This page focuses on errors typically made by native Cantonese speakers from Hong Kong when writing in English.
| Category: | Legal & Formal Writing Writing used in legal and formal contexts. |
| Common Users: | Lawyers, Paralegals, Law Students. |
Legal & Formal Writing / Agreement
Overuse of direct translations from Cantonese
This Agreement is to confirm that both parties will dcooperathethings they say. We will, follow the rulesand not break them, and if there is aproblem, we will talk abodiscutss ittogether. This is to make sure everything is clearand no misunderstanding will happen, so we can work happily together.
Text corrected by:
Michele A., Boston, Massachusetts; United States
"I just replaced a word or two to make the English sound more natural. "
This Agreement is to confirm that both parties will cooperate, follow the rules, and if there is a problem, we will discuss it to make sure everything is clear.
This Agreement is to confirm that both parties will do the things they say. We will follow the rules and not break them, and if there is problem, we will talk about it together. This is to make sure everything is clear and no misunderstanding will happen, so we can work happily together.
Legal & Formal Writing / Contract
Confusion with countable vs. uncountable nouns ('She has much friends')
This Agreement is made between the Company and the Contractor on this day of October 15, 2023. The Contractor agrees to provide mucha variety of services to the Company, including but not limited to consulting and advisory roles. The Company shall provide sufficient equipment and support to ensure the Contractor can perform their duties with optimuchal efficiency.
Text corrected by:
Michele A., Boston, Massachusetts; United States
"I just replaced a word or two to make the English sound more natural. Overall, the ideas in this text are clearly expressed."
This Agreement is made between the Company and the Contractor on this day of October 15, 2023. The Contractor agrees to provide a variety of services to the Company, including but not limited to consulting and advisory roles. The Company shall provide sufficient equipment and support to ensure the Contractor can perform their duties with optimal efficiency.
This Agreement is made between the Company and the Contractor on this day of October 15, 2023. The Contractor agrees to provide much services to the Company, including but not limited to consulting and advisory roles. The Company shall provide sufficient equipment and support to ensure the Contractor can perform their duties with much efficiency.
Legal & Formal Writing / Court Document
Overuse of direct translations from Cantonese
To the Honorable Judge,: I am writing to express my opinion on the case of Mr. Chan. He is a good person, and he always helps others, so he should not be punished too hseaverely. In Hong Kong, we say "one hand cannot clap," meaning that Mr. Chan was not alone in this situation, and it is important to consider all sides.
Text corrected by:
Vince, United States
"This was already very well-written – I just made a couple of minor changes to the message :) "
To the Honorable Judge: I am writing to express my opinion on the case of Mr. Chan. He is a good person, and he always helps others, so he should not be punished too severely. In Hong Kong, we say "one hand cannot clap," meaning that Mr. Chan was not alone in this situation, and it is important to consider all sides.
To the Honorable Judge, I am writing to express my opinion on the case of Mr. Chan. He is a good person, and he always helps others, so he should not be punished too heavy. In Hong Kong, we say "one hand cannot clap," meaning that Mr. Chan was not alone in this situation, and it is important to consider all sides.
Legal & Formal Writing / Legal Brief
Overuse of 'very' to emphasize adjectives
The defendant's actions were veryreckless andvery irresponsible, causingvery significant harm to the plaintiff. It is very clear that the breach of contract was verydeliberate, and the damages incurred are verysubstantial. The plaintiff seeks veryfair compensation for thevery serious losses suffered due to the defendant's verynegligent behavior.
Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA
"Nice job! I took out the word "very" because it was redundant."
The defendant's actions were reckless and irresponsible, causing significant harm to the plaintiff. It is very clear that the breach of contract was deliberate, and the damages incurred are substantial. The plaintiff seeks fair compensation for the serious losses suffered due to the defendant's negligent behavior.
The defendant's actions were very reckless and very irresponsible, causing very significant harm to the plaintiff. It is very clear that the breach of contract was very deliberate, and the damages incurred are very substantial. The plaintiff seeks very fair compensation for the very serious losses suffered due to the defendant's very negligent behavior.
Legal & Formal Writing / Legal Memo
Overuse of 'very' to emphasize adjectives
To: Legal Department Subject:Very Important Legal Memo The recent case involving the breach of contract is very significant and requires verycareful attention. It is very crucial that we review all the documents verythoroughly to ensure that our client's interests arevery well protected. The opposing party's arguments are very weak, and we have a verystrong chance of winning if we proceed with veryprecise legal strategies.
Text corrected by:
Michele A., Boston, Massachusetts; United States
"I just removed some instances of the word "very" to reduce repetition."
To: Legal Department Subject: Important Legal Memo The recent case involving the breach of contract is very significant and requires careful attention. It is very crucial that we review all the documents thoroughly to ensure that our client's interests are well protected. The opposing party's arguments are very weak, and we have a strong chance of winning if we proceed with precise legal strategies.
To: Legal Department Subject: Very Important Legal Memo The recent case involving the breach of contract is very significant and requires very careful attention. It is very crucial that we review all the documents very thoroughly to ensure that our client's interests are very well protected. The opposing party's arguments are very weak, and we have a very strong chance of winning if we proceed with very precise legal strategies.
Legal & Formal Writing / Privacy Policy
Overuse of 'very' to emphasize adjectives
This Privacy Policy is very important to us, and we arevery committed to protecting your personal information. We take your privacy veryseriously and have implemented verystrict measures to ensure thatyour data isvery secure. If you have any questions, please feel veryfree to contact us at any time.
Text corrected by:
Michele A., Boston, Massachusetts; United States
"I reduced the repetition of the word "very." Overall, the ideas in this text are clearly expressed."
This Privacy Policy is very important to us, and we are committed to protecting your personal information. We take your privacy seriously and have implemented strict measures to ensure that your data is secure. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at any time.
This Privacy Policy is very important to us, and we are very committed to protecting your personal information. We take your privacy very seriously and have implemented very strict measures to ensure your data is very secure. If you have any questions, please feel very free to contact us at any time.
Legal & Formal Writing / Terms & Conditions
Overuse of direct translations from Cantonese
These terms and conditions are for your reference only, and if you have any questions, you can ask us anytime. We will not be responsible for any loss or damage that you may suffer, and you shouldbear your own risk. If you do not agree witho these terms, you should not use our service, and we will not be able to help you.
Text corrected by:
Vince, United States
"Very good! Just a couple of changes to make things consistent."
These terms and conditions are for your reference only, and if you have any questions, you can ask us anytime. We will not be responsible for any loss or damage that you may suffer, and you bear your own risk. If you do not agree to these terms, you should not use our service, and we will not be able to help you.
These terms and conditions are for your reference only, and if you have any questions, you can ask us anytime. We will not be responsible for any loss or damage that you may suffer, and you should bear your own risk. If you do not agree with these terms, you should not use our service, and we will not be able to help you.
Legal & Formal Writing / Will & Testament
Confusion with countable vs. uncountable nouns ('She has much friends')
I, Lee Wai Man, being of sound mind and body, hereby declare this to be my last will and testament. I leave muchost of my possessions to my beloved daughter, Mei Ling, including my jewelry and furniture. Furthermore, I wish to give manyost of my money to my son, Wai Kit, to support his education and future endeavors.
Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA
"I changed "many" to "most" to make the English correct."
I, Lee Wai Man, being of sound mind and body, hereby declare this to be my last will and testament. I leave most of my possessions to my beloved daughter, Mei Ling, including my jewelry and furniture. Furthermore, I wish to give most of my money to my son, Wai Kit, to support his education and future endeavors.
I, Lee Wai Man, being of sound mind and body, hereby declare this to be my last will and testament. I leave much of my possessions to my beloved daughter, Mei Ling, including my jewelry and furniture. Furthermore, I wish to give many of my money to my son, Wai Kit, to support his education and future endeavors.