Common English Mistakes in Will & Testaments by Ukrainian Speakers

This page focuses on errors typically made by native Ukrainian speakers from Ukraine when writing a Will & Testament in English.

Mistake Example #1

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

I, Petro Ivanov, being of sound mind and body, declare this to be my last will and testament. AlwaysI wishfor my daughter, Anna Ivanova, to receive my house in Kyiv, and my son, Mykola Ivanov, to inherit my car and savings. To my beloved wife, Olena Ivanova, I leave all remaining possessions and assets, ensuring she is cared for.

Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

"This needed a couple of tweaks for wording and flow."

I, Petro Ivanov, being of sound mind and body, declare this to be my last will and testament. I wish for my daughter, Anna Ivanova, to receive my house in Kyiv, and my son, Mykola Ivanov, to inherit my car and savings. To my beloved wife, Olena Ivanova, I leave all remaining possessions and assets, ensuring she is cared for.

I, Petro Ivanov, being of sound mind and body, declare this to be my last will and testament. Always I wish my daughter, Anna Ivanova, to receive my house in Kyiv, and my son, Mykola Ivanov, to inherit my car and savings. To my beloved wife, Olena Ivanova, I leave all remaining possessions and assets, ensuring she is cared for.

Mistake Example #2

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

I, Ivan Petrov, being of sound mind, declare this to be my last will and testament. If my son willgraduates from university, he will inherit the family house in Kyiv. If my daughter willmarryies before the end of the year, she will receive the antique jewelry collection.

Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

"This needed some tweaking for proper language usage in conditionals."

I, Ivan Petrov, being of sound mind, declare this to be my last will and testament. If my son graduates from university, he will inherit the family house in Kyiv. If my daughter marries before the end of the year, she will receive the antique jewelry collection.

I, Ivan Petrov, being of sound mind, declare this to be my last will and testament. If my son will graduate from university, he will inherit the family house in Kyiv. If my daughter will marry before the end of the year, she will receive the antique jewelry collection.

Mistake Example #3

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

I, Petro Ivanov, being of sound mind, declare this to be my last will and testament. I appoint my daughter, Olena Ivanova, as executor of mywill. I bequeaththe house located at 123 Kyiv Street to my son, Andriy Ivanov. All remaining assets, including mycar and savings, shall be divided equally among my children.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"Very good! I just filled in the articles and some other missing words."

I, Petro Ivanov, being of sound mind, declare this to be my last will and testament. I appoint my daughter, Olena Ivanova, as executor of my will. I bequeath the house located at 123 Kyiv Street to my son, Andriy Ivanov. All remaining assets, including my car and savings, shall be divided equally among my children.

I, Petro Ivanov, being of sound mind, declare this to be my last will and testament. I appoint my daughter, Olena Ivanova, as executor of will. I bequeath house located at 123 Kyiv Street to my son, Andriy Ivanov. All remaining assets, including car and savings, shall be divided equally among my children.