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:Legal & Formal Writing
Writing used in legal and formal contexts.
Common Users:Lawyers, Paralegals, Law Students.
Mistake Example #1

Legal & Formal Writing / Agreement

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

This Agreement is madefor the provision of services between Company and Client. for provision of sThervices. Parties agree to the terms outlined inthe document and will adhere to the specifiedconditions. Thispecified. Agreement shall commence onthe date of signing and remain in effect until terminated by either party.

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

"I added articles before some of the nouns and made some additional changes to improve fluidity and make the English sound a bit more natural."

This Agreement is made for the provision of services between Company and Client. The Parties agree to the terms outlined in the document and will adhere to the specified conditions. This Agreement shall commence on the date of signing and remain in effect until terminated by either party.

This Agreement is made between Company and Client for provision of services. Parties agree to terms outlined in document and will adhere to conditions specified. Agreement shall commence on date of signing and remain in effect until terminated by either party.

Mistake Example #2

Legal & Formal Writing / Contract

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

This Agreement is made in Seoul, South Korea, on 15th October, 2023, between ABC Corporation and XYZ Ltd. The parties agree to meet at the office inat 9 AM ftor discussing the terms of the contract. Any disputes arising in this Agreement shall be resolved in accordance with the laws applicable oin South Korea.

Text corrected by:
Miss E., Cyprus, Europe

"This is mostly well-written. There were a few errors with the use of prepositions: "in" 9 AM should be "at" 9 AM and "on" South Korea should be "in" South Korea."

This Agreement is made in Seoul, South Korea, on 15th October, 2023, between ABC Corporation and XYZ Ltd. The parties agree to meet at the office at 9 AM to discuss the terms of the contract. Any disputes arising in this Agreement shall be resolved in accordance with the laws applicable in South Korea.

This Agreement is made in Seoul, South Korea, on 15th October 2023, between ABC Corporation and XYZ Ltd. The parties agree to meet at the office in 9 AM for discussing the terms of the contract. Any disputes arising in this Agreement shall be resolved in accordance with the laws applicable on South Korea.

Mistake Example #3

Legal & Formal Writing / Court Document

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

The defendant was present in the court at 9:00 AMa.m. on the day ofthe hearing. It was argued that the incident occurred on the night of July 15th, but the evidence presented during the trial was not sufficient to prove the defendant's presence at the scene. The judge will announce the verdict in the next session onf the court.

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

"I just replaced a word or two to make the English sound more natural. Otherwise, the ideas in this text are clearly expressed."

The defendant was present in the court at 9:00 a.m. on the day of the hearing. It was argued that the incident occurred on the night of July 15th, but the evidence presented during the trial was not sufficient to prove the defendant's presence at the scene. The judge will announce the verdict in the next session of the court.

The defendant was present in the court at 9 AM on the day of hearing. It was argued that the incident occurred on the night of July 15th, but the evidence presented in the trial was not sufficient to prove the defendant's presence at the scene. The judge will announce the verdict in the next session on the court.

Mistake Example #4

Legal & Formal Writing / Legal Brief

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

In response toa recent case, we argue that thedefendant did not breachthe contract as claimed. Evidence shows that theagreement was not violated because the terms were not clearly defined by theplaintiff. We request thecourt to dismiss thesecharges due toa lack of substantial proof and uphold justice in thismatter.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"Sounds good overall! I just needed to add some articles before certain words."

In response to a recent case, we argue that the defendant did not breach the contract as claimed. Evidence shows that the agreement was not violated because the terms were not clearly defined by the plaintiff. We request the court to dismiss these charges due to a lack of substantial proof and uphold justice in this matter.

In response to recent case, we argue that defendant did not breach contract as claimed. Evidence shows that agreement was not violated because terms were not clearly defined by plaintiff. We request court to dismiss charges due to lack of substantial proof and uphold justice in matter.

Mistake Example #5

Legal & Formal Writing / Legal Memo

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

To: Legal Department Subject: Review of Contractual Obligations In therecent case involvinga breach of contract, it is important to examine the terms outlined in theagreement. CThe client has raiseda concern regardingthe delivery of goods and adherence to timelinhe specifiedtimeline. We must ensure that all clauses are interpreted according to thelaw and provide theclient witha comprehensive analysis ofthe situation. Please prioritize the review and advise on possible legal actions.

Text corrected by:
Vince, United States

"Overall your writing was very professional; it just needed a few tweaks to make articles consistent. Good job! "

To: Legal Department Subject: Review of Contractual Obligations In the recent case involving a breach of contract, it is important to examine the terms outlined in the agreement. The client has raised a concern regarding the delivery of goods and adherence to the specified timeline. We must ensure that all clauses are interpreted according to the law and provide the client with a comprehensive analysis of the situation. Please prioritize the review and advise on possible legal actions.

To: Legal Department Subject: Review of Contractual Obligations In recent case involving breach of contract, it is important to examine terms outlined in agreement. Client has raised concern regarding delivery of goods and adherence to timeline specified. We must ensure that all clauses are interpreted according to law and provide client with comprehensive analysis of situation. Please prioritize review and advise on possible legal actions.

Mistake Example #6

Legal & Formal Writing / Privacy Policy

Incorrect word order in complex sentences

This Privacy Policy, we inform you about how we collect and useyour personal datawe collect and use. When you visit our website, automaticallyinformation is gathered by usautomatically, including your IP address and browser type. Your data wWe ensure that your data is protected withby strict security measures, and only authorized personnel canaccess itcan.

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

"I fixed the word order of some phrases. Otherwise, the ideas in this text are clearly expressed."

This Privacy Policy, we inform you about how we collect and use your personal data. When you visit our website, information is gathered by us automatically, including your IP address and browser type. We ensure that your data is protected by strict security measures and only authorized personnel can access it.

This Privacy Policy, we inform you about how your personal data we collect and use. When you visit our website, automatically information is gathered by us, including your IP address and browser type. Your data we ensure to protect with strict security measures, and only authorized personnel access it can.

Mistake Example #7

Legal & Formal Writing / Terms & Conditions

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

These Terms & Conditions are effective infrom January 1, 2023. By accessing or using our services, you agree to comply with the terms set forth oin this document. Any disputes arising atin connection with these terms will be resolved in accordance with the laws applicable in South Korea.

Text corrected by:
Vince, United States

"Just a few small changes were needed. Otherwise it sounds great!"

These Terms & Conditions are effective from January 1, 2023. By accessing or using our services, you agree to comply with the terms set forth in this document. Any disputes arising in connection with these terms will be resolved in accordance with the laws applicable in South Korea.

These Terms & Conditions are effective in January 1, 2023. By accessing or using our services, you agree to comply with the terms set forth on this document. Any disputes arising at connection with these terms will be resolved in accordance with the laws applicable in South Korea.

Mistake Example #8

Legal & Formal Writing / Will & Testament

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

I, Kim Min-jun, being of sound mind and body, declare this to be my last will and testament. I appoint Lee Ji-eun as theexecutor of my estate,. and sShe shall have the authority to manage and distributemy assets according to my wishes. I leavemy house in Seoul to my son, Kim Ji-hoon, and thecar to my daughter, Kim Soo-jin. RThe remaining assets shall be divided equally among my children.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"Good work! I added the missing articles and made some other minor changes."

I, Kim Min-jun, being of sound mind and body, declare this to be my last will and testament. I appoint Lee Ji-eun as the executor of my estate. She shall have the authority to manage and distribute my assets according to my wishes. I leave my house in Seoul to my son, Kim Ji-hoon, and the car to my daughter, Kim Soo-jin. The remaining assets shall be divided equally among my children.

I, Kim Min-jun, being of sound mind and body, declare this to be my last will and testament. I appoint Lee Ji-eun as executor of my estate, and she shall have authority to manage and distribute assets according to my wishes. I leave house in Seoul to my son, Kim Ji-hoon, and car to my daughter, Kim Soo-jin. Remaining assets shall be divided equally among my children.