Common English Mistakes in Essays by Cantonese Speakers

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

Mistake Example #1

Confusion with countable vs. uncountable nouns ('She has much friends')

In recent years, there ihasbeen much debate about the impact of technology on education. Many students in Hong Kong believe that technology provides numerouchs benefits, such as access to information and interactive learning tools. However, there are also muchany challenges, including the distraction it can cause and the need for muchltiple resources to implement technologyeffectively in schools.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"Good work! I fixed some issues with much/many and polished up the text."

In recent years, there has been much debate about the impact of technology on education. Many students in Hong Kong believe that technology provides numerous benefits, such as access to information and interactive learning tools. However, there are also many challenges, including the distraction it can cause and the need for multiple resources to implement technology effectively in schools.

In recent years, there is much debate about the impact of technology on education. Many students in Hong Kong believe that technology provides much benefits, such as access to information and interactive learning tools. However, there are also much challenges, including the distraction it can cause and the need for much resources to implement effectively in schools.

Mistake Example #2

Overuse of direct translations from Cantonese

Inthe modern society, education is very important because it can help people toclimb the dDragon gGate. Many students in Hong Kong are under great pressure to get good results in the public exams, so they burn the midnight oil every day. However, it is not only about studying hard, but also about having a balance between work and rest, which is like adding oil to the machine to make it run smoothly.

Text corrected by:
Miss E., Cyprus, Europe

"This is well-written. Just a few small changes were needed here."

In modern society, education is very important because it can help people climb the Dragon Gate. Many students in Hong Kong are under great pressure to get good results in the public exams, so they burn the midnight oil every day. However, it is not only about studying hard, but also about having a balance between work and rest, which is like adding oil to the machine to make it run smoothly.

In the modern society, education is very important because it can help people to climb the dragon gate. Many students in Hong Kong are under great pressure to get good results in the public exams, so they burn the midnight oil every day. However, it is not only about studying hard, but also about having a balance between work and rest, which is like adding oil to the machine to make it run smoothly.

Mistake Example #3

Overuse of 'very' to emphasize adjectives

The impact of climate change on our environment is vquitery significant and verhighly concerning. It is veritally important for us to takevery immediate actions to reduce carbon emissions. In Hong Kong, the government has implemented vextremely strict policies to encourage the use of veryclean energy sources, which is an vencouragingly positive step towards a verysustainable future.

Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

"This needed tweaking to address overuse of the word "very.""

The impact of climate change on our environment is quite significant and highly concerning. It is vitally important for us to take immediate actions to reduce carbon emissions. In Hong Kong, the government has implemented extremely strict policies to encourage the use of clean energy sources, which is an encouragingly positive step towards a sustainable future.

The impact of climate change on our environment is very significant and very concerning. It is very important for us to take very immediate actions to reduce carbon emissions. In Hong Kong, the government has implemented very strict policies to encourage the use of very clean energy sources, which is a very positive step towards a very sustainable future.