Common English Mistakes in Public Notices by Cantonese Speakers

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

Mistake Example #1

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.

Mistake Example #2

Overuse of 'very' to emphasize adjectives

Attention Residents: The government isvery pleased to announce the opening of the new community center, which is veryimportant for all citizens. The center will bevery open to the public starting next Monday, and we arevery excited to welcome everyone to this very special facility. Please be verysure to check the schedule for thevery many activities planned for the upcoming months.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"Good job! I took out all but one "very" to improve the flow of the text."

Attention Residents: The government is pleased to announce the opening of the new community center, which is important for all citizens. The center will be open to the public starting next Monday, and we are excited to welcome everyone to this very special facility. Please be sure to check the schedule for the many activities planned for the upcoming months.

Attention Residents: The government is very pleased to announce the opening of the new community center, which is very important for all citizens. The center will be very open to the public starting next Monday, and we are very excited to welcome everyone to this very special facility. Please be very sure to check the schedule for the very many activities planned for the upcoming months.

Mistake Example #3

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

Notice to Residents: The government is planning to implement anew waste management policy in the coming months. There isare many changes that will affect how you dispose of rubbish, so it is important to stay informed. Please attend the community meeting on 15th November at the local town hall for more informations. Your participation is much appreciated.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"I made some corrections to a few of the nouns. Nice work overall!"

Notice to Residents: The government is planning to implement a new waste management policy in the coming months. There are many changes that will affect how you dispose of rubbish, so it is important to stay informed. Please attend the community meeting on 15th November at the local town hall for more information. Your participation is much appreciated.

Notice to Residents: The government is planning to implement new waste management policy in the coming months. There is many changes that will affect how you dispose of rubbish, so it is important to stay informed. Please attend the community meeting on 15th November at the local town hall for more informations. Your participation is much appreciated.