Common English Mistakes in Literature Reviews by Spanish Speakers

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

Mistake Example #1

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

In recent studies, researchers domake significant progress in understanding the impact of climate change on marine ecosystems. However, many authors make the assumption that all species respond uniformly to temperature changes, which is not always the case. It is crucial to domake a distinction between different species' adaptability to ensure accurate predictions and effective conservation strategies.

Text corrected by:
Miss E., Cyprus, Europe

"This is a good write-up overall. However, "do significant progress" should be "make significant progress". "do a distinction" should be "make a distinction"."

In recent studies, researchers make significant progress in understanding the impact of climate change on marine ecosystems. However, many authors make the assumption that all species respond uniformly to temperature changes, which is not always the case. It is crucial to make a distinction between different species' adaptability to ensure accurate predictions and effective conservation strategies.

In recent studies, researchers do significant progress in understanding the impact of climate change on marine ecosystems. However, many authors make the assumption that all species respond uniformly to temperature changes, which is not always the case. It is crucial to do a distinction between different species' adaptability to ensure accurate predictions and effective conservation strategies.

Mistake Example #2

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

In rRecent studies, it isbeinghobservedw that the influence of social media on youth behavior is significant. Researchers are arguinge that the constant exposure to online content is shaping the way young people areperceivinge reality. While some scholars aresuggesting that this impact is positive, others arebeing concerned about the potential negative effects on mental health.

Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

"This needed some corrections for verb tense issues."

Recent studies show that the influence of social media on youth behavior is significant. Researchers argue that the constant exposure to online content is shaping the way young people perceive reality. While some scholars suggest that this impact is positive, others are concerned about the potential negative effects on mental health.

In recent studies, it is being observed that the influence of social media on youth behavior is significant. Researchers are arguing that the constant exposure to online content is shaping the way young people are perceiving reality. While some scholars are suggesting that this impact is positive, others are being concerned about the potential negative effects on mental health.

Mistake Example #3

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

In the review of the existing literature on climate change impacts, it hmakes sense to consider the various models that predict a rise intemperature rise. Many studies emphasize the importance of reducing emissions, but it lacks a comprehensive approach that includes economic factors. It is clear that addressing climate change requires a multidisciplinary effort, and it makeis necessary to integrate scientific and policy perspectives.

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

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

In the review of the existing literature on climate change impacts, it makes sense to consider the various models that predict a rise in temperature. Many studies emphasize the importance of reducing emissions but lack a comprehensive approach that includes economic factors. It is clear that addressing climate change requires a multidisciplinary effort, and it is necessary to integrate scientific and policy perspectives.

In the review of the existing literature on climate change impacts, it has sense to consider the various models that predict temperature rise. Many studies emphasize the importance of reducing emissions, but it lacks a comprehensive approach that includes economic factors. It is clear that addressing climate change requires a multidisciplinary effort, and it makes necessary to integrate scientific and policy perspectives.