Common English Mistakes in Will & Testaments by Arabic Speakers

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

Mistake Example #1

Overuse of passive voice

This is the last will and testament ofme, Ahmed Al Mansoori, residing in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It ishereby declared by me that allof my assets are to be distributed among my children equally. The house is to be inherited by my eldest son, and the bank accounts are to be managed by my wife. It is requested that my wishes are to be respected and carried out by my family.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"I changed one sentence from the passive voice to the active voice. However, since this is a legal document, I left the other passive voice sentences as-is."

This is the last will and testament of Ahmed Al Mansoori, residing in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. I hereby declare that all of my assets are to be distributed among my children equally. The house is to be inherited by my eldest son, and the bank accounts are to be managed by my wife. It is requested that my wishes are to be respected and carried out by my family.

This is the last will and testament of me, Ahmed Al Mansoori, residing in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It is declared by me that all my assets are to be distributed among my children equally. The house is to be inherited by my eldest son, and the bank accounts are to be managed by my wife. It is requested that my wishes are to be respected and carried out by my family.

Mistake Example #2

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

I, Ahmed Al Mansoori, being of sound mind and body, hereby declare this to be my last will and testament. I appoint my brother, Khalid Al Mansoori, as executor of mywill. I leave my house in Dubai to my daughter, Fatima, and my car to my son, Omar. It is my wish that my family respect thewishes outlined in this document.

Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

"This needed some tweaking to fix the misuse of articles."

I, Ahmed Al Mansoori, being of sound mind and body, hereby declare this to be my last will and testament. I appoint my brother, Khalid Al Mansoori, as executor of my will. I leave my house in Dubai to my daughter, Fatima, and my car to my son, Omar. It is my wish that my family respect the wishes outlined in this document.

I, Ahmed Al Mansoori, being of sound mind and body, hereby declare this to be my last will and testament. I appoint my brother, Khalid Al Mansoori, as executor of will. I leave my house in Dubai to my daughter, Fatima, and my car to my son, Omar. It is my wish that my family respect wishes outlined in this document.