Common English Mistakes in Reddit Posts by Cantonese Speakers

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

Mistake Example #1

Overuse of direct translations from Cantonese

I just finished watching the new movie, and I feel it is vprertty goodto watch. The story is about a man who goes to find his lost dog, and the journey is full of touching moments. If you have time, you should go tosee it, because it will warmake your heartwarm.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"Very nice! I just made some small changes so the English will read more naturally."

I just finished watching the new movie, and I feel it is pretty good. The story is about a man who goes to find his lost dog, and the journey is full of touching moments. If you have time, you should see it, because it will warm your heart.

I just finished watching the new movie, and I feel it is very good to watch. The story is about a man who go to find his lost dog, and the journey is full of touching moments. If you have time, you should go to see it, because it will make your heart warm.

Mistake Example #2

Overuse of 'very' to emphasize adjectives

Ijust watched averyn amazing movie last night, and it was very exciting! The plot was veryinteresting, and the actors were vclearly talented. I think everyone should watch it because it's vetruly worth watchitng.

Text corrected by:
Vince, United States

"Changes I made were mostly to improve fluidity and readability. Nice job! "

I watched an amazing movie last night, and it was very exciting! The plot was interesting, and the actors were clearly talented. I think everyone should watch it because it's truly worth watching.

I just watched a very amazing movie last night, and it was very exciting! The plot was very interesting, and the actors were very talented. I think everyone should watch it because it's very worth it.

Mistake Example #3

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

Hey, everyone! I just got back from a trip to Japan and it was amazing! I bought so many souvenirs and tried a lot of delicious food. There isare mucha ton of beautiful places to visit, and I took manylot of photos to remember the experience. If anyone is planning to go, I have some great recommendations for you!

Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

"This needed some tweaking for countable vs. uncountable nouns, among other fixes."

Hey, everyone! I just got back from a trip to Japan and it was amazing! I bought so many souvenirs and tried a lot of delicious food. There are a ton of beautiful places to visit, and I took a lot of photos to remember the experience. If anyone is planning to go, I have some great recommendations for you!

Hey everyone! I just got back from a trip to Japan and it was amazing! I bought so many souvenir and tried a lot of delicious food. There is much beautiful place to visit, and I took many photo to remember the experience. If anyone is planning to go, I have some great recommendation for you!