Common English Mistakes in Editorials by Spanish Speakers

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

Mistake Example #1

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

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

In recent years, the debate about climate change has gained much importance in our society. It hmakes sense to think that we must take immediate actions to protect our environment. Many people believe that the government should implement stricter regulations, but it makis thes lack of awareness among citizens that is the real challenge.

Text corrected by:
Vince, United States

"Very good! Just a couple of changes to clean up minor grammar issues. "

In recent years, the debate about climate change has gained much importance in our society. It makes sense to think that we must take immediate action to protect our environment. Many people believe that the government should implement stricter regulations, but it is the lack of awareness among citizens that is the real challenge.

In recent years, the debate about climate change has gained much importance in our society. It has sense to think that we must take immediate actions to protect our environment. Many people believe that the government should implement stricter regulations, but it makes lack of awareness among citizens that is the real challenge.