Common English Mistakes in Legal Briefs by Spanish Speakers

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

Mistake Example #1

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 #2

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

In the matter of the contract dispute between the parties, I ambelievinge that the evidence presented is sufficient to support our claim. The defendant is arguing that they aredo not havinge any obligation to fulfill the termsagreed-uponterms, but we are maintaining that the contract is clear and enforceable. It is crucial that the court isconsidering the implications of this case on future contractual agreements.

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

"I removed some instances of the present continuous verb tense. Otherwise, the ideas in this text are clearly expressed."

In the matter of the contract dispute between the parties, I believe that the evidence presented is sufficient to support our claim. The defendant is arguing that they do not have any obligation to fulfill the agreed-upon terms, but we are maintaining that the contract is clear and enforceable. It is crucial that the court consider the implications of this case on future contractual agreements.

In the matter of the contract dispute between the parties, I am believing that the evidence presented is sufficient to support our claim. The defendant is arguing that they are not having any obligation to fulfill the terms agreed upon, but we are maintaining that the contract is clear and enforceable. It is crucial that the court is considering the implications of this case on future contractual agreements.

Mistake Example #3

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

In the matter of the contract dispute between the parties, I makedid a thorough review of the documents provided by the claimant. It is essential to do a comprehensive analysis of the evidence to make a strong case in court. The defendant's actions do not comply with the terms agreed upon, and I makde a recommendation that we proceed with legal action to do justice for our client.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"I fixed a few issues with make/do. Otherwise, it sounds good."

In the matter of the contract dispute between the parties, I did a thorough review of the documents provided by the claimant. It is essential to do a comprehensive analysis of the evidence to make a strong case in court. The defendant's actions do not comply with the terms agreed upon, and I made a recommendation that we proceed with legal action to do justice for our client.

In the matter of the contract dispute between the parties, I make a thorough review of the documents provided by the claimant. It is essential to do a comprehensive analysis of the evidence to make a strong case in court. The defendant's actions do not comply with the terms agreed upon, and I make a recommendation that we proceed with legal action to do justice for our client.