Common English Mistakes in User Manuals by Ukrainian Speakers

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

Mistake Example #1

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

To assemble the device, first connect thepower cable tothe socket. Then, press thebutton onthe front panel to start themachine. Ifthe machine does not operate, check if thecable is properly inserted intothe outlet. For further assistance, refer to the troubleshooting section in themanual.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"Some articles were missing, so I filled them in."

To assemble the device, first connect the power cable to the socket. Then, press the button on the front panel to start the machine. If the machine does not operate, check if the cable is properly inserted into the outlet. For further assistance, refer to the troubleshooting section in the manual.

To assemble device, first connect power cable to socket. Then, press button on front panel to start machine. If machine does not operate, check if cable is properly inserted into outlet. For further assistance, refer to troubleshooting section in manual.

Mistake Example #2

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

To operate the coffee machine, first you must ensure that thepower switch is on. Then, fill thewater tankfill with fresh water before you start brewing. Alwaysyou place the coffee cup under the spout to avoid spills. After brewing, you clean the machine by removing used coffee grounds and rinsing the filter.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"It had a few issues with the word order, so I made some changes. Nice work!"

To operate the coffee machine, first you must ensure that the power switch is on. Then, fill the water tank with fresh water before you start brewing. Always place the coffee cup under the spout to avoid spills. After brewing, you clean the machine by removing used coffee grounds and rinsing the filter.

To operate the coffee machine, first you must ensure that power switch is on. Then, water tank fill with fresh water before you start brewing. Always you place the coffee cup under the spout to avoid spills. After brewing, you clean the machine by removing used coffee grounds and rinsing the filter.

Mistake Example #3

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

To operate the washing machine, first ensure that it is plugged into a power source. If it will bes necessary to washyour clothes with hot water,you will select the appropriate temperature setting. If the machine will not start, check if the door is properly closed and try again.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"I just made a few changes to the verb tense, plus some minor tweaks so the English flows smoothly."

To operate the washing machine, first ensure that it is plugged into a power source. If it is necessary to wash your clothes with hot water, select the appropriate temperature setting. If the machine will not start, check if the door is properly closed and try again.

To operate the washing machine, first ensure that it is plugged into a power source. If it will be necessary to wash clothes with hot water, you will select the appropriate temperature setting. If the machine will not start, check if the door is properly closed and try again.