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Mistakes Spanish Speakers Make in English

Below is a compilation of mistakes Spanish speakers make in English. The guide is separated into 10 sections: English to Spanish false friends, directly translated phrases, word order, articles, prepositions, verb choice, verb tense, noun choice, plural nouns, and adjectives. If you find the guide useful, please share it with other Spanish speakers.

To practice the material covered in in this guide, see:
Error Correction for Spanish Speakers 
False Friends (Spanish-English) Exercise

 

English to Spanish False Friends

actual actual
actually ≠ actualmente
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] I used to live in New York, but I actually live in Colorado.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] I used to live in New York, but I currently live in Colorado.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] I used to work for the government, but my actual job is in the private sector.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] I used to work for the government, but my current job is in the private sector.
actual means real or verdadero in Spanish
actually means de hecho

 

to assist asistir
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] I always assist my classes.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] I always attend my classes.
assist means ayudar

 

to attend ≠ atender
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] She attended many customers today.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] She assisted/took care of/helped many customers today.
attend means asistir

 

bland ≠ blando
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Cesium is the blandest metal in the world.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Cesium is the softest metal in the world.
bland means insípido, soso or poco estimulante in Spanish
Blando is usually translated as “soft,” or “smooth” depending on the context.

 

career ≠ carrera
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] What was his career in college?
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] What was his major in college?
Career does mean carrera if we are talking about una trayectoria profesional or una profesión. However, to talk about someone’s specialization in college, we use the word “major.”

 

carpetcarpeta
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Kevin saved the document in a carpet on his desktop.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Kevin saved the document in a folder on his desktop.
carpet means alfombra

 

college ≠ colegio
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] They really liked 9th grade, but they didn’t like the rest of their college experience.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] They really liked 9th grade, but they didn’t like the rest of their high school experience.
college means universidad

 

claimclamar
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] They claimed about the bad service at the restaurant.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] They complained about the bad service at the restaurant.
claim means asegurar

 

compromisecompromiso
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Having children is a big compromise.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Having children a big commitment.
compromise means un mutuo acuerdo en que los dos lados hacen concesiones (it can also be used as a verb)

 

deception ≠ decepción
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] They were expecting to have a great time on vacation, but it was a big deception.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] They were expecting to have a great time on vacation, but it was a big disappointment.
deception means engaño

 

demand ≠ demandar
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Did you hear about the woman who found a mouse in her soup and demanded the restaurant? She won $200,000!
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Did you hear about the woman who found a mouse in her soup and sued the restaurant? She won $200,000!
demand means exigir

 

explode ≠ explotar
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] They exploded the workers and didn’t pay them for the hours they worked.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] They exploited the workers and didn’t pay them for the hours they worked.
Explode is translated as explotar if we are talking about an explosion. However, if you want to say sacar provecho or abusar de alguien, the word in English is “exploit.”

 

fabric ≠ fabrica
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] His first job was working in a chemical fabric.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] His first job was working in a chemical factory.
fabric means tela or tejido

 

familiar ≠ familiar
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Is it a familiar movie? I want to know if I can bring my kids.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Is it a family movie? I want to know if I can bring my kids.
Familiar can sometimes be translated as familiar if we are talking about something conocido. However, we do not use “familiar” to talk about things related to a family.

 

globe ≠ globo
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] We bought globes for the party and filled them with helium.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] We bought balloons for the party and filled them with helium.
globe means globo terráqueo

 

grass ≠ grasa
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] You shouldn’t eat fast food because it has a lot of grass.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] You shouldn’t eat fast food because it has a lot of fat.
grass means zacate

 

idiom ≠ idioma
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Everyone says that Mandarin is a really difficult idiom.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Everyone says that Mandarin is a really difficult language.
idiom means modismo or refrán

 

inhabitable≠ inhabitable
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] This house is dirty and there is no electricity. It’s totally inhabitable.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] This house is dirty and there is no electricity. It’s totally uninhabitable.
These words are complete opposites in English and Spanish. In English “inhabitable” means habitable in Spanish. To talk about un lugar inhabitable, we say “an uninhabitable place.”

 

introduce ≠ introducir
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] She introduced the dirty dishes in the dishwasher.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] She put the dirty dishes in the dishwasher.
introduce means presentar

 

lecture ≠ lectura
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Our teacher assigned the lecture on page 37. We have to read it and answer the questions.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Our teacher assigned the reading on page 37. We have to read it and answer the questions.
lecture means lección or sermón

 

library ≠ librería
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] I need to go to the library to buy my textbooks for this semester.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] I need to go to the bookstore to buy my textbooks for this semester.
library means biblioteca

 

molest ≠ molestar
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Loud noise molests me when I’m trying to study.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Loud noise bothers me when I’m trying to study.
molest means abusar sexualmente

 

parent ≠ pariente
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Many of my parents were at my cousin’s birthday party.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Many of my relatives were at my cousin’s birthday party.
parent means padre (mamá o papá)

 

plant ≠ planta
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Do you want to take the elevator or the stairs? We’re going to the fourth plant.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Do you want to take the elevator or the stairs? We’re going to the fourth floor.
Plant cannot be used to talk about un piso de un edificio. We use “plant” to talk about flowers, trees, grass, etc.

 

professor ≠ profesor
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] My third grade professor, Ms. Osborne, was excellent.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] My third grade teacher, Ms. Osborne, was excellent.
Professor is only for a teacher at the university level.

 

realize ≠ realizar
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] They are going to realize the movie next year.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] They are going to make the movie next year.
Realizar can be translated many different ways. When you want to use realizar to mean ejecutar, we use the verbs “make” or “carry out.”
realize means darse cuenta

 

recipient ≠ recipiente
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Do you have a recipient to put this leftover food in?
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Do you have a container to put this leftover food in?
recipient means receptor or destinatario

 

record ≠ recordar
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] I can’t record much of what happened to me when I was a young child.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] I can’t remember much of what happened to me when I was a young child.
record (as a verb) means grabar

 

remove ≠ remover
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Can you get her a spoon so she can remove her coffee?
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Can you get her a spoon so she can stir her coffee?
remove means sacar or quitar

 

resume ≠ resumir
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Could we resume what we’ve agreed on so far today?
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Could we summarize what we’ve agreed on so far today?
resume means continuar, seguir or reanudar

 

retire ≠ retirar
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] If you see the waiter, ask him to retire these plates.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] If you see the waiter, ask him to take away these plates.
Retire is usually only used to mean “to stop working” (jubilarse).

 

sane ≠ sano
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] We try to eat sane foods that are not processed.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] We try to eat healthy foods that are not processed.
sane means cuerdo or sensato

 

scientific ≠ científico
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Albert Einstein was a great scientific.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Albert Einstein was a great scientist.
Scientific is an adjective in English. For example, un descubrimiento científico is “a scientific discovery” in English. The person is a “scientist.”

 

sensible ≠ sensible
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Her eyes are very sensible to the light.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Her eyes are very sensitive to the light.
sensible means sensato

 

support ≠ suportar
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] My girlfriend and I broke up because she couldn’t support a long-distance relationship.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] My girlfriend and I broke up because she couldn’t tolerate/stand/put up with a long-distance relationship.
support can mean apoyar, respaldar, or mantener

 

sympathetic ≠ sympathetic
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Everyone likes being around her. She’s so sympathetic.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Everyone likes being around her. She’s so nice/kind/friendly.
sympathetic means compasivo or empático

 

últimamente ≠ ultimamente
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Jacky has been going to the gym ultimately.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Jacky has been going to the gym recently.
ultimately can mean basicamente, finalmente, or por ultimo 

 

To practice, try this Spanish to English false friends practice activity.

 

 

Directly Translated Phrases

We say at work, not in the job
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] I sometimes use Facebook when I’m in the job.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] I sometimes use Facebook when I’m at work.

 

We say I’m not sure about… or I have a question about…, not I have a doubt
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] I have a doubt about the homework.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] I have a question about the homework.
Saying “I have a doubt” isn’t necessarily incorrect, but it sounds unnatural. It’s better to say “I’m not sure about…,” or “I have a question about…” instead.

 

We say I think…, not For me… when giving personal opinions
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] For me, the idea is okay.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] I think the idea is okay.
It’s not necessarily wrong to say “For me…” before giving opinions, but we don’t use “For me…” nearly as often as Spanish speakers use Para mi… when giving opinions.

 

We say I think so, not I think yes.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Is John the guy in the blue shirt? I think yes.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Is John the guy in the blue shirt? I think so.
For the negative, we say I don’t think so, not I think no.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Are you going to go out with us tonight? I think no.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Are you going to go out with us tonight? I don’t think so.

 

We say I said yes/no, not I said that yes/no to communicate decir que sí/no.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] They asked me to work overtime today, but I said that no.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] They asked me to work overtime today, but I said no.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] I asked for a raise and they told me that yes.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] I asked for a raise and they told me yes.

 

We say How long…?, not For how much time…? to ask a question about a duration of time.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] For how much time have you lived in San Jose?
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] How long have you lived in San Jose?

 

We say know how (+ infinitive verb), not know (+ infinitive verb) to talk about things someone can and can’t do.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] I know to swim.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] I know how to swim.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Does your child know to read yet?
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Does your child know how to read yet?

 

We say I have no idea, not I don’t have an idea to communicate no tengo idea.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] What should we have for lunch? I don’t have an idea.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] What should we have for lunch? I have no idea.

 

When we introduce people, we say This is… or These are…, not He is…, They are…, etc.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Hey, Mike. Let me introduce you to everyone. She is my sister, Alison, and they are my parents.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Hey, Mike. Let me introduce you to everyone. This is my sister, Alison, and these are my parents.
If we are talking about people in the distance, we say “that” or “those.” “Those are my parents over there,” for example.

 

We say leave me alone, not leave me in peace.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Leave me in peace. I don’t want to talk right now.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Leave me alone. I don’t want to talk right now.

 

We say now is the time, not now is when.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] I’m not sure if now is when to change jobs.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] I’m not sure if now is the time to change jobs.

 

We say no wonder, not with reason to communicate con razón.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] With reason you got a bad grade on the test. You didn’t study at all.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] No wonder you got a bad grade on the test. You didn’t study at all.

 

We say from now on, not since now to communicate desde ahora en adelante.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Since now he is going to be more careful.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] From now on, he is going to be more careful.

 

We say from (point in time) to (a point in time), not since (a point in time) to (a point in time).
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] I work since 8 AM to 6 PM.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] I work from 8 AM to 6 PM.

 

We say less and less and more and more, not each time less or each time more.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] I am each time less interested in watching this TV show.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] I am less and less interested in watching this TV show.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] This TV show is getting each time more interesting.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] This TV show is getting more and more interesting.
If the adjective is one syllable (good, bad, big) or a two-syllable adjective ending in “y” (funny, busy) we would say “bigger and bigger,” “better and better,” “worse and worse,” “funnier and funnier,” etc.

 

We say it’s the way she is, not it’s her way of being
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] She works really hard and has trouble relaxing. It’s her way of being.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] She works really hard and has trouble relaxing. It’s the way she is.

 

We say get a new job/car, etc. not change my job/car.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] He said he was learning English so he could change his job.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] He said he was learning English so he could get a new job.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] We’re saving money so we can change our car.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] We’re saving money so we can buy a new car.

 

We say out of work, not without job
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Edgar was without job, so he was preparing his resume and looking for job opportunities.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Edgar was out of work, so he was preparing his resume and looking for job opportunities.

 

We say the (adjective) thing/part, not the (adjective) to communicate things like lo bueno, lo malo, lo importante, etc.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] The good about my new job is that I have a flexible schedule.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] The good thing/part about my new job is that I have flexible schedule.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] The difficult about being a parent is making time for yourself.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] The difficult thing/part about being a parent is making time for yourself.

 

We say there are five of us, not we are five, etc.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] We are five in my English class.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] There are five of us in my English class.
Similar Examples:
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] We can’t beat your team. We are only three and you are five.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] We can’t beat your team. There are only three of us and five of you.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] How many are you?
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] How many of you are there?

 

We say Who are you rooting for? or Who do you want to win?, not Who are you going with? when we ask someone which team he or she wants to win a game.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Who are you going with, Real Madrid or Barcelona?
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Who are you rooting for, Real Madrid or Barcelona?
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Who do you want to win, Real Madrid or Barcelona?

 

 

Word Order

We don’t normally start a sentence with probably. We normally use probably before the main verb or after the verb to be.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Probably, we have a test this week.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] We probably have a test this week.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Probably, they are twins.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] They probably are twins.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] They’re probably twins.

 

We don’t use always to start a sentence. We use always before the main verb or after the verb to be.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Always, he goes to the beach.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] He always goes to the beach.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Always, they’re late for class.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] They always are late for class.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] They’re always late for class.

 

We don’t normally place an adverb between the verb and its object.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] I study normally English on the weekend.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] I normally study English on the weekend.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Kate goes usually to work at 7:30 AM.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Kate usually goes to work at 7:30 AM.

 

We place the adverbs a lot and very much after the object of a sentence.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] They like a lot pizza.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] They like pizza a lot.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] She loves very much her cats.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] She loves her cats very much. 

 

We usually put frequency statements (once a week, three times a year, once in awhile, etc.) at the end of the sentence.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] I drink every morning a strong cup of coffee.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] I drink a strong cup of coffee every morning.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] You should go twice a year to the dentist.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] You should go to the dentist twice a year. 

 

We say like (something) more, not like more (something).
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Gary likes more baseball than soccer.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Gary likes baseball more than soccer.

 

We say number + more + nounnot number + noun + more.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] We only have three days more of class.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] We only have three more days of class.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Jack has worked here for two years more than anyone else.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Jack has worked here for two more years than anyone else.

 

 

Articles

We don’t use the article “the” when we are talking about a non-specific group. If we are talking about a specific group, we use “the.”
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] In general, I like the dogs.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] In general, I like dogs. (non-specific)
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Dogs outside my house were barking last night and I couldn’t sleep.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] The dogs outside my house were barking last night and I couldn’t sleep. (specific group)

 

We don’t use the article “the” before sports if we are speaking about the sport in general.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] I love the baseball.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] I love baseball.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] What is your favorite sport? Mine is the soccer.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] What is your favorite sport? Mine is soccer.
It is possible (but not common) to use “the” before sports if we are talking about something very specific. The baseball they play in the Dominican Republic is a little different from what I’m used to, for example.

 

We don’t use the article “the” before academic subjects if we are speaking about the subject in general.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] I love the science, but I hate the history.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] I love science, but I hate history.
It is possible to use “the” before an academic subject if we are talking about something specific. I’m reading about the history of the Incan civilization, for example.

 

We don’t use the article “the” before expressions like last week, last January,next week,next Thursday, etc.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] I won’t be here the next weekend.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] I won’t be here next weekend.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] The last January it snowed a lot in the United States.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Last January it snowed a lot in the United States.

 

If we are talking about where someone is going, we use “the” before some places, but not others.
go to the park
go to the gym 
go to the pool 
go to the mall 
go to the supermarket 
go to the beach 
go to the bank 
go to the post office 
go to work 
go to school 
go to class
go to court
go to church
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] I don’t feel well. I don’t know if I’ll go to the work tomorrow.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] I don’t feel well. I don’t know if I’ll go to work tomorrow.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] They went to the school yesterday even though it was snowing.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] They went to school yesterday even though it was snowing.
Note that if we are talking about a specific school, class, court, or church, we might use “the.”  For example, I have history on Friday mornings, but I’ve only been to the class once.

 

We use “the” before certain countries.
the United States
the United Kingdom
the Czech Republic
the Dominican Republic
the Netherlands
the Philippines
the Bahamas
the Maldives
the United Arab Emirates
General rules for when we use “the” for a country:
1. If the country or area is a collection of islands (the Maldives, the Canary Islands).
2. If we are using the complete name of the country with the word “of.” The People’s Republic of China, for example.

 

We use possessives (my, your, his, her, their, our, Mike’s, Kate’s, etc.), not “the” for body parts.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Open the mouth.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Open your mouth.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] John broke the arm.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] John broke his arm.

 

We don’t use the article “the” before percentages if we are talking about an exact number.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Almost the 60% of Americans disagree with the president’s decision.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Almost 60% of Americans disagree with the president’s decision.
If we do not say the exact number, we use “the.” The percentage of people who don’t have a car is increasing, for example.

 

We don’t use  the article “the” before double, triple, quadruple, etc.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] I can’t sell you my car for that price. Someone already offered me the double that price.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] I can’t sell you my car for that price. Someone already offered me double that price.

 

We don’t use the article “the” before both.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] I like the both options.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] I like both options.

 

We don’t use the article “the” before numbered items in a list or series.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Did you do the math homework? I had trouble with the number 11.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Did you do the math homework? I had trouble with number 11.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] I was surprised by the number five on People Magazine’s list of the sexiest people alive.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] I was surprised by number five on People Magazine’s list of the sexiest people alive.

 

We don’t use the article “the” before heaven or hell.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] She told me to go to the hell.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] She told me to go to hell.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Did you read the book about the kid who almost died and had a vision of the heaven?
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Did you read the book about the kid who almost died and had a vision of heaven?

 

We use the article “the” before abbreviations of organizations in which each letter is said separately (the FBI, the FDA, etc.). If we pronounce the organization as a word instead of saying each letter, we don’t use the article “the” (NASA, FEMA, PETA, etc.).
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] The NASA is doing some impressive things with nanotechnology.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] NASA is doing some impressive things with nanotechnology.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Many people are members of the PETA, which is an animal rights group.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Many people are members of PETA, which is an animal rights group..
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] FBI is a powerful organization.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] The FBI is a powerful organization.

 

We need to use an article before professions (if it’s singular).
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] I am chef.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] I am a chef.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Jan is architect.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Jan is an architect.

 

We say when someone was a child, not when someone was child.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] I had blond hair when I was child.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] I had blond hair when I was a child.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] When she was child, she was very quiet.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] When she was a child, she was very quiet.

 

In general, when we talk about meals we don’t use the article “a” or “an.” However, if we include an adjective, then we use the article “a” or “an.”
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Did you eat a breakfast this morning?
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Did you eat breakfast this morning?
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] I finish work at five o’clock, and then I’m going to go home and eat a lunch.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] I finish work at five o’clock, and then I’m going to go home and eat lunch.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] I had big breakfast this morning.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] I had a big breakfast this morning.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] We’ve been eating a lot of junk food lately, so let’s eat light dinner.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] We’ve been eating a lot of junk food lately, so let’s eat a light dinner.

 

 

Prepositions

We say depends on, not depends of.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] I don’t know what I’m going to do tomorrow. It depends of the weather.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] I don’t know what I’m going to do tomorrow. It depends on the weather.

 

We say think about/of, not think in.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] I’m thinking in my future and deciding what I want to do.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] I’m thinking about my future and deciding what I want to do.
If we are imagining or envisioning something, we use think of or think about. If we are considering something, we use think about.

 

We say married to, not married with.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] He is married with a woman from Argentina.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] He is married to a woman from Argentina.
With the verb “to marry” we don’t use a preposition.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] I married to my wife when I was 20 years old.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] I married my wife when I was 20 years old.

 

We say worry about, not worry for.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Her mother worries for her a lot.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Her mother worries about her a lot.

 

We say dream about, not dream with.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] What does it mean if you dream with flying?
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] What does it mean if you dream about flying?

 

We say similar to, not similar than.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] John is very similar than his older brother.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] John is very similar to his older brother.

 

We say near or close to, but we don’t say near to.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] The hotel I’m staying at is near to the airport.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] The hotel I’m staying at is near the airport.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] The hotel I’m staying at is close to the airport.

 

When we are talking about the creator of something we say written by, painted by, directed by, created by, etc. not written forpainted for, etc.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] One Hundred Years of Solitude was written for Gabriel Garcia Marquez.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] One Hundred Years of Solitude was written by Gabriel Garcia Marquez.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Clockwork Orange was directed for Stanley Kubrick.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Clockwork Orange was directed by Stanley Kubrick.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Starry Night was painted for Vincent Van Gogh.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Starry Night was painted by Vincent Van Gogh.

 

We say related to, not related with.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] This is a problem related with drug abuse.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] This is a problem related to drug abuse.

 

We say arrive in/at a place, not arrive to a place.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] I arrived to work at 9 AM.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] I arrived at work at 9 AM.
We use arrive in when we are talking about large places such as cities and states (London, the UK, New Jersey, etc.). We use arrive at when we are talking about specific locations (the bank, the store, work, etc.).

 

We say go home, not go to home.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Instead of going to home right after work, let’s go get something to eat.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Instead of going home right after work, let’s go get something to eat.

 

We say listen to + something/someone. Omitting the preposition “to” is incorrect.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] She wants to know what kind of music you are listening.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] She wants to know what kind of music you are listening to.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Can I borrow your notes? I wasn’t listening the teacher during class.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Can I borrow your notes? I wasn’t listening to the teacher during class.

 

We say good/bad at something, not good/bad in something.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] He’s good in basketball but bad in baseball.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] He’s good at basketball but bad at baseball.
If we use the comparative and superlative forms of good and bad, the same rule applies.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] He’s good in basketball, but he’s better in football.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] He’s good at basketball, but he’s better at football.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] No, I don’t want to go golfing. I’m the absolute worst in golf.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] No, I don’t want to go golfing. I’m the absolute worst at golf.

 

We say opposite of, not opposite to.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] “Light” is the opposite to “dark.”
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] “Light” is the opposite of “dark.”

 

We say talking on the phone, not talking by phone.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Please be quiet. I’m talking by phone.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Please be quiet. I’m talking on the phone.

 

We say attend an event, not attend to an event to communicate asistir a un evento.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] I have attended to every single class this year.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] I have attended every single class this year.

 

With many verbs (answer, ask, call, choose, tell, visit), we don’t place “to” between the verb and the object.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] I couldn’t answer to the teacher.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] I couldn’t answer the teacher.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] The reporter asked to him a question.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] The reporter asked him a question.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Salespeople always call to the house during dinner.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Salespeople always call the house during dinner.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] I hope they choose to me for the job opening.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] I hope they choose me for the job opening.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] I told to John the story about what happened last weekend.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] I told John the story about what happened last weekend.
There are other examples, but the verbs above tend to cause problems for Spanish speakers.

 

We say been to, not been in for cities, states, and other places.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] I’ve never been in New Jersey.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] I’ve never been to New Jersey.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Before that, she had never been in Europe.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Before that, she had never been to Europe.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Have you guys been in that new Italian restaurant?
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Have you guys been to that new Italian restaurant?

 

We say smile at someone, not smile to someone.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] A cute guy smiled to me on the bus.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] A cute guy smiled at me on the bus.

 

We say despite + noun/gerund, not despite of + noun/gerund.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Despite of being tired, he came to class
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Despite being tired, he came to class.

 

We say on the bus/train/plane, not in the bus/plane/train.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Sometimes I read when I’m in the bus.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Sometimes I read when I’m on the bus.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Let’s get in the plane.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Let’s get on the plane.
We use “on” with types of public transport and “in” with cars, vans, trucks, etc.

 

We say waiting for someone/something, not waiting someone/something.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] We are waiting John to get here.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] We are waiting for John to get here.

 

We normally say trust someone, not trust in someone.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] I trust in my employees to do a good job when I’m not in the office.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] I trust my employees to do a good job when I’m not in the office.

 

We say according to someone, not according someone.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] According many experts, the economy is going to improve.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] According to many experts, the economy is going to improve.

 

If we are talking about completing paperwork (forms, government documents, etc.) we say fill out, not fill.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] I filled the immigration form when I was on the plane.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] I filled out the immigration form when I was on the plane.

 

We say put music on or put on music, not put music to communicate poner música.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Let’s put music. It’s too quiet.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Let’s put on some music. It’s too quiet.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Let’s put some music on. It’s too quiet.

 

We say contact someone, not contact with someone.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] I’m going to contact with her when I find out more information.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] I’m going to contact her when I find out more information.

 

We say pay for something, not pay something to talk about purchasing something tangible.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] They paid the book and then left the store.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] They paid for the book and then left the store.
When talking about something intangible (bills, taxes, rent, etc.) we don’t use “for.”
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Everyone has to pay for their taxes by April 15.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Everyone has to pay their taxes by April 15.

 

We say the same as, not the same than or the same to.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] He’s the same than his father. They both like the same things and have similar personalities.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] He’s the same as his father. They both like the same things and have similar personalities.

 

We say because of, not for to emphasize the cause or reason of something.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] I can’t go running right now for my knee injury.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] I can’t go running right now because of my knee injury.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Getting to work can be difficult for the traffic.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Getting to work can be difficult because of the traffic.

 

We say insist that, not insist in that.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] She insisted in that we stay for dinner.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] She insisted that we stay for dinner.

 

We say in the world, not of the world to communicate del mundo.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Lionel Messi is one of the best soccer players of the world.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Lionel Messi is one of the best soccer players in the world.

 

 

Verb Choice

We use the verb to be for ages, not  to have.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] She has 25 years.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] She is 25 years old.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] She’s twenty-five.
Many expressions with tener in Spanish take the verb to be in English.
tener hambre is to be hungry
tener miedo is to be scared/afraid
tener sed is to be thirsty
tener sueño is to be tired
tener verguenza is to be ashamed/embarrassed
tener frio is to be cold
tener prisa is to be in a hurry
tener razón is to be right
tener la culpa is to be guilty
tener celos is to be jealous

 

We say make money or earn money, not gain money.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] I hope to get a new job soon so I can gain more money.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] I hope to get a new job soon so I can make/earn more money.
Win money would also be incorrect. We use win money to talk about prizes or gambling winnings.

 

We say make mistakes, not have errors or have mistakes.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] My English is okay, but I have a lot of errors.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] My English is okay, but I have a lot of mistakes.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] My English is okay, but I make a lot of mistakes.

 

We say have a party, not make a party or do a party.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Do you think we should make a party this weekend?
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Do you think we should do a party this weekend?
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Do you think we should have a party this weekend?

 

We say play a sport, not practice a sport if it is for fun or recreation.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] I like to practice soccer with my friends after work.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] I like to play soccer with my friends after work.

 

We say spend time, not share time to communicate compartir tiempo.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] On the weekend, she usually shares time with her husband.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] On the weekend, she usually spends time with her husband.

 

We normally say go to a place, not visit a place. We typically use “visit” for people.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] I might visit the beach this weekend.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] I might go to the beach this weekend.

 

We say take pills, not drink pills. We only use “drink” for liquids.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] I always drink a pill if I have a headache.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] I always take a pill if I have a headache.

 

We say wear, not use to talk about clothes, jewelry, makeup, or anything else that goes on someone’s body.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] John is the one using the red shirt. Tom is the one using glasses.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] John is the one wearing the red shirt. Tom is the one wearing glasses.

 

We say come in, not pass when we tell someone to enter a room.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] He knocked on the door, and I told him to pass.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] He knocked on the door, and I told him to come in.

 

We say pay attention, not put attention.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] I don’t remember what they said. I wasn’t putting attention.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] I don’t remember what they said. I wasn’t paying attention.

 

We say to take care of or to look after, not to care to communicate cuidar a alguien.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Jessica cares her little brother when her mom is at work.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Jessica takes care of her little brother when her mom is at work.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Jessica looks after her little brother when her mom is at work.

 

We say support, not maintain to communicate mantener a alguien.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] It’s really difficult to maintain three kids.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] It’s really difficult to support three kids.

 

We say tell the truth, not say the truth.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] They were such honest kids. They always said the truth.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] They were such honest kids. They always told the truth.

 

We say to go for the first time, not to meet or to know to communicate conocer un lugar.  We only use “meet” for people.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] I met New York in 2009.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] I went to New York for the first time in 2009.

 

We say see, visit, experience, etc. for places, not know.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Let’s leave the hotel so we can know the city.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Let’s leave the hotel so we can see/experience/check out the city.

 

We say pay, not cancel to talk about making a payment.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Can you go up to the counter and cancel?
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Can you go up to the counter and pay?

 

We say lead, not conduct to communicate enseñar el camino or conducir a un lugar.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] They conducted the horses to the stable.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] They led the horses to the stable. (lead becomes led in the past.)

 

We say waste time, not lose time to communicate perder el tiempo.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Sara loses a lot of time watching TV.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Sara wastes a lot of time watching TV.

 

We say brush (someone’s) teeth, not wash (someone’s) teeth.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] I’m going to wash my teeth and go to bed.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] I’m going to brush my teeth and go to bed.

 

We say keep a secret, not save a secret or guard a secret.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] You can tell me what’s bothering you. I can save a secret.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] You can tell me what’s bother you. I can guard a secret.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] You can tell me what’s bothering you. I can keep a secret.

 

We use the verb turn out, not result to communicate resultar que.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] It results that we are both from the same town.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] It turns out that we are both from the same town.

 

We say to sunbathe or to get a tan, not to take sun.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] I’m going to take sun today.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] I’m going to sunbathe today.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] I’m going to get a tan today.

 

We almost always say hire, not contract to communicate contratar a alguien.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Things have been going really well. Management is thinking about contracting more people.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Things have been going really well. Management is thinking about hiring more people.

 

We say take place, not have place to talk about where events happen in a movie, book, play, etc.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] The novel has place in Brooklyn in the 1920’s.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] The novel takes place in Brooklyn in the 1920’s.

 

Animals lay eggs. They do not put eggs.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Our chicken still hasn’t put any eggs this week.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Our chicken still hasn’t laid any eggs this week. (lay is laid in the past)

 

We say make (someone/something) disappear, not disappear (someone/something).
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Joseph Stalin disappeared many people when he was the leader of the Soviet Union.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Joseph Stalin made many people disappear when he was the leader of the Soviet Union.

 

 

Verb Tense

We use the present continuous, not the simple present to talk about things happening en el momento.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Right now, I cook dinner.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Right now, I’m cooking dinner.

 

We don’t use the structure maybe + going to + verb. We use maybe + subject + will or might instead.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Maybe we are going to the beach this weekend.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Maybe we’ll go to the beach this weekend. (the speaker is thinking about it now)
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] We might go to the beach this weekend. (the speaker is communicating a future possibility)

 

We use one of the present perfect tenses, not the simple present to talk about actions that started in the past and continue in the present.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] He has three years at this company.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] He has worked here for three years.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] He has been working here for three years.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] How long do they have being married?
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] How long have they been married?

 

We use will, not going to when we make a decision about the future at the same time we are speaking.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Your car broke down? No problem, I’m going to pick you up at your house.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Your car broke down? No problem, I’ll pick you up at your house.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Would you like a copy of this presentation? Okay, my secretary is going to send it to you.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Would you like a copy of this presentation? Okay, my secretary will send it to you.

 

In Spanish, some verbs are followed by “que” and then the second verb in the subjunctive.
Quiero que tenga…
Quisiera que me regale…
Espero que tenga…
Le pedi que llegaran…
In English, these verbs (want, would like, expect, ask, and tell) are followed by the object and the second verb in the infinitive.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] I want that you call me later.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] I want you to call me later.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] I would like that you help me with something.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] I would like you to help me with something.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] They always expected that we were on time.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] They always expected us to be on time.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] He asked that I got here at 8 a.m.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] He asked me to get here at 8 a.m.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] He told that I got here at 8 a.m.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] He told me to get here at 8 a.m.

 

When we put two verbs together, some verbs are followed by the infinitive and some verbs are followed by the gerund . A common mistake is to always combine two verbs by putting the second verb in the infinitive.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] I avoid to go to the mall on weekends.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] I avoid going to the mall on weekends.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] She enjoys to run.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] She enjoys running.
Verbs followed by the gerund include avoid, consider, deny, enjoy, finish, keep, miss, recommend, suggest, and understand.

 

 

Noun Choice

We have the words main and principal in English. With many nouns, main is a  better choice and principal can sound awkward.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] The principal problem is a lack of data.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] The main problem is a lack of data.

 

We usually say floodnot inundation.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] After the storm, there was an inundation in the valley.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] After the storm, there was a flood in the valley.

 

We say parking lot, not parking to talk about a specially designed area in which to park cars.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] The parking was full, so we parked on the street.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] The parking lot was full, so we parked on the street.

 

We say permit, not permission to talk about an official document that gives us permission to do something.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] We had to show the government officials our permission.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] We had to show the government officials our permit.

 

Only married people have a mother-in-law, father-in-law, etc.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Paul likes his girlfriend a lot, but he doesn’t like his mother-in-law.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Paul likes his girlfriend a lot, but he doesn’t like his girlfriend’s mother.

 

We say coworkers, not partners to talk about the people we work with.
We say classmates, not partners to talk about the people we go to school with.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] It’s hard to get work done because my partners talk too much.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] It’s hard to get work done because my coworkers talk too much.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Brandon’s high school partners always made fun of him.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Brandon’s high school classmates always made fun of him.

 

Most Spanish words ending in “ion” have an equivalent in English. However, some do not.
actualización is update, not actualization
calificación can be grademark, score, or rating, not calification
explicación is explanation, not explication
grabación is recording, not grabation
decepción is disappointment, not deception (“Deception”= engaño, see section on false friends)
filmación is filming or shooting, not filmation
habitación is room or bedroom, not habitation
presión is pressure, not  pression
recopilacion can be collection, set, summary, review, or compilation, not recopilation
ubicación is location, not ubication

 

 

Plural Nouns

Homeworks is not a word. Homework is a non-count noun.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Kate couldn’t come to the party because she had many homeworks to do.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Kate couldn’t come to the party because she had a lot of homework to do. (or too much homework to do)

 

Furtnitures is not a word. Furniture is a non-count noun.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] We just bought a house and we have to buy new furnitures.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] We just bought a house and we have to buy new furniture.

 

Advices is not the plural of adviceAdvice is a non-count noun.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] My father always gave me very good advices.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] My father always gave me very good advice.

 

Popcorns is not a word. Popcorn is a non-count noun.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Let’s make some popcorns and watch a movie.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Let’s make some popcorn and watch a movie.

 

Evidences is not the plural of evidence. Evidence is a non-count noun.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] There were many evidences against the defendant. He was convicted of the crime.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] There was a lot of evidence against the defendant. He was convicted of the crime.

 

Proofs is not the plural of proof. Unless we’re speaking about mathematical proofs, proof is a non-count noun.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] He had to provide proofs of his legal status in the country.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] He had to provide proof of his legal status in the country.

 

Jewelry is normally a non-count noun.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Her husband has given her many jewelries over the years.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Her husband has given her a lot of jewelry over the years.

 

We say election, not elections to talk about one event.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] The next presidential elections will be in 2018.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] The next presidential election will be in 2018.
We say elections to talk about multiple events.

 

We say go on vacation or take a vacation, not to go on vacations or take vacations.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] I’m going to take vacations next May.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] I’m going to take a vacation next May.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Stewart is on vacations. He’ll be back on Monday.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Stewart is on vacation. He’ll be back on Monday.
We say vacations to talk about multiple trips on multiple occasions.

 

News is always plural (except to communicate nuevo).
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Have you heard the new about Stacy?
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Have you heard the news about Stacy?

 

Scissors is always plural.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Pass me the scissor, please.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Pass me the scissors, please.

 

Pajamas is always plural.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] My son opened his Christmas presents without changing out of his pajama.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] My son opened his Christmas presents without changing out of his pajamas.

 

To talk about multiple people in a family, we add an “s” to the last name.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] The Thompson live next to us.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] The Thompsons live next to us.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] She likes to watch the Simpson.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] She likes to watch the Simpsons.

 

Words like candy, chocolate, and beer are both count and non-count nouns. We use the singular form to talk about something abstract and the plural form to talk about a specific number.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] He eats too many candies.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] He eats too much candy.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] They ate 12 chocolate.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] They ate 12 chocolates.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] He’s probably going to get up late tomorrow. He drank a lot of beers last night.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] He’s probably going to get up late tomorrow. He drank a lot of beer last night.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] He drank six beer last night.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] He drank six beers last night.

 

 

Adjectives

Fun and funny are two different adjectives with different meanings.
Fun = something enjoyable (divertido)
Funny = something that causes laughter (chistoso)
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Playing video games is funny.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Playing video games is fun.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] My friend Frank always makes me laugh with his fun stories.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] My friend Frank always makes me laugh with his funny stories.
The comparative of fun is more fun, not funner
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] I think going dancing is funner than staying home.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] I think going dancing is more fun that staying at home.

 

We only use ugly to describe the physical appearance of something.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] You were ugly with me yesterday.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] You were mean to me yesterday.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] I had a very ugly day.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] I had a very bad day.

 

We normally use humble to talk about people, not things.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] He has a lot of money, but his house is very humble
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] He has a lot of money, but his house isn’t very big.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] He has a lot of money, but his house is very modest.

 

We say that people are close, not united to communicate son muy unidos.
[icon name=”times” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Kate and her father are very united. She calls him every day.
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Kate and her father are very close. She calls him every day.

 

To practice the material covered in this guide, see:
Error Correction for Spanish Speakers 
False Friends (Spanish-English) Exercise