Common English Mistakes in Clinical Studies by Cantonese Speakers

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

Mistake Example #1

Overuse of 'very' to emphasize adjectives

The clinical study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of a new medication for treating verysevere headaches. The participants reported that the medication wasvery helpful in reducing the intensity of their symptoms. Overall, the study concluded that the new treatment is a verypromising option for patients suffering from veryfrequent andvery intense headaches.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"The word "very" was not necessary, so I took it out. Otherwise, this text is perfect. :)"

The clinical study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of a new medication for treating severe headaches. The participants reported that the medication was helpful in reducing the intensity of their symptoms. Overall, the study concluded that the new treatment is a promising option for patients suffering from frequent and intense headaches.

The clinical study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of a new medication for treating very severe headaches. The participants reported that the medication was very helpful in reducing the intensity of their symptoms. Overall, the study concluded that the new treatment is a very promising option for patients suffering from very frequent and very intense headaches.

Mistake Example #2

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

The clinical study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of anew drug on patients with chronic pain. There wasere muchany participants in the study, and each was given detailed instructions on how to taketheir medication. The results showed significant improvement in thepatients's condition, but there wasere still many questions about long-term effects.

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

"I changed some of the nouns and verbs to their singular and plural forms according to appropriate rules for English grammar."

The clinical study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of a new drug on patients with chronic pain. There were many participants in the study, and each was given detailed instructions on how to take their medication. The results showed significant improvement in the patients' condition, but there were still many questions about long-term effects.

The clinical study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of new drug on patients with chronic pain. There was much participant in the study, and each was given detailed instruction on how to take medication. The result showed significant improvement in patient's condition, but there was still many question about long-term effects.

Mistake Example #3

Overuse of direct translations from Cantonese

The clinical study is focus on the effectiveness of new medication for diabetes patients. We have collected data from 100 participants, and the results show that the medication is very good inat controlling blood sugar levels. However, some participants reported side effects likesuch as dizziness and stomach pain, which wrenquireed tos further investigateion.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"Your ideas were all very clear :) I just made a few small changes to improve the flow and polish things up."

The clinical study is focus on the effectiveness of new medication for diabetes patients. We have collected data from 100 participants, and the results show that the medication is very good at controlling blood sugar levels. However, some participants reported side effects such as dizziness and stomach pain, which requires further investigation.

The clinical study is focus on the effectiveness of new medication for diabetes patients. We have collected data from 100 participants, and the results show that the medication is very good in controlling blood sugar levels. However, some participants report side effects like dizziness and stomach pain, which we need to further investigate.