Common English Mistakes in Creative Nonfictions by Spanish Speakers

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

Mistake Example #1

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

In the quiet village of Asturias, I make a decision to explore the ancient paths that wind through the lush hills. As I walk, I make a discovery of an old stone bridge, hidden beneath the canopy of trees, its arches whispering stories of the past. The air is crisp, and I make a pause to breathe in the scent of wildflowers, feeling a deep connection to the land and its history.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"It could probably use some polish, but otherwise it's fine."

In the quiet village of Asturias, I make a decision to explore the ancient paths that wind through the lush hills. As I walk, I make a discovery of an old stone bridge, hidden beneath the canopy of trees, its arches whispering stories of the past. The air is crisp, and I make a pause to breathe in the scent of wildflowers, feeling a deep connection to the land and its history.

In the quiet village of Asturias, I make a decision to explore the ancient paths that wind through the lush hills. As I walk, I make a discovery of an old stone bridge, hidden beneath the canopy of trees, its arches whispering stories of the past. The air is crisp, and I make a pause to breathe in the scent of wildflowers, feeling a deep connection to the land and its history.

Mistake Example #2

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

In the quiet village of Asturias, I amlivinge a life full of colors and stories. Every morning, I amwalking through the ancient cobblestone streets, where I amfeeling the whispers of history in the air. I amhavinge a deep connection with the land, as my family ihas owninged this farm for generations, and I amcherishing every moment spent under the Spanish sun.

Text corrected by:
Vince, United States

"This was well-written – I just made a few minor changes to put verbs in the right form :)"

In the quiet village of Asturias, I live a life full of colors and stories. Every morning, I walk through the ancient cobblestone streets, where I feel the whispers of history in the air. I have a deep connection with the land, as my family has owned this farm for generations, and I cherish every moment spent under the Spanish sun.

In the quiet village of Asturias, I am living a life full of colors and stories. Every morning, I am walking through the ancient cobblestone streets, where I am feeling the whispers of history in the air. I am having a deep connection with the land, as my family is owning this farm for generations, and I am cherishing every moment spent under the Spanish sun.

Mistake Example #3

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

In the quiet village of Andalusia, the sun was setting behind the olive trees, painting the sky with a magical array ofcolorsthat had sense of magic. Maria, with her heart full of dreams, often walked to the old stone bridge where she could hear the river singing its ancient song. It was in these moments that she felt the world was small and big at the same time, and everything made sense in a way that only the heart can understand.

Text corrected by:
Camille, Maryland, USA

"I just made a few small changes to make it sound more native."

In the quiet village of Andalusia, the sun was setting behind the olive trees, painting the sky with a magical array of colors. Maria, with her heart full of dreams, often walked to the old stone bridge where she could hear the river singing its ancient song. It was in these moments that she felt the world was small and big at the same time, and everything made sense in a way that only the heart can understand.

In the quiet village of Andalusia, the sun was setting behind the olive trees, painting the sky with colors that had sense of magic. Maria, with her heart full of dreams, often walked to the old stone bridge where she could hear the river singing its ancient song. It was in these moments that she felt the world was small and big at the same time, and everything made sense in a way that only the heart can understand.