Common English Mistakes in Health Articles by Cantonese Speakers

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

Mistake Example #1

Overuse of direct translations from Cantonese

In Hong Kong, many people like to drink herbal tea when they feel bhody heat. This is because they believe it can help to reduce firheat in the body. When you havea sore throat, it is good to drink more water and eat less fried food. Some people also like to visit a traditionalChinese medicine dospecialisttor for balance the body.

Text corrected by:
Vince, United States

"This text was very well-written – I just made a few minor changes to make it sound a bit more natural :)"

In Hong Kong, many people like to drink herbal tea when they feel hot. This is because they believe it can help to reduce heat in the body. When you have a sore throat, it is good to drink more water and eat less fried food. Some people also like to visit a traditional Chinese medicine specialist to balance the body.

In Hong Kong, many people like to drink herbal tea when they feel body heat. This is because they believe it can help to reduce fire in the body. When you have sore throat, it is good to drink more water and eat less fried food. Some people also like to visit Chinese medicine doctor for balance the body.

Mistake Example #2

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

In recent years, there ihasbeen much research conducted on the benefits of regular exercise for mental health. Many people in Hong Kong find that engaging in physical activities like jogging or yoga helps them reduce stress and improve theirmood. It is important to have good habits and enough sleep to maintain a healthy lifestyle, but some individuals do not have enough time to focus on these aspects due to theirmuchany work commitments.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"I changed "much" to "many" in the last sentence and made some stylistic improvements. Nice job!"

In recent years, there has been much research conducted on the benefits of regular exercise for mental health. Many people in Hong Kong find that engaging in physical activities like jogging or yoga helps them reduce stress and improve their mood. It is important to have good habits and enough sleep to maintain a healthy lifestyle, but some individuals do not have enough time to focus on these aspects due to their many work commitments.

In recent years, there is much research conducted on the benefits of regular exercise for mental health. Many people in Hong Kong find that engaging in physical activities like jogging or yoga helps them reduce stress and improve mood. It is important to have good habits and enough sleep to maintain a healthy lifestyle, but some individuals do not have enough time to focus on these aspects due to much work commitments.

Mistake Example #3

Overuse of 'very' to emphasize adjectives

The flu season this year isvery severe, and it is very important to take precautions to protect yourself and your family. Many people are vrerally concerned about the spread of the virus, and it isvery advisable to get vaccinated as soon as possible. Staying very healthy by eating a balanced diet and getting enough sleep is also verycrucial in boosting your immune system.

Text corrected by:
Miss E., Cyprus, Europe

"This is mostly well-written. However, the use of "very" is repetitive. I therefore made changes to tone it down."

The flu season this year is severe, and it is very important to take precautions to protect yourself and your family. Many people are really concerned about the spread of the virus, and it is advisable to get vaccinated as soon as possible. Staying very healthy by eating a balanced diet and getting enough sleep is also crucial in boosting your immune system.

The flu season this year is very severe, and it is very important to take precautions to protect yourself and your family. Many people are very concerned about the spread of the virus, and it is very advisable to get vaccinated as soon as possible. Staying very healthy by eating a balanced diet and getting enough sleep is also very crucial in boosting your immune system.