Common English Mistakes in Personal Essays by Spanish Speakers

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

Mistake Example #1

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

When I was a child, I always wanted to make my own decisions, but sometimes I domake mistakes that teach me valuable lessons. For example, last summer I decided to mtake a trip to the mountains with my friends. We were excited, but I madoe a big error by not checking the weather forecast, and we ended up in a storm.

Text corrected by:
Camille, Maryland, USA

"Watch out for the proper use of "do" and "make." Otherwise, this looks good! "

When I was a child, I always wanted to make my own decisions, but sometimes I make mistakes that teach me valuable lessons. For example, last summer I decided to take a trip to the mountains with my friends. We were excited, but I made a big error by not checking the weather forecast, and we ended up in a storm.

When I was a child, I always wanted to make my own decisions, but sometimes I do mistakes that teach me valuable lessons. For example, last summer I decided to make a trip to the mountains with my friends. We were excited, but I do a big error by not checking the weather forecast, and we ended up in a storm.

Mistake Example #2

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

WIt makes sense that when I think about my childhood, it has sense that I remember the summers in the village with my grandparents. We used to go to the river every day, and it was a place where I felt free and happy. Those memories are very special ftor me, and I always carry them in my heart.

Text corrected by:
Vince, United States

"Changes I made were mostly to improve fluidity and readability. Nicely done :)"

It makes sense that when I think about my childhood I remember the summers in the village with my grandparents. We used to go to the river every day, and it was a place where I felt free and happy. Those memories are very special to me, and I always carry them in my heart.

When I think about my childhood, it has sense that I remember the summers in the village with my grandparents. We used to go to the river every day, and it was a place where I felt free and happy. Those memories are very special for me, and I always carry them in my heart.

Mistake Example #3

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

I hamve livinged in Madrid for many years, and I amenjoying every moment of it. I amhavinge a passion for cooking, and I am always trying new recipes from different cultures. My friends aresaying that I ammakinge the best paella in the neighborhood, and I am feelingvery proud of that.

Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

"This needed some tweaking for verb tense issues."

I have lived in Madrid for many years, and I enjoy every moment of it. I have a passion for cooking, and I am always trying new recipes from different cultures. My friends say that I make the best paella in the neighborhood, and I am very proud of that.

I am living in Madrid for many years, and I am enjoying every moment of it. I am having a passion for cooking, and I am always trying new recipes from different cultures. My friends are saying that I am making the best paella in the neighborhood, and I am feeling very proud of that.