Common English Mistakes by Cantonese Speakers

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

Category:Government & Policy Writing
Writing used for policy-making and government communication.
Common Users:Government Officials, Non-profits, Public Policy Analysts.
Mistake Example #1

Government & Policy Writing / Government Memo

Overuse of direct translations from Cantonese

To: All Department Heads Subject: Arrangement of the Annual Budget Meeting Please be informed that tThe annual budget meeting will behoeldon next Friday. We need to discuss the financial plan for the coming year, so everyone must prepare ya repourt for their department's report. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask me. Thank you for your cooperation.

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

"I changed some of the phrasing to be more straightforward while maintaining an appropriately professional tone in the sentences."

To: All Department Heads Subject: Annual Budget Meeting The annual budget meeting will be held next Friday. We need to discuss the financial plan for the coming year, so everyone must prepare a report for their department. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask me. Thank you for your cooperation.

To: All Department Heads Subject: Arrangement of the Annual Budget Meeting Please be informed that the annual budget meeting will hold on next Friday. We need to discuss the financial plan for the coming year, so everyone must prepare your department's report. If you have any question, please feel free to ask me. Thank you for your cooperation.

Mistake Example #2

Government & Policy Writing / Grant Application

Overuse of direct translations from Cantonese

Our organization is applying for the grant to support thedevelopment ofa community center in our district. We hope to receive funding because it will benefit many people, especially children andthe elderlyand children. The center will pofferovide activities like art classes, sports, andlanguage lessons, whichand asporets—very important for improving quality of life. We believe that with your support,we're sure we can make this project successful and bring much happiness to the community.

Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

"This needed some adjustments to sound more native and natural."

Our organization is applying for the grant to support development of a community center in our district. We hope to receive funding because it will benefit many people, especially children and the elderly. The center will offer activities like art classes, language lessons, and sports—very important for improving quality of life. With your support, we're sure we can make this project successful and bring much happiness to the community.

Our organization is applying for the grant to support the development of community center in our district. We hope to receive funding because it will benefit many people, especially the elderly and children. The center will provide activities like art classes, sports, and language lessons, which are very important for improving quality of life. We believe that with your support, we can make this project successful and bring much happiness to the community.

Mistake Example #3

Government & Policy Writing / Legislative Report

Overuse of 'very' to emphasize adjectives

The legislative report on the recent housing policy changes is very important for the community. It is verynecessary to address the concerns of the citizens, as the impact on the housing market is verysignificant. The government isvery committed to ensuring that the policy isvery effective in providing affordable housing solutions for all residents in Hong Kong.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"I kept the first "very" but took out the others to make the text sound less repetitive."

The legislative report on the recent housing policy changes is very important for the community. It is necessary to address the concerns of the citizens, as the impact on the housing market is significant. The government is committed to ensuring that the policy is effective in providing affordable housing solutions for all residents in Hong Kong.

The legislative report on the recent housing policy changes is very important for the community. It is very necessary to address the concerns of the citizens, as the impact on the housing market is very significant. The government is very committed to ensuring that the policy is very effective in providing affordable housing solutions for all residents in Hong Kong.

Mistake Example #4

Government & Policy Writing / Official Statement

Overuse of 'very' to emphasize adjectives

The Hong Kong government is verypleased to announce the veryan important initiative aimed at improving public transportation. This verysignificant project willvery greatly enhance the efficiency and reliability of our transport system, making it vmorery convenient for all citizens. We arevery committed to ensuring that this development is completed in a verytimely manner to benefit the community.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"Good work overall! I just took out some of the "verys"."

The Hong Kong government is pleased to announce an important initiative aimed at improving public transportation. This significant project will greatly enhance the efficiency and reliability of our transport system, making it more convenient for all citizens. We are committed to ensuring that this development is completed in a timely manner to benefit the community.

The Hong Kong government is very pleased to announce the very important initiative aimed at improving public transportation. This very significant project will very greatly enhance the efficiency and reliability of our transport system, making it very convenient for all citizens. We are very committed to ensuring that this development is completed in a very timely manner to benefit the community.

Mistake Example #5

Government & Policy Writing / Policy Brief

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

In recent years, Hong Kong has faced numanyerous challengesin managing its waste. The government has introduced several policyies to address these issues, but there is still much work to be done. It is important to allocate sufficient resources to improve recycling programs and reduce landfill usage. By doing so, we can ensure a more sustainable future for our city and its many residents.

Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

"This needed some tweaking to fix countable/uncountable noun problems."

In recent years, Hong Kong has faced numerous challenges managing its waste. The government has introduced several policies to address these issues, but there is still much work to be done. It is important to allocate sufficient resources to improve recycling programs and reduce landfill usage. By doing so, we can ensure a more sustainable future for our city and its many residents.

In recent years, Hong Kong has faced many challenges in managing its waste. The government has introduced several policy to address these issue, but there is still much work to be done. It is important to allocate sufficient resource to improve recycling programs and reduce landfill usage. By doing so, we can ensure a more sustainable future for our city and its many residents.

Mistake Example #6

Government & Policy Writing / Public Notice

Overuse of direct translations from Cantonese

Notice to Public: The park will be closed onnext Sunday for maintenance works. We apologize for any inconvenience caused and thank you for your understanding. Please do not enter the park during this time to ensure your safety.

Text corrected by:
Vince, United States

"Almost perfect :)"

Notice to Public: The park will be closed next Sunday for maintenance work. We apologize for any inconvenience caused and thank you for your understanding. Please do not enter the park during this time to ensure your safety.

Notice to Public: The park will be closed on next Sunday for maintenance works. We apologize for any inconvenience caused and thank you for your understanding. Please do not enter the park during this time to ensure your safety.