5 Common English Speaking Mistakes Egyptians Make (And How to Fix Them)

After coaching hundreds of Egyptian learners, I've noticed recurring patterns. Here are the top 5 mistakes and how to correct them.

1. Confusing "Make" and "Do"

Wrong: "I want to do a decision."

Right: "I want to make a decision."

Fix: Learn common collocations. "Make" goes with: a decision, a mistake, a plan, an effort. "Do" goes with: homework, a favor, business, your best.

2. Missing Third-Person "S"

Wrong: "She work at a hospital."

Right: "She works at a hospital."

Fix: When the subject is he/she/it, always add -s/-es to the verb in simple present. Create a habit by practicing sentences about someone you know.

3. Overusing "I am agree"

Wrong: "I am agree with you."

Right: "I agree with you."

Fix: "Agree" is a verb, not an adjective. You don't need "am." Practice: "I agree," "I disagree," "I strongly agree."

4. Pronouncing "P" as "B"

Arabic doesn't have the /p/ sound, so many Egyptians say "baper" instead of "paper."

Fix: To pronounce /p/, bring your lips together and release a puff of air. Hold a piece of paper in front of your mouth — it should move when you say /p/ but not /b/.

5. Using "Since" for Duration

Wrong: "I have been studying English since 3 years."

Right: "I have been studying English for 3 years."

Fix: Use "since" with a point in time (since 2020, since Monday). Use "for" with a period of time (for 3 years, for two months).