Common English Mistakes in Investigative Reports by Spanish Speakers

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

Mistake Example #1

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 #2

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

In the recent investigation in regabrd tout the environmental impact of the new factory in Valencia, I hamve discoveringed several issues that areconcerning the local community. Residents are complaining that the factory is emitting pollutants that are affecting their health, and I hamve interviewinged many people who harve livinged in the area for more than 20 years. The authorities aresaying they are monitoring the situation, but the residents arefeeling that not enough is being done to address their concerns.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"Good work overall! I made some changes to the verb tense as well as some light stylistic improvements."

In the recent investigation in regard to the environmental impact of the new factory in Valencia, I have discovered several issues that concern the local community. Residents are complaining that the factory is emitting pollutants that are affecting their health, and I have interviewed many people who have lived in the area for more than 20 years. The authorities say they are monitoring the situation, but the residents feel that not enough is being done to address their concerns.

In the recent investigation about the environmental impact of the new factory in Valencia, I am discovering several issues that are concerning the local community. Residents are complaining that the factory is emitting pollutants that are affecting their health, and I am interviewing many people who are living in the area for more than 20 years. The authorities are saying they are monitoring the situation, but the residents are feeling that not enough is being done to address their concerns.

Mistake Example #3

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

In the recent investigation about the environmental impact of the new factory in Valencia, I makedid several interviews with local residents who expressed their concerns. They mentioned that the factory operations madoe significant noise pollution, which affects their daily lives. Additionally, I madoe a visit to the site and observed that the waste management practices makpose potential risks to the nearby river ecosystem.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"I fixed some issues with do/make and changed some of the verb tenses. Good job overall!"

In the recent investigation about the environmental impact of the new factory in Valencia, I did several interviews with local residents who expressed their concerns. They mentioned that the factory operations made significant noise pollution, which affects their daily lives. Additionally, I made a visit to the site and observed that the waste management practices pose potential risks to the nearby river ecosystem.

In the recent investigation about the environmental impact of the new factory in Valencia, I make several interviews with local residents who express their concerns. They mention that the factory operations do significant noise pollution, which affects their daily lives. Additionally, I do a visit to the site and observe that the waste management practices make potential risks to the nearby river ecosystem.