Common English Mistakes in Court Documents by Ukrainian Speakers

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

Mistake Example #1

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

In the matter of the case before the court, I would like to state that if the defendant willprovides the necessary documents by the end of the week, we will proceed with the settlement discussions. However, if the documents willare notbe submitted on time, we will have no choice but to request an extension from the court. It is crucial that all parties adhere to the timeline to ensure a fair and efficient resolution.

Text corrected by:
Vince, United States

"Very good! Just a couple of changes to make conditionals consistent."

In the matter of the case before the court, I would like to state that if the defendant provides the necessary documents by the end of the week, we will proceed with the settlement discussions. However, if the documents are not submitted on time, we will have no choice but to request an extension from the court. It is crucial that all parties adhere to the timeline to ensure a fair and efficient resolution.

In the matter of the case before the court, I would like to state that if the defendant will provide the necessary documents by the end of the week, we will proceed with the settlement discussions. However, if the documents will not be submitted on time, we will have no choice but to request an extension from the court. It is crucial that all parties adhere to the timeline to ensure a fair and efficient resolution.

Mistake Example #2

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

To the Honorable Judge,I respectfullyI submit this statement regarding the case of Mr. Ivanov. On the day in question, I waspresentI was at the scene and witnessed the events unfold. AlwaysMr. Ivanov has always been a law-abiding citizen, and heneverhe intended to cause anyharm.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"Hello, there! I just made some changes to the word order."

To the Honorable Judge, I respectfully submit this statement regarding the case of Mr. Ivanov. On the day in question, I was present at the scene and witnessed the events unfold. Mr. Ivanov has always been a law-abiding citizen, and he never intended to cause any harm.

To the Honorable Judge, respectfully I submit this statement regarding the case of Mr. Ivanov. On the day in question, present I was at the scene and witnessed the events unfold. Always Mr. Ivanov has been a law-abiding citizen, and never he intended to cause harm.

Mistake Example #3

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

ToDear Honorable Judge, Iam submitting this statement regardinga case of property dispute. I bought ahouse in 2019, andthe contract was signed by both parties. However, theseller now claims thatthe agreement was not valid. I request thecourt to reviewthe evidence and upholdthe original contract terms.

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

"I added articles before some of the nouns in this text."

Dear Honorable Judge, I am submitting this statement regarding a case of property dispute. I bought a house in 2019, and the contract was signed by both parties. However, the seller now claims that the agreement was not valid. I request the court to review the evidence and uphold the original contract terms.

To Honorable Judge, I submit this statement regarding case of property dispute. I bought house in 2019, and contract was signed by both parties. However, seller now claims that agreement was not valid. I request court to review evidence and uphold original contract terms.