Common English Mistakes in Policy Briefs by Spanish Speakers

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

Mistake Example #1

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 #2

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

In recent years, the government ihasbeen implementing new policies to improve the renewable energy sector. We are seeing thatow these changes harve havingd a significant impact on the economy, and it is crucial to continue supporting these initiatives. I ambelievinge that with the right investments, Spain is becoming a leader in sustainable energy solutions.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"Some of these sentences needed a different verb tense, so I made some adjustments. Nice work overall!"

In recent years, the government has been implementing new policies to improve the renewable energy sector. We are seeing how these changes have had a significant impact on the economy, and it is crucial to continue supporting these initiatives. I believe that with the right investments, Spain is becoming a leader in sustainable energy solutions.

In recent years, the government is implementing new policies to improve the renewable energy sector. We are seeing that these changes are having a significant impact on the economy, and it is crucial to continue supporting these initiatives. I am believing that with the right investments, Spain is becoming a leader in sustainable energy solutions.

Mistake Example #3

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

In recent years, the government has implemented several measures to improve the public transportation system. It hmakes sense to focus on increasing the frequency of buses and trains, as this will reduce waiting times for commuters. Additionally, the introduction of more eco-friendly vehicles is a step forward in reducing pollution levels in urban areas.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"Great job! I just made a minor change so that sentence would read more naturally."

In recent years, the government has implemented several measures to improve the public transportation system. It makes sense to focus on increasing the frequency of buses and trains, as this will reduce waiting times for commuters. Additionally, the introduction of more eco-friendly vehicles is a step forward in reducing pollution levels in urban areas.

In recent years, the government has implemented several measures to improve the public transportation system. It has sense to focus on increasing the frequency of buses and trains, as this will reduce waiting times for commuters. Additionally, the introduction of more eco-friendly vehicles is a step forward in reducing pollution levels in urban areas.