Common English Mistakes in Government Memos by Cantonese Speakers

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

Mistake Example #1

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

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

To: All Department Heads Subject: Upcoming Policy Review Meeting Dear Colleagues, Please be informed that tThere isare muchany important updates regarding the new policy implementation. We have received manyfeedbacks from various departments, and it is crucial to address these concerns. The meeting will be held on Friday at 3:00 PMp.m. in the main conference room. KindPlyease ensure that all relevant documents are prepared and bring muchany information to support your points. Thank you for your cooperation.

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

"I just replaced a word or two to make the English sound more natural. Otherwise, the ideas in this text are clearly expressed."

To: All Department Heads Subject: Upcoming Policy Review Meeting Dear Colleagues, There are many important updates regarding the new policy implementation. We have received feedback from various departments, and it is crucial to address these concerns. The meeting will be held on Friday at 3:00 p.m. in the main conference room. Please ensure that all relevant documents are prepared and bring any information to support your points. Thank you for your cooperation.

To: All Department Heads Subject: Upcoming Policy Review Meeting Dear Colleagues, Please be informed that there is much important updates regarding the new policy implementation. We have received many feedbacks from various departments, and it is crucial to address these concerns. The meeting will be held on Friday at 3 PM in the main conference room. Kindly ensure that all relevant documents are prepared and bring much information to support your points. Thank you for your cooperation.

Mistake Example #3

Overuse of 'very' to emphasize adjectives

To: All Department Heads Subject: VeCry Imporiticant Update onl Policy ChangesUpdate Dear Colleagues, I am writing to inform you about the verysignificant changes in our government policy that will btakevery effective astartingof next month. It is very crucssential that all departmentsthoroughly review the new guidelines very carefullyto ensure compliance. Your cooperation is very appreciated in thisvery important matteris greatly appreciated.

Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

"This needed some tweaking to correct overuse of the word "very" to emphasize adjectives."

To: All Department Heads Subject: Critical Policy Change Update Dear Colleagues, I am writing to inform you about the significant changes in our government policy that will take effect as of next month. It is essential that all departments thoroughly review the new guidelines to ensure compliance. Your cooperation in this important matter is greatly appreciated.

To: All Department Heads Subject: Very Important Update on Policy Changes Dear Colleagues, I am writing to inform you about the very significant changes in our government policy that will be very effective starting next month. It is very crucial that all departments review the new guidelines very carefully to ensure compliance. Your cooperation is very appreciated in this very important matter.