Common English Mistakes in User Manuals by Korean Speakers

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

Mistake Example #1

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

To operate the device, first ensure thepower switch is inthe off position. Connect thedevice toa power source usingthe provided cable. Once connected, turn on thepower switch and wait forthe indicator light to become green. If thelight does not turn green, checkthe connection and try again. For optimal performance, place thedevice ona flat surface and avoid exposure to direct sunlight.

Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

"This needed some tweaking to add missing articles."

To operate the device, first ensure the power switch is in the off position. Connect the device to a power source using the provided cable. Once connected, turn on the power switch and wait for the indicator light to become green. If the light does not turn green, check the connection and try again. For optimal performance, place the device on a flat surface and avoid exposure to direct sunlight.

To operate device, first ensure power switch is in off position. Connect device to power source using provided cable. Once connected, turn on power switch and wait for indicator light to become green. If light does not turn green, check connection and try again. For optimal performance, place device on flat surface and avoid exposure to direct sunlight.

Mistake Example #2

Incorrect word order in complex sentences

To operate the device, first yoube must ensure that the power is on before youconnecting it to the computer. When the device is connected, you shouldpress the start button, which located(on the top right corner,) to begin the initialization process. If the screen does not display the home menu, check if the cable isproperlyis inserted into the port.

Text corrected by:
Camille, Maryland, USA

"I have tightened a few things up, including word order, to help with the flow. "

To operate the device, first be sure that the power is on before connecting it to the computer. When the device is connected, press the start button (on the top right corner) to begin the initialization process. If the screen does not display the home menu, check if the cable is properly inserted into the port.

To operate the device, first you must ensure power is on before you connect it to the computer. When the device is connected, you should press the start button, which located on the top right corner, to begin the initialization process. If the screen does not display the home menu, check if the cable properly is inserted into the port.

Mistake Example #3

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

To operate the washing machine, first plug it into thea power outlet. Then, place your clothes oin the drum and addput detergent in the designated compartment. Make sure to select the appropriate wash cycle aton the control panel. Afterthe washing is complete, remove the clothes from the machine and hang them on thea drying rack.

Text corrected by:
Vince, United States

"This was very good! Just a few small changes were needed to put the right prepositions and articles in your sentences. "

To operate the washing machine, first plug it into a power outlet. Then, place your clothes in the drum and put detergent in the designated compartment. Make sure to select the appropriate wash cycle on the control panel. After the washing is complete, remove the clothes from the machine and hang them on a drying rack.

To operate the washing machine, first plug it in the power outlet. Then, place your clothes on the drum and add detergent in the designated compartment. Make sure to select the appropriate wash cycle at the control panel. After washing is complete, remove clothes from the machine and hang them on the drying rack.