Common English Mistakes in Journal Entries by Spanish Speakers

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

Mistake Example #1

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

Today I feel very happy because I makde a new friend at the park. We decided to meet again tomorrow to mhakve a picnic together. I hope I do not make any mistakes with the food I prepare.

Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

"This needed some adjustments for readability and flow."

Today I feel very happy because I made a new friend at the park. We decided to meet again tomorrow to have a picnic together. I hope I do not make any mistakes with the food I prepare.

Today I feel very happy because I make a new friend at the park. We decide to meet again tomorrow to make a picnic together. I hope I do not make any mistake with the food I prepare.

Mistake Example #2

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

Today I am feeling very happy because I amnow havinge 30 years of experience inat my job, andwhit isch makinges mefeel proud. I am thinking about how much I am learning every day, and ithis givinges me motivation to continue improving. This weekend, I amplanning to visit my family in the countryside, and I am hoping to relax and enjoy the nature.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"I fixed some issues with the verb tense and made some stylistic improvements."

Today I am feeling very happy because I now have 30 years of experience at my job, which makes me feel proud. I am thinking about how much I am learning every day, and this gives me motivation to continue improving. This weekend, I plan to visit my family in the countryside, and I am hoping to relax and enjoy the nature.

Today I am feeling very happy because I am having 30 years of experience in my job, and it is making me proud. I am thinking about how much I am learning every day, and it is giving me motivation to continue improving. This weekend, I am planning to visit my family in the countryside, and I am hoping to relax and enjoy the nature.

Mistake Example #3

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

Today was a very interesting day. I went to the market and bought some fruits, but it hmasde sense to buy more because they were on sale. Later, I met with my friend Maria, and we talked about our plans for the weekend. It makes me happy to have such good friends who always support me.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"I just cleared up an awkward sentence and made it sound more natural. Nice work!"

Today was a very interesting day. I went to the market and bought some fruits, but it made sense to buy more because they were on sale. Later, I met with my friend Maria, and we talked about our plans for the weekend. It makes me happy to have such good friends who always support me.

Today was a very interesting day. I went to the market and bought some fruits, but it has sense to buy more because they were on sale. Later, I met with my friend Maria, and we talked about our plans for the weekend. It makes me happy to have such good friends who always support me.