Common English Mistakes in Instructional Guides by Korean Speakers

This page focuses on errors typically made by native Korean speakers from South Korea when writing a Instructional Guide in English.

Mistake Example #1

Incorrect word order in complex sentences

To assemble the bookshelf, first you need to gather allthe tools and parts. When you have everything ready, you should start with the base, attaching the side panels carefully. After the base is secure, you must insexrt the shelves inserxt, ensuring they are level. Finally, attachthe top panelattach and tighten allthe screws. If any partsare missing, contact customer service for assistance.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"Very good! I moved some of the words and made a couple of additional corrections."

To assemble the bookshelf, first you need to gather all the tools and parts. When you have everything ready, you should start with the base, attaching the side panels carefully. After the base is secure, you must insert the shelves next, ensuring they are level. Finally, attach the top panel and tighten all the screws. If any parts are missing, contact customer service for assistance.

To assemble the bookshelf, first you need to gather all tools and parts. When you have everything ready, you should start with the base, attaching the side panels carefully. After the base is secure, you must next the shelves insert, ensuring they are level. Finally, the top panel attach and tighten all screws. If any parts missing, contact customer service for assistance.

Mistake Example #2

Omitting articles ('a', 'an', 'the')

To assemble the bookshelf, first gather all parts and tools needed. Begin by attaching theside panels to thebase usingthe screws provided. Ensure that each screw is tightened properly to avoid wobbling. Next, insert theshelves intothe designated slots, making sure they are level. Finally, place the top panel on and secure itwiththe remaining screws. Check thestability ofthe assembled bookshelf before placing any items on it.

Text corrected by:
Miss E., Cyprus, Europe

"Don't forget to use articles in your sentences: for example, "To assemble bookshelf" should be "To assemble the bookshelf" and "Begin by attaching side panels to base" should be "Begin by attaching the side panels to the base"."

To assemble the bookshelf, first gather all parts and tools needed. Begin by attaching the side panels to the base using the screws provided. Ensure that each screw is tightened properly to avoid wobbling. Next, insert the shelves into the designated slots, making sure they are level. Finally, place the top panel on and secure it with the remaining screws. Check the stability of the assembled bookshelf before placing any items on it.

To assemble bookshelf, first gather all parts and tools needed. Begin by attaching side panels to base using screws provided. Ensure that each screw is tightened properly to avoid wobbling. Next, insert shelves into designated slots, making sure they are level. Finally, place top panel on and secure with remaining screws. Check stability of assembled bookshelf before placing any items on it.

Mistake Example #3

Confusion with prepositions ('in', 'on', 'at')

To make kimchi at home, first prepare the ingredients by washing the cabbage in cold water and then cut it in half. Next, soak the cabbage oin salt water for about two hours, turning it occasionally. After that, rinse the cabbage atin fresh water and drain it well. Mix the seasoning ingredients in a bowl and spread it evenly on the cabbage leaves. Finally, store the kimchi in a container at room temperature for one day before moving it into the refrigerator.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"Nice work! I just changed a few prepositions."

To make kimchi at home, first prepare the ingredients by washing the cabbage in cold water and then cut it in half. Next, soak the cabbage in salt water for about two hours, turning it occasionally. After that, rinse the cabbage in fresh water and drain it well. Mix the seasoning ingredients in a bowl and spread it evenly on the cabbage leaves. Finally, store the kimchi in a container at room temperature for one day before moving it to the refrigerator.

To make kimchi at home, first prepare the ingredients by washing the cabbage in cold water and then cut it in half. Next, soak the cabbage on salt water for about two hours, turning it occasionally. After that, rinse the cabbage at fresh water and drain it well. Mix the seasoning ingredients in a bowl and spread it evenly on the cabbage leaves. Finally, store the kimchi in a container at room temperature for one day before moving it in the refrigerator.