Common English Mistakes in Grant Applications by Spanish Speakers

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

Mistake Example #1

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 #2

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

As part of our initiative to enhance community health services, we propose to makedo a comprehensive study on the impact of nutrition programs in rural areas. We aim to domake significant improvements in the delivery of these services by collaborating with local organizations. This project will make a difference in the lives of many families, and we are confident that with your support, we can domake a positive change in the community.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"Nice job! I just fixed some issues with "do" and "make"."

As part of our initiative to enhance community health services, we propose to do a comprehensive study on the impact of nutrition programs in rural areas. We aim to make significant improvements in the delivery of these services by collaborating with local organizations. This project will make a difference in the lives of many families, and we are confident that with your support, we can make a positive change in the community.

As part of our initiative to enhance community health services, we propose to make a comprehensive study on the impact of nutrition programs in rural areas. We aim to do significant improvements in the delivery of these services by collaborating with local organizations. This project will make a difference in the lives of many families, and we are confident that with your support, we can do a positive change in the community.

Mistake Example #3

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

As a researcher applying for this grant, I ambelievinge that my project will significantly contribute to the field of renewable energy. I amhavinge 30 years of experience in environmental science, and I amworking with a team of experts who are dedicated to developing sustainable solutions. Our proposal isaimings to reduce carbon emissions by 20% in urban areas over the next five years.

Text corrected by:
Camille, Maryland, USA

"In some places, it is more appropriate to use the simple present tense rather than the present continuous tense."

As a researcher applying for this grant, I believe that my project will significantly contribute to the field of renewable energy. I have 30 years of experience in environmental science, and I work with a team of experts who are dedicated to developing sustainable solutions. Our proposal aims to reduce carbon emissions by 20% in urban areas over the next five years.

As a researcher applying for this grant, I am believing that my project will significantly contribute to the field of renewable energy. I am having 30 years of experience in environmental science, and I am working with a team of experts who are dedicated to developing sustainable solutions. Our proposal is aiming to reduce carbon emissions by 20% in urban areas over the next five years.