Common English Mistakes by Korean Speakers

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

Category:Government & Policy Writing
Writing used for policy-making and government communication.
Common Users:Government Officials, Non-profits, Public Policy Analysts.
Mistake Example #1

Government & Policy Writing / Government Memo

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

To: Department Heads Subject: Implementation of New Policy We are pleased to announce theimplementation of anewpolicy regarding workplace safety. Ppolicy awhimsch towill enhance safety measures and ensure compliance with regulations. Please review documthent attacheddocument and prepare feedback by theend of theweek. Your cooperation is essential for thesuccess of this initiative.


Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

"This needed some corrections to add missing articles ("the," "an," etc.), as well as some other tweaks."

To: Department Heads Subject: Implementation of New Policy We are pleased to announce the implementation of a new workplace policy which will enhance safety measures and ensure compliance with regulations. Please review the attached document and prepare feedback by the end of the week. Your cooperation is essential for the success of this initiative.

To: Department Heads Subject: Implementation of New Policy We are pleased to announce implementation of new policy regarding workplace safety. Policy aims to enhance safety measures and ensure compliance with regulations. Please review document attached and prepare feedback by end of week. Your cooperation is essential for success of this initiative.

Mistake Example #2

Government & Policy Writing / Grant Application

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

Our organization is applying for the grant to support the development of educational programs in rural areas. We aim to implement these programs oin the communities to improve literacy rates and provide better opportunities for children. The project will start atin January and we expect to see significant progress in the first year. We appreciate your consideration and look forward to working together on this important initiative.


Text corrected by:
Miss E., Cyprus, Europe

"This is a good write-up overall. However, don't forget to use prepositions correctly in your sentences: "implement these programs on the communities" should be "implement these programs in the communities" and "will start on January" should be "will start in January"."

Our organization is applying for the grant to support the development of educational programs in rural areas. We aim to implement these programs in the communities to improve literacy rates and provide better opportunities for children. The project will start in January and we expect to see significant progress in the first year. We appreciate your consideration and look forward to working together on this important initiative.

Our organization is applying for the grant to support the development of educational programs in rural areas. We aim to implement these programs on the communities to improve literacy rates and provide better opportunities for children. The project will start at January and we expect to see significant progress in the first year. We appreciate your consideration and look forward to working together on this important initiative.

Mistake Example #3

Government & Policy Writing / Legislative Report

Incorrect word order in complex sentences

In the recent legislative session, the committee discussed the new policy, which aims to improve theenvironmental standards, thatwas proposed. The members, aAfter reviewing the report, theymembers agreed that further analysis onf the economic impact is necessary. It is important that the government, to ensure the policy's success, collaborates with local industries and communitiesto ensure the policy's success.


Text corrected by:
Vince, United States

"Your ideas were clear :) I just made a few small changes to improve the flow and polish these complex sentences. "

In the recent legislative session, the committee discussed the new policy, which aims to improve environmental standards, that was proposed. After reviewing the report, the members agreed that further analysis of the economic impact is necessary. It is important that the government collaborate with local industries and communities to ensure the policy's success.

In the recent legislative session, the committee discussed the new policy, which aims to improve the environmental standards, was proposed. The members, after reviewing the report, they agreed that further analysis on the economic impact is necessary. It is important that the government, to ensure the policy's success, collaborates with local industries and communities.

Mistake Example #4

Government & Policy Writing / Official Statement

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

The Ministry of Environment is announcing new regulations for waste management in the city. The policy will be effective in January 1st, and aims to improve recycling rates oin the community. Citizens are encouraged to participate atin the upcoming public forum to discuss these changes and provide feedback.


Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"Very good! I just needed to change a couple of prepositions."

The Ministry of Environment is announcing new regulations for waste management in the city. The policy will be effective in January 1st, and aims to improve recycling rates in the community. Citizens are encouraged to participate in the upcoming public forum to discuss these changes and provide feedback.

The Ministry of Environment is announcing new regulations for waste management in the city. The policy will be effective in January 1st, and aims to improve recycling rates on the community. Citizens are encouraged to participate at the upcoming public forum to discuss these changes and provide feedback.

Mistake Example #5

Government & Policy Writing / Policy Brief

Incorrect word order in complex sentences

In recent years, the importance of renewable energy sources has increased significantly,so the government must prioritize policies that support solar and wind energy development. To achieve this, it is essential that incentives arbe provided to companies investing in these technologies, which will lead to job creation and economic growth. Furthermore, thecollaboration betweenthe public and private sectors should be encouraged, to ensure that the transition to clean energy is both efficient and sustainable.


Text corrected by:
Vince, United States

"Just a few minor tweaks to improve flow :) Nice work!"

In recent years, the importance of renewable energy sources has increased significantly, so the government must prioritize policies that support solar and wind energy development. To achieve this, it is essential that incentives be provided to companies investing in these technologies, which will lead to job creation and economic growth. Furthermore, collaboration between the public and private sectors should be encouraged to ensure that the transition to clean energy is both efficient and sustainable.

In recent years, the importance of renewable energy sources has increased significantly, the government must prioritize policies that support solar and wind energy development. To achieve this, it is essential that incentives are provided to companies investing in these technologies, which will lead to job creation and economic growth. Furthermore, the collaboration between public and private sectors should be encouraged, to ensure that the transition to clean energy is both efficient and sustainable.

Mistake Example #6

Government & Policy Writing / Public Notice

Incorrect word order in complex sentences

Notice to Residents: Due to the upcoming festival, the main street will be closed from 8 AM to 6 PM on Saturday. WPlease, we ask that all vehicles, please, be moved to alternative parking areas before the closure begins. For any questions, you cancontact the city office, you can, during business hours. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.


Text corrected by:
Vince, United States

"This was already very well-written – I just made a few minor changes to put words in the right order :) "

Notice to Residents: Due to the upcoming festival, the main street will be closed from 8 AM to 6 PM on Saturday. Please, we ask that all vehicles be moved to alternative parking areas before the closure begins. For any questions, you can contact the city office during business hours. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

Notice to Residents: Due to the upcoming festival, the main street will be closed from 8 AM to 6 PM on Saturday. We ask that all vehicles, please, be moved to alternative parking areas before the closure begins. For any questions, contact the city office, you can, during business hours. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.