Common English Mistakes in Contracts by Arabic Speakers

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

Mistake Example #1

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

This Contract is made between theCompany and Client on thedate of signing.The Company agrees to provide service to theClient according to the terms outlined in thisagreement.The Client shall paya fee as specified in thecontract withina period of 30 days from receipt of theinvoice.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"Some of the articles were missing, so I added them."

This Contract is made between the Company and Client on the date of signing. The Company agrees to provide service to the Client according to the terms outlined in this agreement. The Client shall pay a fee as specified in the contract within a period of 30 days from receipt of the invoice.

This Contract is made between Company and Client on date of signing. Company agrees to provide service to Client according to terms outlined in agreement. Client shall pay fee as specified in contract within period of 30 days from receipt of invoice.

Mistake Example #2

Overuse of passive voice

The parties enter into this Agreementis made and entered into by the parties, where it is agreed that the services will be provided by the Contractor. The pPayment shall be made upon completion of the work, and all obligations are to be fulfilled by theparties involvedmust fulfill their obligations. Any disputes arising from this contract will be resolved through arbitration, and the terms are to be adhered to byboth partiesmust adhere to the terms.

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

"I changed some of the phrases from the passive voice to the active voice. Otherwise, the ideas in this text are clearly expressed."

The parties enter into this Agreement that the services will be provided by the Contractor. Payment shall be made upon completion of the work, and all parties involved must fulfill their obligations. Any disputes arising from this contract will be resolved through arbitration, and both parties must adhere to the terms.

This Agreement is made and entered into by the parties, where it is agreed that the services will be provided by the Contractor. The payment shall be made upon completion of the work, and all obligations are to be fulfilled by the parties involved. Any disputes arising from this contract will be resolved through arbitration, and the terms are to be adhered to by both parties.