Common English Mistakes by Cantonese Speakers

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

Category:Student
Personal writing used for admissions and transfer letters.
Common Users:Students of various disciplines.
Mistake Example #1

Student / Admission Essay

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

I am very excited to apply for the university program because I have mucha deep interest in studying psychology. During my high school years, I participated in many activities and made a numuchber of friends who share the same passion. I believe this program will provide me with much opportunity to grow and learn more about human behavior.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"Nice work! In some of the sentences much/many either didn't work or sounded repetitive, so I made a few changes."

I am very excited to apply for the university program because I have a deep interest in studying psychology. During my high school years, I participated in many activities and made a number of friends who share the same passion. I believe this program will provide me with much opportunity to grow and learn more about human behavior.

I am very excited to apply for the university program because I have much interest in studying psychology. During my high school years, I participated in many activities and made much friends who share the same passion. I believe this program will provide me with much opportunity to grow and learn more about human behavior.

Mistake Example #2

Student / Personal Statement

Overuse of direct translations from Cantonese

I am very happy to have the chance to apply for your university. SEver sinceI was young, I always haved a strong interest in science and technology, and I hope to lacquirearn more knowledge inat your school. I believe this opportunity will help me to improve myself and contribute back to society.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"Nice job! I made some changes so the English would sound more natural."

I am very happy to have the chance to apply for your university. Ever since I was young, I always had a strong interest in science and technology, and I hope to acquire more knowledge at your school. I believe this opportunity will help me to improve myself and contribute back to society.

I am very happy to have chance to apply for your university. Since young, I always have strong interest in science and technology, and I hope to learn more knowledge in your school. I believe this opportunity will help me to improve myself and contribute back to society.

Mistake Example #3

Student / Transfer Essay

Overuse of direct translations from Cantonese

I am writing to apply fora transfer to your university because I want to addcontil tonue my studies and improve my future. In Hong Kong, we often say, "aAdd oil," to encourage someone, and I believe your university will give me the chance to do so. I hope you can give me a chance to show my abilities and let me lacquirearn more knowledge.

Text corrected by:
Vince, United States

"Your ideas were clear :) I just made a few small changes to improve the flow and polish things up."

I am writing to apply for a transfer to your university because I want to continue my studies and improve my future. In Hong Kong, we often say, "Add oil," to encourage someone, and I believe your university will give me the chance to do so. I hope you can give me a chance to show my abilities and let me acquire more knowledge.

I am writing to apply for transfer to your university because I want to add oil to my studies and improve my future. In Hong Kong, we often say "add oil" to encourage someone, and I believe your university will give me the chance to do so. I hope you can give me a chance to show my abilities and let me learn more knowledge.