Common English Mistakes in User Manuals by Cantonese Speakers

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

Mistake Example #1

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 #2

Overuse of 'very' to emphasize adjectives

To operate thevery new coffee machine, first ensure that the water tank is veryfull. Then, place avery clean cup under the spout. Press thevery large button on the front panel to start brewing. If the coffee is not very hot, check if the machine is veryproperly plugged in. For vthery best results, use only veryfresh coffee beans.

Text corrected by:
Vince, United States

"Just a few small changes were needed to reduce the usage of "very." Otherwise it sounds great! "

To operate the new coffee machine, first ensure that the water tank is full. Then, place a clean cup under the spout. Press the large button on the front panel to start brewing. If the coffee is not very hot, check if the machine is properly plugged in. For the best results, use only fresh coffee beans.

To operate the very new coffee machine, first ensure that the water tank is very full. Then, place a very clean cup under the spout. Press the very large button on the front panel to start brewing. If the coffee is not very hot, check if the machine is very properly plugged in. For very best results, use only very fresh coffee beans.

Mistake Example #3

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

To operate the coffee machine, you need to follow these steps. First, ensure that there is enough water in the tank. If there is not much water, fill it up to the maximum level. Next, add coffee grounds into the filter basket. Make sure to not use too muchany coffee grounds, as it can causean overflow. After that, place a cup under the spout to collect the coffee. Finally, press the start button and wait for the coffee to brew. If you have any questions, please refer to the troubleshooting section for more informations.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"Good work! I just changed a couple of words to make the English read correctly and naturally."

To operate the coffee machine, you need to follow these steps. First, ensure that there is enough water in the tank. If there is not much water, fill it up to the maximum level. Next, add coffee grounds into the filter basket. Make sure to not use too many coffee grounds, as it can cause an overflow. After that, place a cup under the spout to collect the coffee. Finally, press the start button and wait for the coffee to brew. If you have any questions, please refer to the troubleshooting section for more information.

To operate the coffee machine, you need to follow these steps. First, ensure that there is enough water in the tank. If there is not much water, fill it up to the maximum level. Next, add coffee grounds into the filter basket. Make sure to not use too much coffee grounds, as it can cause overflow. After that, place a cup under the spout to collect the coffee. Finally, press the start button and wait for the coffee to brew. If you have any questions, please refer to the troubleshooting section for more informations.