Common English Mistakes in Admission Essays by Cantonese Speakers

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

Mistake Example #1

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

Overuse of 'very' to emphasize adjectives

I amvery excited abouto applying for the veryis prestigious program at your university. Studying at your institution would be a verygreat opportunity for me to learn fromvery experienced professors and to be part of a verydiverse community. I amvery passionate about my field of study and believe that your program is a veryperfect fit for my academic and career goals.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"I just gave it a little polish, which meant taking out all the "verys"."

I am excited about applying for this prestigious program at your university. Studying at your institution would be a great opportunity for me to learn from experienced professors and to be part of a diverse community. I am passionate about my field of study and believe that your program is a perfect fit for my academic and career goals.

I am very excited to apply for the very prestigious program at your university. Studying at your institution would be a very great opportunity for me to learn from very experienced professors and to be part of a very diverse community. I am very passionate about my field of study and believe that your program is a very perfect fit for my academic and career goals.

Mistake Example #3

Overuse of direct translations from Cantonese

I am very happy to have the chance to apply to your university. I hope to lgain a grearnt mdeanyl of knowledge and make good friends. SAtutendyingin your school will heletp me open my eyes and see the world.

Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

"This needed some tweaking to sound more native and natural."

I am very happy to have the chance to apply to your university. I hope to gain a great deal of knowledge and make good friends. Attending your school will help me open my eyes and see the world.

I am very happy to have chance to apply to your university. I hope to learn many knowledge and make good friends. Studying in your school will let me open my eyes and see the world.