Common English Mistakes by Spanish Speakers

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

Category:Government & Policy Writing
Writing used for policy-making and government communication.
Common Users:Government Officials, Non-profits, Public Policy Analysts.
Mistake Example #1

Government & Policy Writing / Government Memo

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

To: All Department Heads Subject: Upcoming Policy Implementation We need to makedo a review of the new policy guidelines before they are implemented next month. It is important that each department do itheirs part to ensure a smooth transition. Please make sure to domake the necessary adjustments in your respective areas and report any issues by the end of the week.

Text corrected by:
Vince, United States

"Very good! Just a couple of changes to make the writing consistent."

To: All Department Heads Subject: Upcoming Policy Implementation We need to do a review of the new policy guidelines before they are implemented next month. It is important that each department do its part to ensure a smooth transition. Please make sure to make the necessary adjustments in your respective areas and report any issues by the end of the week.

To: All Department Heads Subject: Upcoming Policy Implementation We need to make a review of the new policy guidelines before they are implemented next month. It is important that each department do their part to ensure a smooth transition. Please make sure to do the necessary adjustments in your respective areas and report any issues by the end of the week.

Mistake Example #2

Government & Policy Writing / Grant Application

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

Our project proposal aims to develop a sustainable energy solution that hmakes sense for the community and environment. We believe that implementing solar panels in rural areas will provide benefits not only to the local economy, but also to the ecological balance. It is important to consider that this initiative will create new job opportunities and improve the quality of life for many families.

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."

Our project proposal aims to develop a sustainable energy solution that makes sense for the community and environment. We believe that implementing solar panels in rural areas will provide benefits not only to the local economy, but also to the ecological balance. It is important to consider that this initiative will create new job opportunities and improve the quality of life for many families.

Our project proposal aims to develop a sustainable energy solution that has sense for the community and environment. We believe that implementing solar panels in rural areas will provide benefits not only to the local economy but also to the ecological balance. It is important to consider that this initiative will create new job opportunities and improve the quality of life for many families.

Mistake Example #3

Government & Policy Writing / Legislative Report

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

In the recent legislative report, we are analyzinged the impact of the new environmental regulations. I ambelieving thate these measures are crucial for reducing pollution levels in urban areas. Furthermore, I amsuggesting that the government isconsidering additional funding to support green initiatives across the country.

Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

"This needed some corrections to fix issues with present continuous tense."

In the recent legislative report, we analyzed the impact of the new environmental regulations. I believe these measures are crucial for reducing pollution levels in urban areas. Furthermore, I suggest that the government consider additional funding to support green initiatives across the country.

In the recent legislative report, we are analyzing the impact of the new environmental regulations. I am believing that these measures are crucial for reducing pollution levels in urban areas. Furthermore, I am suggesting that the government is considering additional funding to support green initiatives across the country.

Mistake Example #4

Government & Policy Writing / Official Statement

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

In light of recent developments, I am addressing the citizens to assurethem that the government is taking all necessary measures to ensure public safety. We arehavinge made a strong commitment to transparency and accountability, and we are working tirelessly to improve the situation. Our administration is beingdedicated to providing the best possible outcomes for all residents of Spain.

Text corrected by:
Vince, United States

"Very good! Just a couple of changes to polish the writing. "

In light of recent developments, I am addressing the citizens to assure them that the government is taking all necessary measures to ensure public safety. We have made a strong commitment to transparency and accountability, and we are working tirelessly to improve the situation. Our administration is dedicated to providing the best possible outcomes for all residents of Spain.

In light of recent developments, I am addressing the citizens to assure that the government is taking all necessary measures to ensure public safety. We are having a strong commitment to transparency and accountability, and we are working tirelessly to improve the situation. Our administration is being dedicated to providing the best possible outcomes for all residents of Spain.

Mistake Example #5

Government & Policy Writing / Policy Brief

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

In recent years, the government has been working to make improvements in the public transportation system. However, we dohave not makde enough progress in reducing the waiting times for buses and trains. It is crucial that we do a comprehensive analysis to identify the areas where we can make changes that will benefit the citizens.

Text corrected by:
Vince, United States

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

In recent years, the government has been working to make improvements in the public transportation system. However, we have not made enough progress in reducing the waiting times for buses and trains. It is crucial that we do a comprehensive analysis to identify the areas where we can make changes that will benefit the citizens.

In recent years, the government has been working to make improvements in the public transportation system. However, we do not make enough progress in reducing the waiting times for buses and trains. It is crucial that we do a comprehensive analysis to identify the areas where we can make changes that will benefit the citizens.

Mistake Example #6

Government & Policy Writing / Public Notice

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

Attention Residents: The City Council hasinformed us that the park will be closed for maintenance from Monday to Wednesday. It hmakes sense to avoid the area during these days to ensureyour safety. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"Good work! I just made a few changes so the English would sound more natural."

Attention Residents: The City Council has informed us that the park will be closed for maintenance from Monday to Wednesday. It makes sense to avoid the area during these days to ensure your safety. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding.

Attention Residents: The City Council informs that the park will be closed for maintenance from Monday to Wednesday. It has sense to avoid the area during these days to ensure safety. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding.