Common English Mistakes in Life Advice Columns by Arabic Speakers

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

Mistake Example #1

Overuse of passive voice

Dear Advice Seeker, iIt is often said that happiness is found in the simple things. When life is beingyou livedlife with gratitude, joy is more easily experienced. It is recommended thatking timeis taken each day to reflect on what isyou appreciated. By doing this,you cultivate a positive mindsetis cultivated, and stress is reduced. Remember, life is meant to be enjoyed, and moments of peace are to be cherished.

Text corrected by:
Vince, United States

"Your ideas were clear :) I just made a few small changes to improve the flow and polish things up."

Dear Advice Seeker, It is often said that happiness is found in the simple things. When you live life with gratitude, joy is more easily experienced. I recommend taking time each day to reflect on what you appreciate. By doing this, you cultivate a positive mindset, and stress is reduced. Remember, life is meant to be enjoyed, and moments of peace are to be cherished.

Dear Advice Seeker, it is often said that happiness is found in the simple things. When life is being lived with gratitude, joy is more easily experienced. It is recommended that time is taken each day to reflect on what is appreciated. By doing this, a positive mindset is cultivated, and stress is reduced. Remember, life is meant to be enjoyed, and moments of peace are to be cherished.

Mistake Example #2

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

Dear Advice Column, I am facing aproblem with my friend, who always borrows my things without asking. I have acar, and she often takes it without telling me, which makes me feel uncomfortable. How can I talk to her about this without causing an argument?

Text corrected by:
Camille, Maryland, USA

"Looks out for subject-verb agreement, and don't forget to include articles in your writing (such as "a" and "the"). "

Dear Advice Column, I am facing a problem with my friend, who always borrows my things without asking. I have a car, and she often takes it without telling me, which makes me feel uncomfortable. How can I talk to her about this without causing an argument?

Dear Advice Column, I am facing problem with my friend who always borrow my things without asking. I have car and she often take it without telling me, which make me feel uncomfortable. How can I talk to her about this without causing argument?