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:Student
Personal writing used for admissions and transfer letters.
Common Users:Students of various disciplines.
Mistake Example #1

Student / Admission Essay

Overuse of passive voice

As a student who has always been fascinated by the world of engineering, it wasI decidedby me to pursue a degree in mechanical engineering at your esteemed university. The challenges faced byengineersface in the UAE are seen as opportunities for innovation and growth, and it isI believed by me that your program will provide the skills needed to contribute to this field.

Text corrected by:
Vince, United States

"Your ideas were clear :) I just made a few small changes to reduce the use of passive voice."

As a student who has always been fascinated by the world of engineering, I decided to pursue a degree in mechanical engineering at your esteemed university. The challenges engineers face in the UAE are seen as opportunities for innovation and growth, and I believe that your program will provide the skills needed to contribute to this field.

As a student who has always been fascinated by the world of engineering, it was decided by me to pursue a degree in mechanical engineering at your esteemed university. The challenges faced by engineers in the UAE are seen as opportunities for innovation and growth, and it is believed by me that your program will provide the skills needed to contribute to this field.

Mistake Example #2

Student / Personal Statement

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

I am excited to apply for aposition inat your esteemed university. I have always been passionate about studying computer science, and I believe your program wisll be a perfect fit for my academic goals. During my high school years, I participated inthe science club and won several awards in competitions. I am eager to bring my skills and enthusiasm to your campus and contribute to thevibrant student community.

Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

"This needed some tweaking to add missing articles ("the," "an," etc.)."

I am excited to apply for a position at your esteemed university. I have always been passionate about studying computer science, and I believe your program will be a perfect fit for my academic goals. During my high school years, I participated in the science club and won several awards in competitions. I am eager to bring my skills and enthusiasm to your campus and contribute to the vibrant student community.

I am excited to apply for position in your esteemed university. I have always been passionate about studying computer science, and I believe your program is perfect fit for my academic goals. During my high school years, I participated in science club and won several awards in competitions. I am eager to bring my skills and enthusiasm to your campus and contribute to vibrant student community.

Mistake Example #3

Student / Transfer Essay

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

I am writing to express my interest in transferring to your university. I have astrong passion for computer science andI believe that your program will provide me with anopportunity to excel. InAt my current university, I have completed courses in programming and data analysis, and I am eager to continue mystudies iny more advanced topics.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"I just added a few articles and polished up the text. Well done!"

I am writing to express my interest in transferring to your university. I have a strong passion for computer science and I believe that your program will provide me with an opportunity to excel. At my current university, I have completed courses in programming and data analysis, and I am eager to study more advanced topics.

I am writing to express my interest in transferring to your university. I have strong passion for computer science and believe that your program will provide me with opportunity to excel. In my current university, I have completed courses in programming and data analysis, and I am eager to continue my studies in more advanced topics.