Common English Mistakes in Agreements by Cantonese Speakers

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

Mistake Example #1

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.

Mistake Example #2

Overuse of 'very' to emphasize adjectives

This Agreement is made on thisvery important day between the parties involved. The terms and conditions outlined are verycrucial for the successful execution of this verhighly significant project. Both parties agree to adhere to the verystrict timelines andvery detailed specifications as mentioned in this document.

Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

"This needed some tweaking for overuse of "very" to emphasize adjectives."

This Agreement is made on this important day between the parties involved. The terms and conditions outlined are crucial for the successful execution of this highly significant project. Both parties agree to adhere to the strict timelines and detailed specifications as mentioned in this document.

This Agreement is made on this very important day between the parties involved. The terms and conditions outlined are very crucial for the successful execution of this very significant project. Both parties agree to adhere to the very strict timelines and very detailed specifications as mentioned in this document.

Mistake Example #3

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

This Agreement is made between the Company and the Employee on this day. The Employee agrees to provide muchany services to the Company, including but not limited to managing projects and coordinating with clients. In return, the Company will offer manyuch support andmany resources necessary for the Employee to perform their duties effectively.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"Good job! I just fixed some issues with much/many."

This Agreement is made between the Company and the Employee on this day. The Employee agrees to provide many services to the Company, including but not limited to managing projects and coordinating with clients. In return, the Company will offer much support and many resources necessary for the Employee to perform their duties effectively.

This Agreement is made between the Company and the Employee on this day. The Employee agrees to provide much services to the Company, including but not limited to managing projects and coordinating with clients. In return, the Company will offer many support and resources necessary for the Employee to perform their duties effectively.