Common English Mistakes in Personal Statements by Cantonese Speakers

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

Mistake Example #1

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 #2

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

I am excited to apply for the undergraduate program inat your university. I havem muchost interested in studying computer science because it is a field with many opportunityies. During my high school years, I participated in several extracurricular activities and made muchany friends who share the same passion for technology.

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."

I am excited to apply for the undergraduate program at your university. I am most interested in studying computer science because it is a field with many opportunities. During my high school years, I participated in several extracurricular activities and made many friends who share the same passion for technology.

I am excited to apply for the undergraduate program in your university. I have much interest in studying computer science because it is a field with many opportunity. During my high school years, I participated in several extracurricular activities and made much friends who share the same passion for technology.

Mistake Example #3

Overuse of 'very' to emphasize adjectives

I amvery excited to apply for the Master's program in Environmental Science at your esteemed university. I have always been very passionate about understanding the impact of climate change, and I believe your program is veryperfect for my academic and career goals. My previous research experience has been verybeneficial in preparing me for this next step in my education.

Text corrected by:
Miss E., Cyprus, Europe

"This was well-written; however, "very" was overused so I removed a few."

I am excited to apply for the Master's program in Environmental Science at your esteemed university. I have always been very passionate about understanding the impact of climate change, and I believe your program is perfect for my academic and career goals. My previous research experience has been beneficial in preparing me for this next step in my education.

I am very excited to apply for the Master's program in Environmental Science at your esteemed university. I have always been very passionate about understanding the impact of climate change, and I believe your program is very perfect for my academic and career goals. My previous research experience has been very beneficial in preparing me for this next step in my education.