscussing the impact of climate change on agriculture in Spain. I ambelievinge that the changes in temperature and rainfall patterns are affecting crop yields significantly. Many farmers are having difficulties adapting to these new conditions, and it is crucial that we arefinding sustainable solutions to support them.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"Good work! It just needed a few changes to make the verb tense consistent."

In my essay, I discuss the impact of climate change on agriculture in Spain. I believe that the changes in temperature and rainfall patterns are affecting crop yields significantly. Many farmers are having difficulties adapting to these new conditions, and it is crucial that we find sustainable solutions to support them.

In my essay, I am discussing the impact of climate change on agriculture in Spain. I am believing that the changes in temperature and rainfall patterns are affecting crop yields significantly. Many farmers are having difficulties adapting to these new conditions, and it is crucial that we are finding sustainable solutions to support them.

Mistake Example #3

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

Inthe modern society, technology has a very important role, and it hmakes sense to say that it influences our daily lives in many ways. For example, the use of smartphones and computers has increased communication among people, making it easier to stay in touch with friends and family. However, it is also true that it hmakes sense to consider the negative impacts, such as the reduction of face-to-face interactions and the potential for addiction to digital devices.

Text corrected by:
Miss E., Cyprus, Europe

"This is well-written overall. However, there are a few errors such as "In the modern society" which should be "In modern society" and "and it has sense to say" which should be "and it makes sense to say"."

In modern society, technology has a very important role, and it makes sense to say that it influences our daily lives in many ways. For example, the use of smartphones and computers has increased communication among people, making it easier to stay in touch with friends and family. However, it is also true that it makes sense to consider the negative impacts, such as the reduction of face-to-face interactions and the potential for addiction to digital devices.

In the modern society, technology has a very important role, and it has sense to say that it influences our daily lives in many ways. For example, the use of smartphones and computers has increased communication among people, making it easier to stay in touch with friends and family. However, it is also true that it has sense to consider the negative impacts, such as the reduction of face-to-face interactions and the potential for addiction to digital devices.