Common English Mistakes in Annual Reports by Cantonese Speakers

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

Mistake Example #1

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.

Mistake Example #2

Overuse of 'very' to emphasize adjectives

In the past year, our company has achieved vegryown significantgrowthly, with our revenue increasing by averyn impressive 20%. This is averyn important milestone for us, and we arevery proud of the hard work and dedication of our team. Looking ahead, we are very optimistic about the future and are verycommitted to maintaining this verypositive momentum.

Text corrected by:
Vince, United States

"Just a few minor tweaks to reduce the use of the word "very" :) Nice work! "

In the past year, our company has grown significantly, with our revenue increasing by an impressive 20%. This is an important milestone for us, and we are proud of the hard work and dedication of our team. Looking ahead, we are very optimistic about the future and committed to maintaining this positive momentum.

In the past year, our company has achieved very significant growth, with our revenue increasing by a very impressive 20%. This is a very important milestone for us, and we are very proud of the hard work and dedication of our team. Looking ahead, we are very optimistic about the future and are very committed to maintaining this very positive momentum.

Mistake Example #3

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

In the past year, our company has achieved significant growth in both ourrevenue and customer base. We have received manyuch positive feedbacks from our clients, which is a testament to our commitment to quality service. Additionally, there iare numerousmuch opportunities for expansion in the coming year, and we are confident in our ability to capitalize on these prospects.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"I fixed some issues with much/many and made a few additional tweaks. Nice work overall!"

In the past year, our company has achieved significant growth in both our revenue and customer base. We have received much positive feedback from our clients, which is a testament to our commitment to quality service. Additionally, there are numerous opportunities for expansion in the coming year, and we are confident in our ability to capitalize on these prospects.

In the past year, our company has achieved significant growth in both revenue and customer base. We have received many positive feedbacks from our clients, which is a testament to our commitment to quality service. Additionally, there is much opportunities for expansion in the coming year, and we are confident in our ability to capitalize on these prospects.