Common English Mistakes by Spanish Speakers

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

Category:Educational & Instructional Writing
Writing used in teaching and educational settings.
Common Users:Teachers, Educators, Corporate Trainers.
Mistake Example #1

Educational & Instructional Writing / E-learning Module

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

Welcome to this e-learning module on improving your English skills. In this lesson, we will learn how to make a good impression in a job interview. First, it is important to make eye contact with the interviewer to show confidence. Also, remember to do your research about the company before the interview, so you can make a strong case for why you are the best candidate.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"All the uses of "do" and "make" in this text are correct."

Welcome to this e-learning module on improving your English skills. In this lesson, we will learn how to make a good impression in a job interview. First, it is important to make eye contact with the interviewer to show confidence. Also, remember to do your research about the company before the interview, so you can make a strong case for why you are the best candidate.

Welcome to this e-learning module on improving your English skills. In this lesson, we will learn how to make a good impression in a job interview. First, it is important to make eye contact with the interviewer to show confidence. Also, remember to do your research about the company before the interview, so you can make a strong case for why you are the best candidate.

Mistake Example #2

Educational & Instructional Writing / Educational Handout

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

Welcome to the English Language Workshop! Today, we are focusing on improving your writing skills. I am going toexplaining the importance of using correct verb tenses in English. Many students arehavinge difficulties with this, but with practice, you will bemastering it soon. Remember, I am always here to help you with any questions you marey havinge during the session.

Text corrected by:
Vince, United States

"Very good! Just a couple of changes to make verb tense consistent."

Welcome to the English Language Workshop! Today, we are focusing on improving your writing skills. I am going to explain the importance of using correct verb tenses in English. Many students have difficulties with this, but with practice, you will master it soon. Remember, I am always here to help you with any questions you may have during the session.

Welcome to the English Language Workshop! Today, we are focusing on improving your writing skills. I am explaining the importance of using correct verb tenses in English. Many students are having difficulties with this, but with practice, you will be mastering it soon. Remember, I am always here to help you with any questions you are having during the session.

Mistake Example #3

Educational & Instructional Writing / Instructional Guide

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

To begin the process of making a traditional Spanish tortilla, you areneeding to gather allthe ingredients first. You arechopping the potatoes and onions into thin slices, and then you areheating the olive oil in a large pan. While the oil is getting hot, you arebeating the eggs in a bowl. Once the oil is ready, you are adding the potatoes and onions to the pan, cooking them until they are soft. After that, you aremixing the cooked potatoes and onions with the beaten eggs, and then you arepouring the mixture back into the pan to cook until it is set. Enjoy your delicious tortilla!

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"Nice work! I just made a couple of changes to to the verb tense."

To begin the process of making a traditional Spanish tortilla, you need to gather all the ingredients first. You chop the potatoes and onions into thin slices, and then you heat the olive oil in a large pan. While the oil is getting hot, you beat the eggs in a bowl. Once the oil is ready, you add the potatoes and onions to the pan, cooking them until they are soft. After that, you mix the cooked potatoes and onions with the beaten eggs, and then you pour the mixture back into the pan to cook until it is set. Enjoy your delicious tortilla!

To begin the process of making a traditional Spanish tortilla, you are needing to gather all ingredients first. You are chopping the potatoes and onions into thin slices, and then you are heating the olive oil in a large pan. While the oil is getting hot, you are beating the eggs in a bowl. Once the oil is ready, you are adding the potatoes and onions to the pan, cooking them until they are soft. After that, you are mixing the cooked potatoes and onions with the beaten eggs, and then you are pouring the mixture back into the pan to cook until it is set. Enjoy your delicious tortilla!

Mistake Example #4

Educational & Instructional Writing / Lesson Plan

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

**Lesson Plan Snippet:** In today's lesson, we will learn how to mcreakte a presentation about our favorite animal. First, students will domake a list of facts about the animal they choose. Then, they will make a drawing to illustrate their presentation. Finally, each student will domake a short speech in front of the class. Remember to makgive your best effort and do your homework on time.

Text corrected by:
Howard B., NJ, USA

"I have made a few changes to replace the verbs "do" and "make" with more natural alternatives. Otherwise, your meaning and language are very clear. Nice work!"

**Lesson Plan Snippet:** In today's lesson, we will learn how to create a presentation about our favorite animal. First, students will make a list of facts about the animal they choose. Then, they will make a drawing to illustrate their presentation. Finally, each student will make a short speech in front of the class. Remember to give your best effort and do your homework on time.

**Lesson Plan Snippet:** In today's lesson, we will learn how to make a presentation about our favorite animal. First, students will do a list of facts about the animal they choose. Then, they will make a drawing to illustrate their presentation. Finally, each student will do a short speech in front of the class. Remember to make your best effort and do your homework on time.

Mistake Example #5

Educational & Instructional Writing / Online Course Content

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

Welcome to the online course on English grammar improvement. In this lesson, we arefocusing on verb tenses. Many students are asking questions about when to use the present continuous. For example, some aresaying, "I am knowing the answer," instead of "I know the answer." It is important to practice these differences to improve your English skills.

Text corrected by:
Vince, United States

"This was very good! Just a few small changes were needed to make the text more consistent."

Welcome to the online course on English grammar improvement. In this lesson, we focus on verb tenses. Many students ask questions about when to use the present continuous. For example, some say, "I am knowing the answer," instead of "I know the answer." It is important to practice these differences to improve your English skills.

Welcome to the online course on English grammar improvement. In this lesson, we are focusing on verb tenses. Many students are asking questions about when to use present continuous. For example, some are saying "I am knowing the answer" instead of "I know the answer." It is important to practice these differences to improve your English skills.

Mistake Example #6

Educational & Instructional Writing / Training Material

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

In this lesson, we will learn how to makgive a good presentation. First, you need to make a plan and decide what topics you will cover. Then, practice your speech to make sure you do not forget any important points. Remember, it is important to make eye contact with your audience to keep them engaged.

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 lesson, we will learn how to give a good presentation. First, you need to make a plan and decide what topics you will cover. Then, practice your speech to make sure you do not forget any important points. Remember, it is important to make eye contact with your audience to keep them engaged.

In this lesson, we will learn how to make a good presentation. First, you need to make a plan and decide what topics you will cover. Then, practice your speech to make sure you do not forget any important points. Remember, it is important to make eye contact with your audience to keep them engaged.