Common English Mistakes in Business Reports by Cantonese Speakers

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

Mistake Example #1

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

In the recent quarterly report, we observed thalot there is muchof feedback from our clients regarding the new product line. The team has conducted ma significanyt amount of research to understandthe market trends better. It is important that we allocate sufficient resources to address these concerns and improve our service quality.

Text corrected by:
Camille, Maryland, USA

"I have corrected aspects related to countable/uncountable nouns and a few other issues."

In the recent quarterly report, we observed a lot of feedback from our clients regarding the new product line. The team has conducted a significant amount of research to understand market trends better. It is important that we allocate sufficient resources to address these concerns and improve our service quality.

In the recent quarterly report, we observed that there is much feedback from our clients regarding the new product line. The team has conducted many research to understand the market trends better. It is important that we allocate sufficient resource to address these concerns and improve our service quality.

Mistake Example #2

Overuse of direct translations from Cantonese

In the past month, our company has been like a dragonincredibly producthivesky, achievinga significant growth in sales. However, we must not be lshortsikghted and frog in thsewell, only seeing thea small part of the market. To continue our success, we should add oilntensity and work together to expand our reach into new regions.

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 :)"

In the past month, our company has been incredibly productive, achieving a significant growth in sales. However, we must not be shortsighted and see only a small part of the market. To continue our success, we should add intensity and work together to expand our reach into new regions.

In the past month, our company has been like a dragon in the sky, achieving significant growth in sales. However, we must not be like a frog in the well, only seeing the small part of the market. To continue our success, we should add oil and work together to expand our reach into new regions.

Mistake Example #3

Overuse of 'very' to emphasize adjectives

The quarterly sales report is very important for our company, and it isvery crucial that we analyze the data very carefully. The market trends are very unpredictable, and it is verynecessary to adapt our strategiesvery quickly to maintain our competitive edge.

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

"I reduced repetition of the word "very." Otherwise, the ideas in this text are clearly expressed."

The quarterly sales report is very important for our company, and it is crucial that we analyze the data very carefully. The market trends are very unpredictable, and it is necessary to adapt our strategies quickly to maintain our competitive edge.

The quarterly sales report is very important for our company, and it is very crucial that we analyze the data very carefully. The market trends are very unpredictable, and it is very necessary to adapt our strategies very quickly to maintain our competitive edge.