Common English Mistakes in Engineering Specifications by Cantonese Speakers

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

Mistake Example #1

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

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

The new design specification for the bridge includes many innovative features. There iare numerousmuch challenges in ensuring the structure can withstand the high wind speeds common in Hong Kong. The team has conducted extensive tests to ensure that the materials usedprovide sufficient durability and strength.

Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

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

The new design specification for the bridge includes many innovative features. There are numerous challenges in ensuring the structure can withstand the high wind speeds common in Hong Kong. The team has conducted extensive tests to ensure that the materials provide sufficient durability and strength.

The new design specification for the bridge includes many innovative features. There is much challenges in ensuring the structure can withstand the high wind speeds common in Hong Kong. The team has conducted extensive tests to ensure that the materials used provide sufficient durability and strength.

Mistake Example #3

Overuse of 'very' to emphasize adjectives

The new design for the bridge is veryimportant because the britdge must be vextremely strong to withstand the vfreryquent heavy loadsthat will be very frequent. Thechosen materials chosenare verhighly durable and vgreratly resistant to corrosion, ensuring a verylong lifespan. It is verycrucial thatthe construction preciselyfollows the very precise specifications to avoid any very serious issues in the future.

Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

"This needed tweaking to address overuse of the word "very," among other fixes."

The new design for the bridge is important because the bridge must be extremely strong to withstand the frequent heavy loads. The chosen materials are highly durable and greatly resistant to corrosion, ensuring a long lifespan. It is crucial that construction precisely follow the specifications to avoid any serious issues in the future.

The new design for the bridge is very important because it must be very strong to withstand the very heavy loads that will be very frequent. The materials chosen are very durable and very resistant to corrosion, ensuring a very long lifespan. It is very crucial that the construction follows the very precise specifications to avoid any very serious issues in the future.