4 Common Mistakes in English and Their Alternatives

As an English teacher and director at Business English Academy, I often come across students who make common translation errors when trying to express themselves in English. Translating directly from Spanish to English can be tricky, as there are many words that don't have a direct translation. In this blog post, I will share four common errors and their alternative phrases that you can use to improve your English communication.

### Error #1: Translating "Carrera Universitaria" to "Career"

One common mistake students make is translating the Spanish phrase "carrera universitaria" directly to "career" in English. While it may seem logical, the correct term to use when referring to your university studies is "Major."

For example, instead of saying "I studied International Trade in my career," you should say "I majored in International Trade."

### Error #2: Using "Actually" instead of "Currently"

Another common error I often see is the misuse of the word "actually." In Spanish, "actualmente" is used to indicate the present time. However, in English, we use the word "currently" to convey the same meaning.

For instance, instead of saying "I actually work as a lawyer," you should say "I currently work as a lawyer."

### Error #3: Translating "Realizar" to "To Realize"

When translating the Spanish verb "realizar," many students mistakenly use the word "to realize" in English. However, the correct translation depends on the context.

If you are talking about carrying out or performing a task, the appropriate term is "to carry out." For example, instead of saying "Realicé un proyecto importante," you should say "I carried out an important project."

On the other hand, if you are referring to a sudden awareness or understanding, then "to realize" is the correct term. For instance, if you want to say "Me di cuenta de mi error," you should say "I realized my mistake."

### Error #4: Translating "Asistir" to "To Assist"

The fourth common error I want to discuss is the translation of the Spanish verb "asistir" to "to assist" in English. While "asistir" may imply assistance in Spanish, in English, it has a different meaning.

To express the idea of attending an event or being present at a gathering, we use the word "to attend" in English. So, instead of saying "Asistí a una conferencia," you should say "I attended a conference."

These four errors are just a few examples of how direct translation from Spanish to English can lead to misunderstandings. By using the correct alternatives I have provided, you can improve your English fluency and avoid these common mistakes.

Remember, learning a new language involves more than just translating words. It requires understanding the nuances and context of the language you are learning. Practice using these alternative phrases to expand your vocabulary and communicate more effectively in English. With time and practice, you will become more confident in your language skills and enjoy smoother conversations with English speakers.

To recap, the four common translation errors we discussed are:

1. Translating "carrera universitaria" to "career" instead of using "major."

2. Using "actually" instead of "currently" to indicate the present time.

3. Translating "realizar" to "to realize" without considering the context. Use "to accomplish" or "to carry out" for performing a task and "to realize" for sudden awareness or understanding.

4. Translating "asistir" to "to assist" instead of using "to attend" to show attendance at an event.

By being aware of these common errors and practicing the correct alternatives, you will enhance your English language skills and be able to communicate more effectively in various situations. Remember, language learning is a journey, so keep practicing and expanding your knowledge to become a confident English speaker.