Common English Mistakes in Lab Reports by Spanish Speakers

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

Mistake Example #1

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

The experiment was conducted to determine the effect of temperature on the solubility of salt in water. It hmakes sense that as the temperature increases, the solubility alsoincreasesas well, because the molecules move more quickly. The results show that at higher temperatures, more salt wais dissolved,—confirming the hypothesis.

Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

"This needed a handful of tweaks to sound more natural and native."

The experiment was conducted to determine the effect of temperature on the solubility of salt in water. It makes sense that as the temperature increases, the solubility increases as well, because the molecules move more quickly. The results show that at higher temperatures, more salt is dissolved—confirming the hypothesis.

The experiment was conducted to determine the effect of temperature on the solubility of salt in water. It has sense that as the temperature increases, the solubility also increases, because the molecules move more quickly. The results show that at higher temperatures, more salt was dissolved, confirming the hypothesis.

Mistake Example #2

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

In this experiment, we are analyzinge the reaction of the chemical compound under different temperatures. I amobservinged that the solution ischanginges color when it is heated to 50 degrees Celsius. Additionally,I amalso having difficulties with the equipment calibration, which is affecting the accuracy of the measurements.

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

"I changed some of the phrases from the present continuous verb tense to something more appropriate for the context."

In this experiment, we analyze the reaction of the chemical compound under different temperatures. I observed that the solution changes color when it is heated to 50 degrees Celsius. I am also having difficulties with the equipment calibration, which is affecting the accuracy of the measurements.

In this experiment, we are analyzing the reaction of the chemical compound under different temperatures. I am observing that the solution is changing color when it is heated to 50 degrees Celsius. Additionally, I am having difficulties with the equipment calibration, which is affecting the accuracy of the measurements.

Mistake Example #3

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

In this experiment, we make several observations about the reaction of the chemical compound under different temperatures. First, we domake a solution of the compound in water and then we make itheat it to 50 degrees Celsius. During the process, we domake careful notes of any changes in color or consistency. It is important to make sure that all measurements are accurate to ensure the validity of the results.

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

"I just replaced a word or two to make the English sound more natural. Overall, the ideas in this text are clearly expressed."

In this experiment, we make several observations about the reaction of the chemical compound under different temperatures. First, we make a solution of the compound in water and then we heat it to 50 degrees Celsius. During the process, we make careful notes of any changes in color or consistency. It is important to make sure that all measurements are accurate to ensure the validity of the results.

In this experiment, we make several observations about the reaction of the chemical compound under different temperatures. First, we do a solution of the compound in water and then we make it heat to 50 degrees Celsius. During the process, we do careful notes of any changes in color or consistency. It is important to make sure that all measurements are accurate to ensure the validity of the results.