Common English Mistakes in Literature Reviews by Cantonese Speakers

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

Mistake Example #1

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

In recent years, there ihasbeen much research conducted on the impact of social media on youth behavior. Many studies suggest that social media platforms have asignificant influence on how young people perceive themselves and others. However, there is still manyuch debate about whether these effects are mostly positive or negative. Some researchers argue that social media provides muchany opportunities for self-expression, while others believe it leads to much pressure to conform to unrealistic standards.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"Nice job! I just made a few corrections, including some involving the words "much" and "many"."

In recent years, there has been much research conducted on the impact of social media on youth behavior. Many studies suggest that social media platforms have a significant influence on how young people perceive themselves and others. However, there is still much debate about whether these effects are mostly positive or negative. Some researchers argue that social media provides many opportunities for self-expression, while others believe it leads to much pressure to conform to unrealistic standards.

In recent years, there is much research conducted on the impact of social media on youth behavior. Many studies suggest that social media platforms have significant influence on how young people perceive themselves and others. However, there is still many debate about whether these effects are mostly positive or negative. Some researchers argue that social media provides much opportunities for self-expression, while others believe it leads to much pressure to conform to unrealistic standards.

Mistake Example #2

Overuse of direct translations from Cantonese

In thea recent study of the effects of social media on youth, ithissaid that the influence issaid to be like adding oil to fire, making the situation more intense. The researchers also pointed out that theoday's youthnowadays are like frogs in warm water, not realizing theany danger until it is too late. This study, conducted in Hong Kong, provides a window to the world, showing how deeply social media has penetrated into the daily lives of young people.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"Very good! I just made some changes so the English would sound more natural."

In a recent study of the effects of social media on youth, this influence is said to be like adding oil to fire, making the situation more intense. The researchers also pointed out that today's youth are like frogs in warm water, not realizing any danger until it is too late. This study, conducted in Hong Kong, provides a window to the world, showing how deeply social media has penetrated into the daily lives of young people.

In the recent study of the effects of social media on youth, it is said that the influence is like adding oil to fire, making the situation more intense. The researchers also pointed out that the youth nowadays are like frogs in warm water, not realizing the danger until it is too late. This study, conducted in Hong Kong, provides a window to the world, showing how deeply social media has penetrated into the daily lives of young people.

Mistake Example #3

Overuse of 'very' to emphasize adjectives

In recent years, the study of climate change has become averyn important topic in environmental science. Many researchers have conducted verydetailed analyses to understand thevery complex interactions between human activities and natural processes. The literature is veryextensive, coveringvery diverse aspects such as the impact of carbon emissions and the verysignificant role of renewable energy sources.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"It didn't need all the verys, so I took them out. Otherwise, it's perfect! :)"

In recent years, the study of climate change has become an important topic in environmental science. Many researchers have conducted detailed analyses to understand the complex interactions between human activities and natural processes. The literature is extensive, covering diverse aspects such as the impact of carbon emissions and the significant role of renewable energy sources.

In recent years, the study of climate change has become a very important topic in environmental science. Many researchers have conducted very detailed analyses to understand the very complex interactions between human activities and natural processes. The literature is very extensive, covering very diverse aspects such as the impact of carbon emissions and the very significant role of renewable energy sources.