Common English Mistakes by Spanish Speakers

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

Category:Technical & Scientific Writing
Writing for scientific and technical subjects.
Common Users:Engineers, Scientists, Tech Writers.
Mistake Example #1

Technical & Scientific Writing / Engineering Specification

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

The hydraulic system isbeing designed to operate under high pressure conditions, and I ambelievinge it is capable of handling up to 5000 psi. I amhavinge 30 years of experience in mechanical engineering, and I amknowing the importance of precision in these specifications. The components are beingselected to ensure durability and efficiency, and I amrecommending regular maintenance checks to prevent any potential failures.

Text corrected by:
Miss E., Cyprus, Europe

"Changes I made were mostly to improve fluidity and readability. For example, "is being designed to" should be "is designed to" and " I am believing it is" should be "I believe it is"."

The hydraulic system is designed to operate under high pressure conditions, and I believe it is capable of handling up to 5000 psi. I have 30 years of experience in mechanical engineering, and I know the importance of precision in these specifications. The components are selected to ensure durability and efficiency, and I recommend regular maintenance checks to prevent any potential failures.

The hydraulic system is being designed to operate under high pressure conditions, and I am believing it is capable of handling up to 5000 psi. I am having 30 years of experience in mechanical engineering, and I am knowing the importance of precision in these specifications. The components are being selected to ensure durability and efficiency, and I am recommending regular maintenance checks to prevent any potential failures.

Mistake Example #2

Technical & Scientific Writing / Grant Proposal

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

Our research team is applying for the grant to develop innovative solutions in renewable energy. We arefocusing on solar panel technology, and I ambelievinge that our approach will significantly reduce costs. I amhavinge 15 years of experience in this field, and our team isconsistings of experts from various disciplines. We arehopinge to start the project by next quarter and areestimatinge a completion time of two years.

Text corrected by:
Camille, Maryland, USA

"I have corrected the use of tenses in this text. "

Our research team is applying for the grant to develop innovative solutions in renewable energy. We focus on solar panel technology, and I believe that our approach will significantly reduce costs. I have 15 years of experience in this field, and our team consists of experts from various disciplines. We hope to start the project by next quarter and estimate a completion time of two years.

Our research team is applying for the grant to develop innovative solutions in renewable energy. We are focusing on solar panel technology, and I am believing that our approach will significantly reduce costs. I am having 15 years of experience in this field, and our team is consisting of experts from various disciplines. We are hoping to start the project by next quarter and are estimating a completion time of two years.

Mistake Example #3

Technical & Scientific Writing / Patent Application

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

The present invention relates to a new method for the production of biodegradable plastics. In the process, wedo use a combination of natural polymers and enzymes to achieve a more sustainable product. The results show that this method can make a significant impact on reducing environmental waste, and we dobelieve it will revolutionize the industry.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"Great job! I took out the word "do" two times as it was unnecessary."

The present invention relates to a new method for the production of biodegradable plastics. In the process, we use a combination of natural polymers and enzymes to achieve a more sustainable product. The results show that this method can make a significant impact on reducing environmental waste, and we believe it will revolutionize the industry.

The present invention relates to a new method for the production of biodegradable plastics. In the process, we do use a combination of natural polymers and enzymes to achieve a more sustainable product. The results show that this method can make a significant impact on reducing environmental waste, and we do believe it will revolutionize the industry.

Mistake Example #4

Technical & Scientific Writing / Scientific Paper

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

In this study, we aim to explore the effects of temperature on enzyme activity. We do several experiments to measure the reaction rates at different temperatures. It is crucial to make accurate measurements to ensure the validity of our results. However, during the process, I make an error in recording the data, which requires us to repeat the experiment. This highlights the importance of precision in scientific research.

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

" "

In this study, we aim to explore the effects of temperature on enzyme activity. We do several experiments to measure the reaction rates at different temperatures. It is crucial to make accurate measurements to ensure the validity of our results. However, during the process, I make an error in recording the data, which requires us to repeat the experiment. This highlights the importance of precision in scientific research.

In this study, we aim to explore the effects of temperature on enzyme activity. We do several experiments to measure the reaction rates at different temperatures. It is crucial to make accurate measurements to ensure the validity of our results. However, during the process, I make an error in recording the data, which requires us to repeat the experiment. This highlights the importance of precision in scientific research.

Mistake Example #5

Technical & Scientific Writing / Technical Report

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

The purpose of this technical report is to analyze the performance of the new solar panels installed in the facility. It hmakes sense to compare the energy output with the previous models to understand the improvements. The data collected during the last three months shows that the new panels produce more energy, which it makes them a better option for future projects.

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

"I just replaced a word or two to make the English sound more natural. Great job!"

The purpose of this technical report is to analyze the performance of the new solar panels installed in the facility. It makes sense to compare the energy output with the previous models to understand the improvements. The data collected during the last three months shows that the new panels produce more energy, which it makes them a better option for future projects.

The purpose of this technical report is to analyze the performance of the new solar panels installed in the facility. It has sense to compare the energy output with the previous models to understand the improvements. The data collected during the last three months shows that the new panels produce more energy, which it makes them a better option for future projects.

Mistake Example #6

Technical & Scientific Writing / User Manual

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

To start the device, you mustpress the button that is ion the right side., Ithas sense to wait a few seconds until the screen turns on. If the screen does not turn on, please censure theck ifat the device is cpronnpectrly plugged to the electricityn.

Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

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

To start the device, press the button on the right side, then wait a few seconds until the screen turns on. If the screen does not turn on, please ensure that the device is properly plugged in.

To start the device, you must press the button that is in the right side. It has sense to wait a few seconds until the screen turns on. If the screen does not turn on, please check if the device is connected to the electricity.

Mistake Example #7

Technical & Scientific Writing / White Paper

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

In this white paper, we arewill exploringe the innovative techniques in renewable energy sector. I hamve been working on this project for over five years, and I ambelievinge that our findings will significantly impact the industry. Our team is analyzing the data from various sources, and we arehavinge a comprehensive understanding of the current trends.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"I corrected some issues with the verb tense. Good job overall!"

In this white paper, we will explore the innovative techniques in renewable energy sector. I have been working on this project for over five years, and I believe that our findings will significantly impact the industry. Our team is analyzing the data from various sources, and we have a comprehensive understanding of the current trends.

In this white paper, we are exploring the innovative techniques in renewable energy sector. I am working on this project for over five years, and I am believing that our findings will significantly impact the industry. Our team is analyzing the data from various sources, and we are having a comprehensive understanding of the current trends.