Common English Mistakes by Spanish Speakers

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

Category:ESL Writing
Writing for English as a Second Language learners improving their skills.
Common Users:Non-native speakers, Language learners.
Mistake Example #1

ESL Writing / Email Practice

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

Subject: Inquiry About Job Opportunity Dear Mr. Smith, I am writing to express my interest in the position advertised on your website. I amhavinge a strong background in marketing and I am having10 yearsof' experience in the industry. I ambelievinge that my skills and dedication make me a suitable candidate for this role. Please let me know if you areneeding any further information from my side. Thank you for your time and consideration. Best regards, Carlos García

Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

"This needed some tweaking for the proper use of present continuous tense."

Subject: Inquiry About Job Opportunity Dear Mr. Smith, I am writing to express my interest in the position advertised on your website. I have a strong background in marketing and 10 years' experience in the industry. I believe that my skills and dedication make me a suitable candidate for this role. Please let me know if you need any further information from my side. Thank you for your time and consideration. Best regards, Carlos García

Subject: Inquiry About Job Opportunity Dear Mr. Smith, I am writing to express my interest in the position advertised on your website. I am having a strong background in marketing and I am having 10 years of experience in the industry. I am believing that my skills and dedication make me a suitable candidate for this role. Please let me know if you are needing any further information from my side. Thank you for your time and consideration. Best regards, Carlos García

Mistake Example #2

ESL Writing / Essay Writing Practice

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

In my last English class, I makedid a presentation about the importance of learning new languages. I doid a lot of research to prepare, but I makde some errors during my speech. My teacher said I need to do more practice to improve my skills.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"I fixed some issues with do/did and make/made."

In my last English class, I did a presentation about the importance of learning new languages. I did a lot of research to prepare, but I made some errors during my speech. My teacher said I need to do more practice to improve my skills.

In my last English class, I make a presentation about the importance of learning new languages. I do a lot of research to prepare, but I make some errors during my speech. My teacher said I need to do more practice to improve my skills.

Mistake Example #3

ESL Writing / Grammar Exercises

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

In this exercise, you will practice using 'do' and 'make' correctly. First, I want you to makedo your homework before dinner. After that, you can domake a cake with your sister. Remember, it is important to do your best in every task.

Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

"This needed some tweaking for correct word usage."

In this exercise, you will practice using 'do' and 'make' correctly. First, I want you to do your homework before dinner. After that, you can make a cake with your sister. Remember, it is important to do your best in every task.

In this exercise, you will practice using 'do' and 'make' correctly. First, I want you to make your homework before dinner. After that, you can do a cake with your sister. Remember, it is important to do your best in every task.

Mistake Example #4

ESL Writing / Pronunciation Guide

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

In this pronunciation guide, we explain how to say some difficult English words. For example, the word "comfortable" has four syllables, but it hmakes sense to pronounce it with only three: "comf-tuh-bul." Another word is "vegetable," which many people think itmakes sense to say with four syllables,. bBut in English, it is better to say "vej-tuh-bul." Remember, practice is important forin improveing your pronunciation.

Text corrected by:
Vince, United States

"Just a few minor tweaks to your pronunciation guide :) Nicely done! "

In this pronunciation guide, we explain how to say some difficult English words. For example, the word "comfortable" has four syllables, but it makes sense to pronounce it with only three: "comf-tuh-bul." Another word is "vegetable," which many people think makes sense to say with four syllables. But in English it is better to say "vej-tuh-bul." Remember, practice is important in improving your pronunciation.

In this pronunciation guide, we explain how to say some difficult English words. For example, the word "comfortable" has four syllables, but it has sense to pronounce it with only three: "comf-tuh-bul." Another word is "vegetable," which many people think it makes sense to say with four syllables, but in English, it is better to say "vej-tuh-bul." Remember, practice is important for improve your pronunciation.

Mistake Example #5

ESL Writing / Sentence Structure Guide

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

When you write in English, it is important to know when to use 'do' and 'make'. For example, you domake a decision when you choose between two options, butand you make a mistake if you choose the wrong one. In daily life, youdo exercise to stay healthy, and you make a cake for a birthday celebration. Understanding these differences will help you improve your English writing skills.

Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

"This needed some tweaking for correct word usage."

When you write in English, it is important to know when to use 'do' and 'make'. For example, you make a decision when you choose between two options and you make a mistake if you choose the wrong one. In daily life, you exercise to stay healthy, and you make a cake for a birthday celebration. Understanding these differences will help you improve your English writing skills.

When you write in English, it is important to know when to use 'do' and 'make'. For example, you do a decision when you choose between two options, but you make a mistake if you choose the wrong one. In daily life, you do exercise to stay healthy, and you make a cake for a birthday celebration. Understanding these differences will help you improve your English writing skills.

Mistake Example #6

ESL Writing / Vocabulary Building Exercises

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

In this exercise, you will find words that are important for improving your English vocabulary. It hmakes sense to learn these words because they will help you in many situations. Try to use them in sentences and see how ithey makesa difference in your writing.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"I just changed a few words so the English would sound more natural. "

In this exercise, you will find words that are important for improving your English vocabulary. It makes sense to learn these words because they will help you in many situations. Try to use them in sentences and see how they make a difference in your writing.

In this exercise, you will find words that are important for improving your English vocabulary. It has sense to learn these words because they will help you in many situations. Try to use them in sentences and see how it makes difference in your writing.