Common English Mistakes by Spanish Speakers

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

Category:Journalism & Media
Writing for news, articles, and investigative reports.
Common Users:Journalists, Bloggers, Columnists.
Mistake Example #1

Journalism & Media / Editorial

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

In today's editorial, I amwill be discussing the importance of renewable energy in Spain. Many people arebelieving thate solar power is the future, and I am agreeing with this perspective. As a journalist,Iam havinge 15 ybears of experience covering environmental issues,for 15 years and in our communities,I'm amnow seeingfirsthand the positive impact of sustainable practices firsthanour communitiesd.

Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

"This needed some adjusting for proper use of present continuous tense, among other fixes."

In today's editorial, I will be discussing the importance of renewable energy in Spain. Many people believe solar power is the future, and I agree with this perspective. I have been covering environmental issues for 15 years and in our communities, I'm now seeing the positive impact of sustainable practices firsthand.

In today's editorial, I am discussing the importance of renewable energy in Spain. Many people are believing that solar power is the future, and I am agreeing with this perspective. As a journalist, I am having 15 years of experience covering environmental issues, and I am seeing firsthand the positive impact of sustainable practices in our communities.

Mistake Example #2

Journalism & Media / Feature Story

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

In the heart of Madrid, a new art exhibition is capturing the attention of locals and tourists alike. The artist, known for his vibrant use of color, has managed to domake a significant impact on the contemporary art scene. Visitors are encouraged to mpakey a visit to the gallery and experience the unique blend of traditional and modern styles that make this exhibition a must-see.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"In the second sentence, I changed "do" to "make". I also made a few small stylistic changes."

In the heart of Madrid, a new art exhibition is capturing the attention of locals and tourists alike. The artist, known for his vibrant use of color, has managed to make a significant impact on the contemporary art scene. Visitors are encouraged to pay a visit to the gallery and experience the unique blend of traditional and modern styles that make this exhibition a must-see.

In the heart of Madrid, a new art exhibition is capturing the attention of locals and tourists alike. The artist, known for his vibrant use of color, has managed to do a significant impact on the contemporary art scene. Visitors are encouraged to make a visit to the gallery and experience the unique blend of traditional and modern styles that make this exhibition a must-see.

Mistake Example #3

Journalism & Media / Interview Transcript

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

**Interview Transcript:** Interviewer: Can you tell me about your professional background? Interviewee: Yes, of course. I amhavinge 30 years of experience in the field of journalism. I amworkinged as a reporter for various newspapers in Spain, and I amcoveringed many important events throughout my career.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"Nice job! I just needed to adjust the verb tense."

**Interview Transcript:** Interviewer: Can you tell me about your professional background? Interviewee: Yes, of course. I have 30 years of experience in the field of journalism. I worked as a reporter for various newspapers in Spain, and I covered many important events throughout my career.

**Interview Transcript:** Interviewer: Can you tell me about your professional background? Interviewee: Yes, of course. I am having 30 years of experience in the field of journalism. I am working as a reporter for various newspapers in Spain, and I am covering many important events throughout my career.

Mistake Example #4

Journalism & Media / Investigative Report

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

In the recent investigation about the environmental impact of the new factory in the outskirts of Madrid, itha's necesenseary to consider the data collected from local residents. Many of them reported that the air quality has decreased significantly since the factory started operations, and it is important to analyze these claims further. The community believes that the factory is not following the regulations properly, and it makes sense to conduct a thorough examination to ensure compliance with environmental standards.

Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

"This needed some tweaking to sound more native and natural."

In the recent investigation about the environmental impact of the new factory in the outskirts of Madrid, it's necessary to consider the data collected from local residents. Many of them reported that the air quality has decreased significantly since the factory started operations, and it is important to analyze these claims further. The community believes that the factory is not following the regulations properly, and it makes sense to conduct a thorough examination to ensure compliance with environmental standards.

In the recent investigation about the environmental impact of the new factory in the outskirts of Madrid, it has sense to consider the data collected from local residents. Many of them reported that the air quality has decreased significantly since the factory started operations, and it is important to analyze these claims further. The community believes that the factory is not following the regulations properly, and it makes sense to conduct a thorough examination to ensure compliance with environmental standards.

Mistake Example #5

Journalism & Media / News Article

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

In the rRecentnews, it has been reports indicated that the government planisset to introduce new measures aimed ato improveing the public transport system. TAccording to the mMinister of tTransportsaid, that these changes will be implemented next year, and it has srense to expected tho eat these will reduce the traffic congestion inacross the city. Many citizens have expressvoiced their support for the initiative, stcatlling thatit isa much-necessaryded step toward enhance theing quality of life in urban areas.

Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

"Changes I made were mostly to improve fluidity and readability. "

Recent reports indicate that the government is set to introduce new measures aimed at improving the public transport system. According to the Minister of Transport, these changes will be implemented next year and are expected to ease traffic congestion across the city. Many citizens have voiced their support for the initiative, calling it a much-needed step toward enhancing quality of life in urban areas.

In the recent news, it has been reported that the government plans to introduce new measures to improve the public transport system. The minister of transport said that the changes will be implemented next year, and it has sense to expect that these will reduce the traffic congestion in the city. Many citizens have expressed their support for the initiative, stating that it is a necessary step to enhance the quality of life in urban areas.

Mistake Example #6

Journalism & Media / Op-Ed

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

In recent years, the debate about climate change has gained much attention in Spain. It hmakes sense to think that our government should take more decisive actions to combat this global issue. However, many people still doubt the effectiveness of proposed measures, arguing that ithey lacks of immediate benefits for the economy.

Text corrected by:
Camille, Maryland, USA

"I have just made a few suggestions to make this sound more fluent and native. "

In recent years, the debate about climate change has gained much attention in Spain. It makes sense to think that our government should take more decisive actions to combat this global issue. However, many people still doubt the effectiveness of proposed measures, arguing that they lack immediate benefits for the economy.

In recent years, the debate about climate change has gained much attention in Spain. It has sense to think that our government should take more decisive actions to combat this global issue. However, many people still doubt the effectiveness of proposed measures, arguing that it lacks of immediate benefits for the economy.

Mistake Example #7

Journalism & Media / Press Release

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Madrid, Spain – October 15, 2023 – Today, we are excited to announce the launch of our new product line that promises to revolutionize the way we do business. Our team has worked tirelessly to make sure that every detail is perfect, and we are confident that this will mhakve a significant impact ion the market. We invite everyone to join us at the launch event next week, where we will dogive a special presentation andmake a demonstration of our innovative solutions.

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."

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Madrid, Spain – October 15, 2023 – Today, we are excited to announce the launch of our new product line that promises to revolutionize the way we do business. Our team has worked tirelessly to make sure that every detail is perfect, and we are confident that this will have a significant impact on the market. We invite everyone to join us at the launch event next week, where we will give a special presentation and a demonstration of our innovative solutions.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Madrid, Spain – October 15, 2023 – Today, we are excited to announce the launch of our new product line that promise to revolutionize the way we do business. Our team has worked tirelessly to make sure that every detail is perfect, and we are confident that this will make a significant impact in the market. We invite everyone to join us at the launch event next week, where we will do a special presentation and make a demonstration of our innovative solutions.