Common English Mistakes by Arabic Speakers

This page focuses on errors typically made by native Arabic speakers from United Arab Emirates when writing in English.

Category:Government & Policy Writing
Writing used for policy-making and government communication.
Common Users:Government Officials, Non-profits, Public Policy Analysts.
Mistake Example #1

Government & Policy Writing / Government Memo

Overuse of passive voice

To: All Department Heads Subject: Implementation of New Policy Procedures ItWe haswill bimplemendecided that the new policy procedures will be implementedstarting next month. The committee reviewed theguidelines were reviewed by the committee,and witll was aginforeed thatm all departmentheadswill be informed about the changes. ITo ensure compliance, each department imust makexpected that the necessary adjustments. We will be made by each department to ensurecomplianlece. Thet feedback fromthe department heads will be collected,andaddress any concernswill be addressed in the upcoming meeting.

Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

"This needed some tweaking to reduce the use of passive voice, among other fixes."

To: All Department Heads Subject: Implementation of New Policy Procedures We will implement the new policy procedures starting next month. The committee reviewed the guidelines and will inform all department heads about the changes. To ensure compliance, each department must make the necessary adjustments. We will collect feedback from the department heads and address any concerns in the upcoming meeting.

To: All Department Heads Subject: Implementation of New Policy Procedures It has been decided that the new policy procedures will be implemented starting next month. The guidelines were reviewed by the committee, and it was agreed that all departments will be informed about the changes. It is expected that the necessary adjustments will be made by each department to ensure compliance. The feedback from department heads will be collected, and any concerns will be addressed in the upcoming meeting.

Mistake Example #2

Government & Policy Writing / Grant Application

Misuse of articles ('I have car' instead of 'I have a car')

We are applying for agrant to support thedevelopment ofa sustainable energy project inthe UAE. Our team has expertise in renewable technologies and we aim to implementa solution that will reduce carbon emissions significantly. We believe that with thesupport fromthe government, we can make apositive impact on theenvironment and theeconomy.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"Hello, there! It was missing a few articles, so I added them."

We are applying for a grant to support the development of a sustainable energy project in the UAE. Our team has expertise in renewable technologies and we aim to implement a solution that will reduce carbon emissions significantly. We believe that with the support from the government, we can make a positive impact on the environment and the economy.

We are applying for grant to support development of sustainable energy project in UAE. Our team has expertise in renewable technologies and we aim to implement solution that will reduce carbon emissions significantly. We believe that with support from government, we can make positive impact on environment and economy.

Mistake Example #3

Government & Policy Writing / Legislative Report

Overuse of passive voice

The legislative rteport wasm prepared the report to addressthe recent changes inthe environmental policy. It wasThey noted the implementation theof new regulations were implemeanted to reduce carbon emissions. TWe analyzed the impact of these regulations was analyzed,andit was concluded that they resulted insignificantair quality improvementswere observed in air quality.

Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

"This needed some reworking to avoid the use of passive voice."

The legislative team prepared the report to address recent changes in environmental policy. They noted the implementation of new regulations meant to reduce carbon emissions. We analyzed the impact of these regulations and concluded that they resulted in significant air quality improvements.

The legislative report was prepared to address the recent changes in the environmental policy. It was noted that the new regulations were implemented to reduce carbon emissions. The impact of these regulations was analyzed, and it was concluded that significant improvements were observed in air quality.

Mistake Example #4

Government & Policy Writing / Official Statement

Misuse of articles ('I have car' instead of 'I have a car')

In response to recent developments, theMinistry of Environment hasissuesd a statement regarding water conservation efforts. It is crucial that thecitizens ofthe United Arab Emirates understandthe importance of preserving natural resources. GThe government has implemented new policies to ensure that every household has access to clean water and that themisuse of water is minimized. We urge the public to cooperate with these measures for thebenefit of our nation.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"I added some missing articles and made a few other small changes. Good work overall!"

In response to recent developments, the Ministry of Environment has issued a statement regarding water conservation efforts. It is crucial that the citizens of the United Arab Emirates understand the importance of preserving natural resources. The government has implemented new policies to ensure that every household has access to clean water and that the misuse of water is minimized. We urge the public to cooperate with these measures for the benefit of our nation.

In response to recent developments, Ministry of Environment issues statement regarding water conservation efforts. It is crucial that citizens of United Arab Emirates understand importance of preserving natural resources. Government has implemented new policies to ensure that every household has access to clean water and that misuse of water is minimized. We urge public to cooperate with these measures for benefit of our nation.

Mistake Example #5

Government & Policy Writing / Policy Brief

Misuse of articles ('I have car' instead of 'I have a car')

Ina recent policy review,the government has identified theneed fora comprehensive strategy to improve public transportation in urban areas. IThe initiative aims to reduce traffic congestion and promote theuse of sustainable transport options. By implementing aplan, we expect to enhance the quality of life for residents and support economic growth in theregion.

Text corrected by:
Miss E., Cyprus, Europe

"This is a good write-up overall. However, don't forget to use articles in your sentences. For example, "In recent policy review" should be "In a recent policy review" and "government has identified need" should be "the government has identified the need"."

In a recent policy review, the government has identified the need for a comprehensive strategy to improve public transportation in urban areas. The initiative aims to reduce traffic congestion and promote the use of sustainable transport options. By implementing a plan, we expect to enhance the quality of life for residents and support economic growth in the region.

In recent policy review, government has identified need for comprehensive strategy to improve public transportation in urban areas. Initiative aims to reduce traffic congestion and promote use of sustainable transport options. By implementing plan, we expect to enhance quality of life for residents and support economic growth in region.

Mistake Example #6

Government & Policy Writing / Public Notice

Overuse of passive voice

Attention Residents: ItTo iensinfourmed the safety and enjoyment of all residents, the community park will be closed for maintenance starting fromnext Monday. TDuring this period, please decision was tmaken to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all residents. It is requested that alternative arrangements are madefor outdoor activitiesduring this period.

Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

"This needed some tweaking to reduce the use of passive voice."

Attention Residents: To ensure the safety and enjoyment of all residents, the community park will be closed for maintenance starting next Monday. During this period, please make alternative arrangements for outdoor activities.

Attention Residents: It is informed that the community park will be closed for maintenance starting from next Monday. The decision was taken to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all residents. It is requested that alternative arrangements are made for outdoor activities during this period.