Common English Mistakes in Academic Journal Articles by Cantonese Speakers

This page focuses on errors typically made by native Cantonese speakers from Hong Kong when writing a Academic Journal Article in English.

Mistake Example #1

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.

Mistake Example #2

Overuse of 'very' to emphasize adjectives

In recent studies, it has been observed that theclimate change is hmavking avery significant impact on the biodiversity in Hong Kong. The temperature has been rising veryrapidly, causingvery severe stress on local ecosystems. This veryalarming trend requiresvery immediate attention from both the government and the scientific community to develop veryeffective strategies for mitigation.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"Very good! I just polished up the text, which included taking out "very"."

In recent studies, it has been observed that climate change is making a significant impact on the biodiversity in Hong Kong. The temperature has been rising rapidly, causing severe stress on local ecosystems. This alarming trend requires immediate attention from both the government and the scientific community to develop effective strategies for mitigation.

In recent studies, it has been observed that the climate change is having a very significant impact on the biodiversity in Hong Kong. The temperature has been rising very rapidly, causing very severe stress on local ecosystems. This very alarming trend requires very immediate attention from both the government and the scientific community to develop very effective strategies for mitigation.

Mistake Example #3

Overuse of direct translations from Cantonese

In recent years, the research on climate change has become more and more important. Many scientists are saying that if we do not take action, the planet Earth will become verytoo hotlike a big oven. This is because the greenhouse gases are trapping the heat, just likehow a lid coversno a pot. In Hong Kong, we are experiencing more typhoons and heavy rain, which is making people feel very worried. Therefore, it iswe necessary for usd to work together to protect the environment, otherwise, we will be like the frog in the boiling water.

Text corrected by:
Michele A., Boston, Massachusetts; United States

"I changed some of the language to make the sentences sound more straightforward. I left some of the metaphors intact."

In recent years, the research on climate change has become more and more important. Many scientists are saying that if we do not take action, the planet Earth will become too hot. This is because the greenhouse gases are trapping the heat like a lid ono a pot. In Hong Kong, we are experiencing more typhoons and heavy rain, which is making people feel very worried. Therefore, we need to work together to protect the environment, otherwise, we will be like the frog in the boiling water.

In recent years, the research on climate change has become more and more important. Many scientists are saying that if we do not take action, the earth will become very hot like a big oven. This is because the greenhouse gases are trapping the heat, just like how a lid covers a pot. In Hong Kong, we are experiencing more typhoons and heavy rain, which is making people feel very worried. Therefore, it is necessary for us to work together to protect the environment, otherwise, we will be like the frog in the boiling water.