This page focuses on errors typically made by native Cantonese speakers from Hong Kong when writing in English.
Academic Writing / Academic Journal Article
Confusion with countable vs. uncountable nouns ('She has much friends')
In recent years, there ismuch researchhas been conducted on the impact of social media on adolescent behavior. Many studies suggest that social media platforms have asignificant influence on how young people perceive themselves and their peers. However, there isare still many questions about the long-term effects of this exposure, and more data isare needed to draw definitive conclusions.
Text corrected by:
Vince, United States
"Very good! Just a couple of changes to make the text consistent."
In recent years, much research has been conducted on the impact of social media on adolescent behavior. Many studies suggest that social media platforms have a significant influence on how young people perceive themselves and their peers. However, there are still many questions about the long-term effects of this exposure, and more data are needed to draw definitive conclusions.
In recent years, there is much research conducted on the impact of social media on adolescent behavior. Many studies suggest that social media platforms have significant influence on how young people perceive themselves and their peers. However, there is still many questions about the long-term effects of this exposure, and more data is needed to draw definitive conclusions.
Business Writing / Annual Report
Overuse of direct translations from Cantonese
InOver the past year, our company has asuchiceved the goassfulofly expandedingthes market share—and we’re thrilled with the results. Sales are up 20%, marking a major milestone, and wea’re happycommitted litokea dragon gettping the pearl. The sales figures have increased by 20%, which is a big step forward, and we will continue to add oil to maintain this momentumgoing. Looking ahead, we plan to develop new products that will help positionus toas stanleadon thetop of the mountainr in the industry.
Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA
"This needed some tweaking to sound more native and natural."
Over the past year, our company has successfully expanded its market share—and we’re thrilled with the results. Sales are up 20%, marking a major milestone, and we’re committed to keeping that momentum going. Looking ahead, we plan to develop new products that will help position us as a leader in the industry.
In the past year, our company has achieved the goal of expanding the market share, and we are happy like a dragon getting the pearl. The sales figures have increased by 20%, which is a big step forward, and we will continue to add oil to maintain this momentum. Looking ahead, we plan to develop new products that will help us to stand on the top of the mountain in the industry.
Educational & Instructional Writing / E-learning Module
Overuse of direct translations from Cantonese
Welcome to this e-learning module about how to use English in daily life. Today, we will talk about how to make a goodconversation with others. When you meet a friend, you can say, "Have you eaten riceyet?" This is a common way to show care in Hong Kong. Also, remember notto add "lah" at the end of sentences, to makes itdoes not sound more friendly, like "See you later, lah!".
Text corrected by:
Vince, United States
"This was well-written – I just made a few minor changes to make it sound a bit more natural :)"
Welcome to this e-learning module about how to use English in daily life. Today, we will talk about how to make conversation with others. When you meet a friend, you can say, "Have you eaten yet?" This is a common way to show care in Hong Kong. Also, remember not to add "lah" at the end of sentences, as it does not sound more friendly.
Welcome to this e-learning module about how to use English in daily life. Today, we will talk about how to make a good conversation with others. When you meet a friend, you can say, "Have you eaten rice yet?" This is a common way to show care in Hong Kong. Also, remember to add "lah" at the end of sentences to make it more friendly, like "See you later, lah!"
ESL Writing / Email Practice
Overuse of direct translations from Cantonese
Dear Mr. Lee,I hope you are well. I am writing to ask if you have anyfree time to meet next week. I want to discuss aboutthe new project and see how we can cooperatetogether. Please let me know your available time, and we can fscheduleix atime. Thank you for your attention.
Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA
"Good work overall! It just needed a few tweaks to make the English sound more natural."
Dear Mr. Lee, I hope you are well. I am writing to ask if you have any free time to meet next week. I want to discuss the new project and see how we can cooperate. Please let me know your available time, and we can schedule it. Thank you for your attention.
Dear Mr. Lee, I hope you are well. I am writing to ask if you have free time to meet next week. I want to discuss about the new project and see how we can cooperate together. Please let me know your available time, and we can fix a time. Thank you for your attention.
Fiction & Creative Writing / Creative Nonfiction
Overuse of 'very' to emphasize adjectives
The sun was very bright today, casting verylong shadows on thevery busy streets of Hong Kong. I felt vextremely excited as I walked through the verycrowded market, thevery colorful stalls filled with veryfresh fruits andvery fragrant spices. The air was verxceedingly warm, and thevery lively chatter of people made the atmosphere feel very vibrant and veryalive.
Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA
"I made changes to cut down on the use of "very"—the rest sounds great!"
The sun was very bright today, casting long shadows on the busy streets of Hong Kong. I felt extremely excited as I walked through the crowded market, the colorful stalls filled with fresh fruits and fragrant spices. The air was exceedingly warm, and the lively chatter of people made the atmosphere feel vibrant and alive.
The sun was very bright today, casting very long shadows on the very busy streets of Hong Kong. I felt very excited as I walked through the very crowded market, the very colorful stalls filled with very fresh fruits and very fragrant spices. The air was very warm, and the very lively chatter of people made the atmosphere feel very vibrant and very alive.
Government & Policy Writing / Government Memo
Overuse of direct translations from Cantonese
To: All Department Heads Subject: Arrangement of the Annual Budget Meeting Please be informed that tThe annual budget meeting will behoeldon next Friday. We need to discuss the financial plan for the coming year, so everyone must prepare ya repourt for their department's report. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask me. Thank you for your cooperation.
Text corrected by:
Michele A., Boston, Massachusetts; United States
"I changed some of the phrasing to be more straightforward while maintaining an appropriately professional tone in the sentences."
To: All Department Heads Subject: Annual Budget Meeting The annual budget meeting will be held next Friday. We need to discuss the financial plan for the coming year, so everyone must prepare a report for their department. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask me. Thank you for your cooperation.
To: All Department Heads Subject: Arrangement of the Annual Budget Meeting Please be informed that the annual budget meeting will hold on next Friday. We need to discuss the financial plan for the coming year, so everyone must prepare your department's report. If you have any question, please feel free to ask me. Thank you for your cooperation.
Healthcare & Medical Writing / Clinical Study
Overuse of 'very' to emphasize adjectives
The clinical study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of a new medication for treating verysevere headaches. The participants reported that the medication wasvery helpful in reducing the intensity of their symptoms. Overall, the study concluded that the new treatment is a verypromising option for patients suffering from veryfrequent andvery intense headaches.
Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA
"The word "very" was not necessary, so I took it out. Otherwise, this text is perfect. :)"
The clinical study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of a new medication for treating severe headaches. The participants reported that the medication was helpful in reducing the intensity of their symptoms. Overall, the study concluded that the new treatment is a promising option for patients suffering from frequent and intense headaches.
The clinical study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of a new medication for treating very severe headaches. The participants reported that the medication was very helpful in reducing the intensity of their symptoms. Overall, the study concluded that the new treatment is a very promising option for patients suffering from very frequent and very intense headaches.
Job Applications & Professional Development / Career Portfolio
Overuse of direct translations from Cantonese
I am very happy to introduce myself in this career portfolio. I have been working in the marketing field for over five years, and I am gooskilled at creating strategies that can help acompanyto grow. In my previous job, I was responsible for leading ateam to achieve itssales targets, and—we have successfully increased revenue by 20% last year.
Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA
"This needed some tweaking to sound more native and natural."
I am very happy to introduce myself in this career portfolio. I have been working in the marketing field for over five years, and I am skilled at creating strategies that can help a company grow. In my previous job, I was responsible for leading a team to achieve its sales targets—we successfully increased revenue by 20% last year.
I am very happy to introduce myself in this career portfolio. I have been working in the marketing field for over five years, and I am good at creating strategies that can help company to grow. In my previous job, I was responsible for leading team to achieve sales targets, and we have successfully increased revenue by 20% last year.
Journalism & Media / Editorial
Overuse of 'very' to emphasize adjectives
Hong Kong is a very vibrant city with avery unique blend of cultures and traditions. The skyline is vetruly impressive, and the food scene is vquitery diverse, offering avery wide range of cuisines. However, the cost of living is versky-high, making it vrerally challenging for many residents to afford housing and other necessities.
Text corrected by:
Vince, United States
"This text was well-written – I just made a few minor changes to make it sound a bit more natural :)"
Hong Kong is a very vibrant city with a unique blend of cultures and traditions. The skyline is truly impressive, and the food scene is quite diverse, offering a wide range of cuisines. However, the cost of living is sky-high, making it really challenging for many residents to afford housing and other necessities.
Hong Kong is a very vibrant city with a very unique blend of cultures and traditions. The skyline is very impressive, and the food scene is very diverse, offering a very wide range of cuisines. However, the cost of living is very high, making it very challenging for many residents to afford housing and other necessities.
Legal & Formal Writing / Agreement
Overuse of direct translations from Cantonese
This Agreement is to confirm that both parties will dcooperathethings they say. We will, follow the rulesand not break them, and if there is aproblem, we will talk abodiscutss ittogether. This is to make sure everything is clearand no misunderstanding will happen, so we can work happily together.
Text corrected by:
Michele A., Boston, Massachusetts; United States
"I just replaced a word or two to make the English sound more natural. "
This Agreement is to confirm that both parties will cooperate, follow the rules, and if there is a problem, we will discuss it to make sure everything is clear.
This Agreement is to confirm that both parties will do the things they say. We will follow the rules and not break them, and if there is problem, we will talk about it together. This is to make sure everything is clear and no misunderstanding will happen, so we can work happily together.
Marketing & Advertising Writing / Ad Copy
Confusion with countable vs. uncountable nouns ('She has much friends')
Discover the secret to glowing skin with our new skincare line! Our product contains many natural ingredients that nourish and hydrate your skin. Experience the difference with our formula that brings somuchany benefits to your daily routine. Try it today and see why so many customers are choosing us for their skincare needs in Hong Kong!
Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA
"This needed some tweaking for countable vs. uncountable nouns."
Discover the secret to glowing skin with our new skincare line! Our product contains many natural ingredients that nourish and hydrate your skin. Experience the difference with our formula that brings so many benefits to your daily routine. Try it today and see why so many customers are choosing us for their skincare needs in Hong Kong!
Discover the secret to glowing skin with our new skincare line! Our product contains many natural ingredient that nourish and hydrate your skin. Experience the difference with our formula that brings much benefit to your daily routine. Try it today and see why so many customer are choosing us for their skincare needs in Hong Kong!
Personal & Lifestyle Writing / Journal Entry
Confusion with countable vs. uncountable nouns ('She has much friends')
Today was a very busy day. I went to the market and bought manylots of fruit and some vegetables. My friend invited me to her house, and she has muchany pets, including a dog and two cats. We had a lot of fun playing with them.
Text corrected by:
Michele A., Boston, Massachusetts; United States
"I adjusted the language with regard to countable and nono-countable nouns. Otherwise, the ideas in this text are clearly expressed."
Today was a very busy day. I went to the market and bought lots of fruit and some vegetables. My friend invited me to her house, and she has many pets, including a dog and two cats. We had a lot of fun playing with them.
Today was a very busy day. I went to the market and bought many fruit and some vegetable. My friend invited me to her house, and she has much pet, including a dog and two cat. We had a lot of fun playing with them.
Social Media & Online Writing / Blog Post
Overuse of 'very' to emphasize adjectives
I recently visited avery beautiful park in Hong Kong, and it was veryamazing to see how verygreen andvery peaceful it was. The weather was very nice, and I felt veryrelaxed just walking around and enjoying the veryfresh air. If you ever visit Hong Kong, I vestrongly recommend spending some time there to experience the veryunique atmosphere.
Text corrected by:
Michele A., Boston, Massachusetts; United States
"I reduced repetition of "very." Otherwise, the ideas in this text are clearly expressed."
I recently visited a beautiful park in Hong Kong, and it was amazing to see how green and peaceful it was. The weather was very nice, and I felt relaxed just walking around and enjoying the fresh air. If you ever visit Hong Kong, I strongly recommend spending some time there to experience the unique atmosphere.
I recently visited a very beautiful park in Hong Kong, and it was very amazing to see how very green and very peaceful it was. The weather was very nice, and I felt very relaxed just walking around and enjoying the very fresh air. If you ever visit Hong Kong, I very recommend spending some time there to experience the very unique atmosphere.
Student / Admission Essay
Confusion with countable vs. uncountable nouns ('She has much friends')
I am very excited to apply for the university program because I have mucha deep interest in studying psychology. During my high school years, I participated in many activities and made a numuchber of friends who share the same passion. I believe this program will provide me with much opportunity to grow and learn more about human behavior.
Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA
"Nice work! In some of the sentences much/many either didn't work or sounded repetitive, so I made a few changes."
I am very excited to apply for the university program because I have a deep interest in studying psychology. During my high school years, I participated in many activities and made a number of friends who share the same passion. I believe this program will provide me with much opportunity to grow and learn more about human behavior.
I am very excited to apply for the university program because I have much interest in studying psychology. During my high school years, I participated in many activities and made much friends who share the same passion. I believe this program will provide me with much opportunity to grow and learn more about human behavior.
Technical & Scientific Writing / Engineering Specification
Overuse of direct translations from Cantonese
The machine will startto operate after you press the button, and then it will automatically do the work. Please ensure the power is on before you start the machine,. oOtherwise it willcannotcan function properly. The design of the machine is very user-friendly, so you dono't need to worry about the operation process.
Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA
"I corrected a few grammatical errors and made some small tweaks so it would read more smoothly."
The machine will start to operate after you press the button, and then it will automatically do the work. Please ensure the power is on before you start the machine. Otherwise it cannot function properly. The design of the machine is very user-friendly, so you don't need to worry about the operation process.
The machine will start operate after you press the button, and then it will automatically do the work. Please ensure the power is on before you start the machine, otherwise it will not can function properly. The design of the machine is very user-friendly, so you no need to worry about the operation process.