Common English Mistakes by Spanish Speakers

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

Category:Student
Personal writing used for admissions and transfer letters.
Common Users:Students of various disciplines.
Mistake Example #1

Student / Admission Essay

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

I am applying to your esteemed university because I amwantingsh to pursue a degree in Environmental Science. I ambelievinge that your program isofferings the best opportunities for research and development in this field. I am beingvery passionate about sustainability and I amhopinge tomake a positive contribute piositivelyn to your academic community.

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

"I adjusted the verb tenses and changed a word or two to make the English sound more natural."

I am applying to your esteemed university because I wish to pursue a degree in Environmental Science. I believe that your program offers the best opportunities for research and development in this field. I am very passionate about sustainability and I hope to make a positive contribution to your academic community.

I am applying to your esteemed university because I am wanting to pursue a degree in Environmental Science. I am believing that your program is offering the best opportunities for research and development in this field. I am being very passionate about sustainability and I am hoping to contribute positively to your academic community.

Mistake Example #2

Student / Personal Statement

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

I am excited to apply for the Master's program in Environmental Science at your esteemed university. Since I was young, Ihave always wanted to make a difference in the world, and I believe this program will help me do it. During my undergraduate studies, I mhakve done many projects related to sustainability, whichhave inspired me to pursue further education in this field.

Text corrected by:
Camille, Maryland, USA

"This looks very good. I have corrected a few small things "

I am excited to apply for the Master's program in Environmental Science at your esteemed university. Since I was young, I have always wanted to make a difference in the world, and I believe this program will help me do it. During my undergraduate studies, I have done many projects related to sustainability, which have inspired me to pursue further education in this field.

I am excited to apply for the Master's program in Environmental Science at your esteemed university. Since I was young, I always wanted to make a difference in the world, and I believe this program will help me do it. During my undergraduate studies, I make many projects related to sustainability, which inspired me to pursue further education in this field.

Mistake Example #3

Student / Transfer Essay

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

I am currently studying at the University of Madrid, and I amwanting to transfer to your institution to continue my studies in computer science. I ambelievinge that your program will provide me with the opportunities I amneeding to advance my career. I ambeing very passionate about technology and innovation, and I amhopinge to contribute positively to your academic community.

Text corrected by:
Miss E., Cyprus, Europe

"This is fairly good but it needed a bit of editing. For example, "I am wanting to transfer" should be "I want to transfer" and "I am believing that your program" should be "I believe that your program"."

I am currently studying at the University of Madrid, and I want to transfer to your institution to continue my studies in computer science. I believe that your program will provide me with the opportunities I need to advance my career. I am very passionate about technology and innovation, and I hope to contribute positively to your academic community.

I am currently studying at the University of Madrid, and I am wanting to transfer to your institution to continue my studies in computer science. I am believing that your program will provide me with the opportunities I am needing to advance my career. I am being very passionate about technology and innovation, and I am hoping to contribute positively to your academic community.