Common English Mistakes in Government Memos by Ukrainian Speakers

This page focuses on errors typically made by native Ukrainian speakers from Ukraine when writing a Government Memo in English.

Mistake Example #1

Confusion with word order ('Always I go to the store' instead of 'I always go to the store')

To: All Department Heads Subject: Implementation of New Policy Please ensure that all employees by end of this weekreceive the updated policy documentby the end of this week. It is importantit is that everyone understands the changes before the next meeting. AWe alwayswe strive to improve our processes, and your cooperation is essential for successful implementation.

Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

"This needed some fixing to correct word order problems, and other tweaks."

To: All Department Heads Subject: Implementation of New Policy Please ensure that all employees receive the updated policy document by the end of this week. It is important that everyone understands the changes before the next meeting. We always strive to improve our processes, and your cooperation is essential for successful implementation.

To: All Department Heads Subject: Implementation of New Policy Please ensure that all employees by end of this week receive the updated policy document. Important it is that everyone understands the changes before the next meeting. Always we strive to improve our processes, and your cooperation is essential for successful implementation.

Mistake Example #2

Skipping articles ('I bought car' instead of 'I bought a car')

To: Department of Infrastructure Subject: Road Maintenance Update Dear Colleagues, I am writing to inform you about progress onthe highway repair project. We have completed phase one and will begin phase two next week. Please ensure that all necessary equipment is available at thesite by Monday. Your cooperation is essential for the timely completion of thework. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Text corrected by:
Camille, Maryland, USA

"I have added articles where needed. "

To: Department of Infrastructure Subject: Road Maintenance Update Dear Colleagues, I am writing to inform you about progress on the highway repair project. We have completed phase one and will begin phase two next week. Please ensure that all necessary equipment is available at the site by Monday. Your cooperation is essential for the timely completion of the work. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

To: Department of Infrastructure Subject: Road Maintenance Update Dear Colleagues, I am writing to inform you about progress on highway repair project. We have completed phase one and will begin phase two next week. Please ensure that all necessary equipment is available at site by Monday. Your cooperation is essential for timely completion of work. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Mistake Example #3

Using 'will' incorrectly in conditionals ('If it will rain, I will stay' instead of 'If it rains, I will stay')

To: All Department Heads Subject: Contingency Plan for Weather Conditions If it willrains tomorrow, we will postpone the scheduled outdoor event to next week. Please ensure that all team members are informed about this possibility and prepare alternative arrangements. If it will bes necessary, additional resources will be allocated to support the transition. Thank you for your cooperation in advance.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"It needed a couple of adjustments to the verb tense. Good work overall!"

To: All Department Heads Subject: Contingency Plan for Weather Conditions If it rains tomorrow, we will postpone the scheduled outdoor event to next week. Please ensure that all team members are informed about this possibility and prepare alternative arrangements. If it is necessary, additional resources will be allocated to support the transition. Thank you for your cooperation in advance.

To: All Department Heads Subject: Contingency Plan for Weather Conditions If it will rain tomorrow, we will postpone the scheduled outdoor event to next week. Please ensure that all team members are informed about this possibility and prepare alternative arrangements. If it will be necessary, additional resources will be allocated to support the transition. Thank you for your cooperation in advance.