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:Technical & Scientific Writing
Writing for scientific and technical subjects.
Common Users:Engineers, Scientists, Tech Writers.
Mistake Example #1

Technical & Scientific Writing / Engineering Specification

Overuse of direct translations from Cantonese

The machine will startto operate after you press the button, and then it will automatically do the work. Please ensure the power is on before you start the machine,. oOtherwise it willcannotcan function properly. The design of the machine is very user-friendly, so you dono't need to worry about the operation process.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"I corrected a few grammatical errors and made some small tweaks so it would read more smoothly."

The machine will start to operate after you press the button, and then it will automatically do the work. Please ensure the power is on before you start the machine. Otherwise it cannot function properly. The design of the machine is very user-friendly, so you don't need to worry about the operation process.

The machine will start operate after you press the button, and then it will automatically do the work. Please ensure the power is on before you start the machine, otherwise it will not can function properly. The design of the machine is very user-friendly, so you no need to worry about the operation process.

Mistake Example #2

Technical & Scientific Writing / Grant Proposal

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

Our research team is applying for funding to develop innovative technology that will improve thewater purification process. We have conducted numanyerous experiments and collected msuchbstantial data to support our hypothesis. The project requires significmantjor resources, including advanced equipment and msignificanyt expertise from various fields. We believe that with sufficient support, we can achieve meaningfuchl resucceslts and contribute to the scientific community in Hong Kong.

Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

"I made changes to vary the wording, and correct some uses of "much" and "many.""

Our research team is applying for funding to develop innovative technology that will improve the water purification process. We have conducted numerous experiments and collected substantial data to support our hypothesis. The project requires major resources, including advanced equipment and significant expertise from various fields. We believe that with sufficient support, we can achieve meaningful results and contribute to the scientific community in Hong Kong.

Our research team is applying for funding to develop innovative technology that will improve water purification process. We have conducted many experiments and collected much data to support our hypothesis. The project requires significant resources, including advanced equipment and many expertise from various fields. We believe that with sufficient support, we can achieve much success and contribute to the scientific community in Hong Kong.

Mistake Example #3

Technical & Scientific Writing / Patent Application

Overuse of 'very' to emphasize adjectives

The invention is a verhighly innovative device that isvery useful for improving energy efficiency in buildings. It is designed to be veryeasy to install andvery effective in reducing energy consumption. The device uses averyn advanced technology that is very reliable and verycost-effective, making it averyn attractive solution for both residential and commercial applications.

Text corrected by:
Camille, Maryland, USA

"We try to avoid overusing certain words, such as "very." I have left one instance of it. The rest is quite descriptive as it is."

The invention is a highly innovative device that is useful for improving energy efficiency in buildings. It is designed to be easy to install and effective in reducing energy consumption. The device uses an advanced technology that is very reliable and cost-effective, making it an attractive solution for both residential and commercial applications.

The invention is a very innovative device that is very useful for improving energy efficiency in buildings. It is designed to be very easy to install and very effective in reducing energy consumption. The device uses a very advanced technology that is very reliable and very cost-effective, making it a very attractive solution for both residential and commercial applications.

Mistake Example #4

Technical & Scientific Writing / Scientific Paper

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

Ina recent study, we have observed that there isa significant amount of data supporting the hypothesis. The experiment involves manylot of equipment, and it is crucial to ensure that each apparatus is calibrated correctly. Furthermore, the results indicate that there is much evidence to suggest a correlation between variables, although more research is needed to confirm findings.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"Good work! I added some articles and changed "many equipment" to "a lot of equipment"."

In a recent study, we have observed that there is a significant amount of data supporting the hypothesis. The experiment involves a lot of equipment, and it is crucial to ensure that each apparatus is calibrated correctly. Furthermore, the results indicate that there is much evidence to suggest a correlation between variables, although more research is needed to confirm findings.

In recent study, we have observed that there is significant amount of data supporting the hypothesis. The experiment involves many equipment, and it is crucial to ensure that each apparatus is calibrated correctly. Furthermore, the results indicate that there is much evidence to suggest a correlation between variables, although more research is needed to confirm findings.

Mistake Example #5

Technical & Scientific Writing / Technical Report

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

In this technical report, we analyze the data collected from the recent survey on energy consumption in Hong Kong. There is manygreat deal of information that needs to be processed to understand the trends. The report highlights that there are muchany factors influencing the energy usage, including the increase in electronic devices and the changes in weather patterns.

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."

In this technical report, we analyze the data collected from the recent survey on energy consumption in Hong Kong. There is a great deal of information that needs to be processed to understand the trends. The report highlights that there are many factors influencing the energy usage, including the increase in electronic devices and the changes in weather patterns.

In this technical report, we analyze the data collected from the recent survey on energy consumption in Hong Kong. There is many information that needs to be processed to understand the trends. The report highlights that there are much factors influencing the energy usage, including the increase in electronic devices and the changes in weather patterns.

Mistake Example #6

Technical & Scientific Writing / User Manual

Overuse of direct translations from Cantonese

When you use the washing machine, you first need to open the machine door and put the clothes inside. After that, you add the detergent into the drawer, and then you press the start button to begin the washing. If you want to stop the machine, you can press the stop button, and the machine will stop immediately.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"It doesn't have any mistakes or awkward phrasing."

When you use the washing machine, you first need to open the machine door and put the clothes inside. After that, you add the detergent into the drawer, and then you press the start button to begin the washing. If you want to stop the machine, you can press the stop button, and the machine will stop immediately.

When you use the washing machine, you first need to open the machine door and put the clothes inside. After that, you add the detergent into the drawer, and then you press the start button to begin the washing. If you want to stop the machine, you can press the stop button, and the machine will stop immediately.

Mistake Example #7

Technical & Scientific Writing / White Paper

Overuse of direct translations from Cantonese

In recent years, the development of artificial intelligence technology has become more and more important. Many companies in Hong Kong are putting a lot of effort into researching and developing these technologies, hoping to catch up witho the Western countries. However, the road to success is not a smooth one, and we must maddke an effoilrt to overcome the challenges ahead.

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."

In recent years, the development of artificial intelligence technology has become more and more important. Many companies in Hong Kong are putting a lot of effort into researching and developing these technologies, hoping to catch up to the Western countries. However, the road to success is not a smooth one, and we must make an effort to overcome the challenges ahead.

In recent years, the development of artificial intelligence technology has become more and more important. Many companies in Hong Kong are putting a lot of effort to research and develop these technologies, hoping to catch up with the Western countries. However, the road to success is not a smooth one, and we must add oil to overcome the challenges ahead.