Common English Mistakes in Public Notices by Arabic Speakers

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

Mistake Example #1

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.

Mistake Example #2

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

Attention Residents:The Municipality of Dubai announcesa new regulation for waste disposal. Residents must place theirwaste ina designated area by 8 PM every day. Failure to comply with therule will result ina fine. We appreciate thecooperation ofthe community in keeping thecity clean and safe.

Text corrected by:
Miss E., Cyprus, Europe

"There are articles missing in the content which I've corrected. For example, "Municipality of Dubai announces new regulation for waste disposal." should be "The Municipality of Dubai announces a new regulation for waste disposal." and "Residents must place waste in designated area by 8 PM every day." should be "Residents must place their waste in a designated area by 8 PM every day."."

Attention Residents: The Municipality of Dubai announces a new regulation for waste disposal. Residents must place their waste in a designated area by 8 PM every day. Failure to comply with the rule will result in a fine. We appreciate the cooperation of the community in keeping the city clean and safe.

Attention Residents: Municipality of Dubai announces new regulation for waste disposal. Residents must place waste in designated area by 8 PM every day. Failure to comply with rule will result in fine. We appreciate cooperation of community in keeping city clean and safe.