Learning English can be tricky for Spanish speakers. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:

1. False friends:

Beware of words that sound similar but have different meanings. For example:

– «Actualmente» doesn’t mean «actually», but «currently»

– «Embarazada» doesn’t mean «embarrassed», but «pregnant»

2. Silent ‘h’:

In Spanish, ‘h’ is always silent. Remember to pronounce it in English words like «house», «happy», and «hello».

3. Overusing the present continuous:

Spanish uses the present continuous more frequently. In English, use simple present for habits and general truths:

– Incorrect: «I am loving chocolate»

– Correct: «I love chocolate»

4. Adjective placement:

In English, adjectives usually come before nouns:

– Incorrect: «The car red»

– Correct: «The red car»

5. Confusing ‘do’ and ‘make’:

These verbs are often interchangeable in Spanish but not in English:

– We make dinner, but we do homework

6. Pronunciation of ‘-ed’ endings:

The ‘-ed’ in regular past tense verbs isn’t always pronounced as a separate syllable:

– «Walked» sounds like «walkt»

– «Played» sounds like «playd»

7. Using ‘No?’ at the end of sentences:

In Spanish, «¿no?» is often used to seek agreement. In English, use «isn’t it?», «aren’t they?», etc., or simply «right?»

8. Omitting subject pronouns:

Unlike in Spanish, subject pronouns are usually necessary in English:

– Incorrect: «Is raining»

– Correct: «It is raining»

Remember, making mistakes is part of learning. Keep practising, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.

¡Sigue adelante con tu aprendizaje del inglés!

Written by Aimee Wilkinson, Principal at The Harrogate International Academy