Common English Mistakes in Investigative Reports by Ukrainian Speakers

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

Mistake Example #1

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

Ina recent investigation, we discovered thata local factory was releasing harmful chemicals into theriver. Residents reported that thewater hada strange color and smell, which prompted authorities to take action. After conducting tests, it was confirmed that thepollution levels exceeded safe limits, raising concerns about theimpact on community health.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"I added some articles, but otherwise everything sounds good!"

In a recent investigation, we discovered that a local factory was releasing harmful chemicals into the river. Residents reported that the water had a strange color and smell, which prompted authorities to take action. After conducting tests, it was confirmed that the pollution levels exceeded safe limits, raising concerns about the impact on community health.

In recent investigation, we discovered that local factory was releasing harmful chemicals into river. Residents reported that water had strange color and smell, which prompted authorities to take action. After conducting tests, it was confirmed that pollution levels exceeded safe limits, raising concerns about impact on community health.

Mistake Example #2

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

In recent weeks, there have been numerous reports of unusual weather patterns affecting the agricultural regions in Ukraine. If it willcontinues to rain heavily, the farmers will face significant challenges in harvesting their crops. Local authorities are urging residents to prepare for potential flooding, and if it willdoes happen, emergency services will be on high alert to provide assistance.

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

"I just replaced a word or two to make the English sound more natural. Otherwise, the ideas in this text are clearly expressed."

In recent weeks, there have been numerous reports of unusual weather patterns affecting the agricultural regions in Ukraine. If it continues to rain heavily, the farmers will face significant challenges in harvesting their crops. Local authorities are urging residents to prepare for potential flooding, and if it does happen, emergency services will be on high alert to provide assistance.

In recent weeks, there have been numerous reports of unusual weather patterns affecting the agricultural regions in Ukraine. If it will continue to rain heavily, the farmers will face significant challenges in harvesting their crops. Local authorities are urging residents to prepare for potential flooding, and if it will happen, emergency services will be on high alert to provide assistance.

Mistake Example #3

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

Ina recent investigation, wediscoveredwe have that pollution levels in the river significantly increased over the past year. Residents nearby report they often see waste materials floating, and authorities areyet to take actionare. Always lLocal community members always express concern about the health implications, but response from officials remains inadequate.

Text corrected by:
Miss E., Cyprus, Europe

"I made edits to correct the word order of some of the sentences."

In a recent investigation, we discovered that pollution levels in the river significantly increased over the past year. Residents nearby report they often see waste materials floating, and authorities are yet to take action. Local community members always express concern about the health implications, but response from officials remains inadequate.

In recent investigation, discovered we have that pollution levels in the river significantly increased over the past year. Residents nearby report they often see waste materials floating, and authorities yet to take action are. Always local community members express concern about the health implications, but response from officials remains inadequate.