Common English Mistakes by Spanish Speakers

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

Category:Legal & Formal Writing
Writing used in legal and formal contexts.
Common Users:Lawyers, Paralegals, Law Students.
Mistake Example #1

Legal & Formal Writing / Agreement

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

This Agreement is made between the parties on this day. I am being theowner of the property located atn Calle Mayor, Madrid, and I amwanting to lease it to the tenant for a period ofone year. The tenant isagreeings to pay the monthly rent of 800 euros, and I amexpecting the paymentto be made on the first day of each month.


Text corrected by:
Camille, Maryland, USA

"I have corrected the use of tenses and tightened up the writing to enhance the overall fluency and flow. "

This Agreement is made between the parties on this day. I own the property on Calle Mayor, Madrid, and I want to lease it to the tenant for one year. The tenant agrees to pay the monthly rent of 800 euros, and I expect payment on the first day of each month.

This Agreement is made between the parties on this day. I am being the owner of the property located at Calle Mayor, Madrid, and I am wanting to lease it to the tenant for a period of one year. The tenant is agreeing to pay the monthly rent of 800 euros, and I am expecting the payment to be made on the first day of each month.

Mistake Example #2

Legal & Formal Writing / Contract

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

This Agreement is made between the Company and the Contractor, who is providing servicesto the Company. The Contractor isstatinges that they arehavinge 15 yearsof' experience in thefield of software developmentfield. The Company isagreeings to pay the Contractor a fee of €5,000 per month for the services that arebeing provided.


Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

"This needed some corrections for verb tense issues, and other fixes."

This Agreement is made between the Company and the Contractor providing services. The Contractor states that they have 15 years' experience in the software development field. The Company agrees to pay the Contractor a fee of €5,000 per month for the services being provided.

This Agreement is made between the Company and the Contractor, who is providing services to the Company. The Contractor is stating that they are having 15 years of experience in the field of software development. The Company is agreeing to pay the Contractor a fee of €5,000 per month for the services that are being provided.

Mistake Example #3

Legal & Formal Writing / Court Document

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

In the matter of the case presented before the honorable court, I wish to make a statement regarding the events of the night in question. I do not deny that I makde a mistake in judgment, but I doam requeastking the court to consider the circumstances that led to my actions. It is my intention to make amends and do what is necessary to rectify the situation.


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."

In the matter of the case presented before the honorable court, I wish to make a statement regarding the events of the night in question. I do not deny that I made a mistake in judgment, but I am asking the court to consider the circumstances that led to my actions. It is my intention to make amends and do what is necessary to rectify the situation.

In the matter of the case presented before the honorable court, I wish to make a statement regarding the events of the night in question. I do not deny that I make a mistake in judgment, but I do request the court to consider the circumstances that led to my actions. It is my intention to make amends and do what is necessary to rectify the situation.

Mistake Example #4

Legal & Formal Writing / Legal Brief

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

In the present legal brief, it hmakes sense to argue that the contract was breached due to the failure of the other party to deliver the goods on time. The evidence shows that the delivery was delayed by more than two weeks, which it makes clear that the terms of the agreement were not respected. Therefore, it is requested that the court considers this breach and grants the relief sought by my client.


Text corrected by:
Vince, United States

"Very good! Just a couple of changes to make the verbs consistent."

In the present legal brief, it makes sense to argue that the contract was breached due to the failure of the other party to deliver the goods on time. The evidence shows that the delivery was delayed by more than two weeks, which it makes clear that the terms of the agreement were not respected. Therefore, it is requested that the court consider this breach and grant the relief sought by my client.

In the present legal brief, it has sense to argue that the contract was breached due to the failure of the other party to deliver the goods on time. The evidence shows that the delivery was delayed by more than two weeks, which it makes clear that the terms of the agreement were not respected. Therefore, it is requested that the court considers this breach and grants the relief sought by my client.

Mistake Example #5

Legal & Formal Writing / Legal Memo

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

To: Legal Department Subject: Review of Contractual Obligations In the case of the client, it hmakes sense to review the clauses related to the termination of the agreement. The client expressed concerns about the penalties, and it is important to ensure that all terms are clear and fair. It isWe recommended to scheduleing a meeting with the client to discuss these points and provide clarity.


Text corrected by:
Camille, Maryland, USA

"I have changed the idiomatic language to align with common English usage."

To: Legal Department Subject: Review of Contractual Obligations In the case of the client, it makes sense to review the clauses related to the termination of the agreement. The client expressed concerns about the penalties, and it is important to ensure that all terms are clear and fair. We recommend scheduling a meeting with the client to discuss these points and provide clarity.

To: Legal Department Subject: Review of Contractual Obligations In the case of the client, it has sense to review the clauses related to the termination of the agreement. The client expressed concerns about the penalties, and it is important to ensure that all terms are clear and fair. It is recommended to schedule a meeting with the client to discuss these points and provide clarity.

Mistake Example #6

Legal & Formal Writing / Privacy Policy

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

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect and use personal data. Itha's seimportanset to informus that you thatknow your information is safewith us. We takestrong measures to protect your data, and itwe is importwant that youto clearly understand our practices.


Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

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

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect and use personal data. It's important to us that you know your information is safe. We take strong measures to protect your data, and we want you to clearly understand our practices.

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect and use personal data. It has sense to inform you that your information is safe with us. We take measures to protect your data, and it is important that you understand our practices.

Mistake Example #7

Legal & Formal Writing / Terms & Conditions

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

These Terms and Conditions regulate the use of the services provided by our company. It is important that you read carefully and understand all clauses, as it hmakes sense to ensure compliance with the rules. If you have any questions, please contact our support team, who will be happy to assist you with anythinwhateverg you need.


Text corrected by:
Michele A., Boston, Massachusetts; United States

"I just replaced a word or two to make the English sound more natural. Otherwise, the ideas in this text are clearly expressed."

These Terms and Conditions regulate the use of the services provided by our company. It is important that you read carefully and understand all clauses, as it makes sense to ensure compliance with the rules. If you have any questions, please contact our support team, who will be happy to assist you with anything you need.

These Terms and Conditions regulate the use of the services provided by our company. It is important that you read carefully and understand all clauses, as it has sense to ensure compliance with the rules. If you have any questions, please contact our support team, who will be happy to assist you in whatever you need.

Mistake Example #8

Legal & Formal Writing / Will & Testament

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

I am writing this Will and Testament to ensure my wishes are clear. I am leaving my house to my daughter, Maria, because she ihas livinged with me for many years and hastakieng care of me. I amalso giving my car to my son, Javier, as he isneedings it for his work, and I amtrusting him to use it wisely.


Text corrected by:
Camille, Maryland, USA

"Your thoughts are all very clear. I have just edited the tenses for greater fluency. "

I am writing this Will and Testament to ensure my wishes are clear. I am leaving my house to my daughter, Maria, because she has lived with me for many years and has taken care of me. I am giving my car to my son, Javier, as he needs it for his work, and I trust him to use it wisely.

I am writing this Will and Testament to ensure my wishes are clear. I am leaving my house to my daughter, Maria, because she is living with me for many years and taking care of me. I am also giving my car to my son, Javier, as he is needing it for his work and I am trusting him to use it wisely.