Common English Mistakes in Legal Memos by Cantonese Speakers

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

Mistake Example #1

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.

Mistake Example #2

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

To: Legal Department Subject: Review of Contractual Obligations In reviewing the contract, it is noted that there isare many clauses that require further clarification. The client has provided much feedback regarding the terms, and it is essential to address these concerns promptly. Additionally, there isare several discrepancies in the payment schedule that need to be resolved to avoid future disputes. Please ensure that all necessary amendments are made before the next meeting.

Text corrected by:
Miss E., Cyprus, Europe

"This is mostly great, but please remember to use countable and uncountable nouns properly. For example, "there is many clauses" should be "there are many clauses" and "there is several discrepancies" should be "there are several discrepancies"."

To: Legal Department Subject: Review of Contractual Obligations In reviewing the contract, it is noted that there are many clauses that require further clarification. The client has provided much feedback regarding the terms, and it is essential to address these concerns promptly. Additionally, there are several discrepancies in the payment schedule that need to be resolved to avoid future disputes. Please ensure that all necessary amendments are made before the next meeting.

To: Legal Department Subject: Review of Contractual Obligations In reviewing the contract, it is noted that there is many clauses that require further clarification. The client has provided much feedback regarding the terms, and it is essential to address these concerns promptly. Additionally, there is several discrepancies in the payment schedule that need to be resolved to avoid future disputes. Please ensure that all necessary amendments are made before the next meeting.

Mistake Example #3

Overuse of direct translations from Cantonese

To: Legal Department Subject: Case Analysis on Contractual Dispute In rRegards toing the case of Lee versus Wong, it is important to consider the situation with a heart offairnessly. The contract was signed under good faithe moonlight, and both parties have expressed their feelings clearly. However, the agreement terms are like a dragon's dance,complex and intertwined, which may lead to misunderstandings. It is suggested tohandlet the matter be handledwith a pcourteaceful mindsy and seek a harmoncious resoviluitiony.

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

"I just replaced a word or two to make the English sound more natural. Otherwise, the ideas in this text are clearly expressed."

To: Legal Department Subject: Case Analysis on Contractual Dispute Regarding the case of Lee versus Wong, it is important to consider the situation fairly. The contract was signed under good faith, and both parties have expressed their feelings clearly. However, the agreement terms are complex and intertwined, which may lead to misunderstandings. It is suggested that the matter be handled with courtesy and civility.

To: Legal Department Subject: Case Analysis on Contractual Dispute In regards to the case of Lee versus Wong, it is important to consider the situation with a heart of fairness. The contract was signed under the moonlight, and both parties have expressed their feelings clearly. However, the agreement terms are like a dragon's dance, complex and intertwined, which may lead to misunderstandings. It is suggested to handle the matter with a peaceful mind and seek a harmonious resolution.