Common English Mistakes in Grant Proposals by Cantonese Speakers

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

Mistake Example #1

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 #2

Overuse of 'very' to emphasize adjectives

Our research team is very excited to submit this grant proposal for your veryesteemed consideration. The project aims to develop averyn innovative solution to address thevery pressing issue of air pollution in Hong Kong. We believe that our approach is veryunique and will have avery significant impact on improving the air quality, benefiting the health of the verylarge population in the region.

Text corrected by:
Michele A., Boston, Massachusetts; United States

"I removed several instances of the word "very." Otherwise, the ideas in this text are clearly expressed."

Our research team is very excited to submit this grant proposal for your esteemed consideration. The project aims to develop an innovative solution to address the pressing issue of air pollution in Hong Kong. We believe that our approach is unique and will have a significant impact on improving the air quality, benefiting the health of the large population in the region.

Our research team is very excited to submit this grant proposal for your very esteemed consideration. The project aims to develop a very innovative solution to address the very pressing issue of air pollution in Hong Kong. We believe that our approach is very unique and will have a very significant impact on improving the air quality, benefiting the health of the very large population in the region.

Mistake Example #3

Overuse of direct translations from Cantonese

Our research team proposes to develop new technology for improvingthe air quality in Hong Kong. This project aims to reduce pollution by using innovative methods that harve not yet beenseen inthe market. We hope to receive funding support to makebring thiese ideabecomes truo life and benefit society greatly.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"I changed some of the wording to make the English sound more natural. Good work!"

Our research team proposes to develop new technology for improving the air quality in Hong Kong. This project aims to reduce pollution by using innovative methods that have not yet been seen in the market. We hope to receive funding support to bring these ideas to life and benefit society greatly.

Our research team propose to develop new technology for improving air quality in Hong Kong. This project aim to reduce pollution by using innovative methods that are not yet seen in market. We hope to receive funding support to make this idea become true and benefit society greatly.