Common English Mistakes in Letters Of Intent by Spanish Speakers

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

Mistake Example #1

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

Dear Admissions Committee, I am writing to express my interest in your Master's program in Business Administration. I believe that I can make a significant contribution to your university with my background in finance and management. During my previous studies, I did several projects that helped me develop strong analytical skills. I am eager to makedo further research in this field and dto collaborationse with your esteemed faculty. Thank you for considering my application.

Text corrected by:
Camille, Maryland, USA

"We would use "do" with research, not "make." Otherwise looks very good! "

Dear Admissions Committee, I am writing to express my interest in your Master's program in Business Administration. I believe that I can make a significant contribution to your university with my background in finance and management. During my previous studies, I did several projects that helped me develop strong analytical skills. I am eager to do further research in this field and to collaborate with your esteemed faculty. Thank you for considering my application.

Dear Admissions Committee, I am writing to express my interest in your Master's program in Business Administration. I believe that I can make a significant contribution to your university with my background in finance and management. During my previous studies, I did several projects that helped me develop strong analytical skills. I am eager to make further research in this field and do collaborations with your esteemed faculty. Thank you for considering my application.

Mistake Example #2

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

Dear Admissions Committee, I am writing to express my interest in your esteemed program. It hmakes sense to me to pursue this opportunity because it will allow me to develop my skills and knowledge in the field. I am very excited about the possibility of joining your institution and contribute withng my unique perspective.

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."

Dear Admissions Committee, I am writing to express my interest in your esteemed program. It makes sense to me to pursue this opportunity because it will allow me to develop my skills and knowledge in the field. I am very excited about the possibility of joining your institution and contributing my unique perspective.

Dear Admissions Committee, I am writing to express my interest in your esteemed program. It has sense to me to pursue this opportunity because it will allow me to develop my skills and knowledge in the field. I am very excited about the possibility of joining your institution and contribute with my unique perspective.

Mistake Example #3

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

Dear Hiring Committee, I am writing to express my interest in the position of Marketing Director at your esteemed company. I amhavinge 15 years of experience in the field of marketing, and I ambelievinge that my skills will greatly contribute to your team. I amlooking forward to discussing how I amcould fitting into your organization and bringing value to your projects.

Text corrected by:
Camille, Maryland, USA

"Looks very good overall. I have just adjusted the use of tenses."

Dear Hiring Committee, I am writing to express my interest in the position of Marketing Director at your esteemed company. I have 15 years of experience in the field of marketing, and I believe that my skills will greatly contribute to your team. I look forward to discussing how I could fit into your organization and bring value to your projects.

Dear Hiring Committee, I am writing to express my interest in the position of Marketing Director at your esteemed company. I am having 15 years of experience in the field of marketing, and I am believing that my skills will greatly contribute to your team. I am looking forward to discussing how I am fitting into your organization and bringing value to your projects.