Common English Mistakes in Lab Reports by Mandarin Chinese Speakers

This page focuses on errors typically made by native Mandarin Chinese speakers from Taiwan when writing a Lab Report in English.

Mistake Example #1

Misuse of singular/plural nouns ('There are much people here' instead of 'There are many people here')

In this experiment, we observe the reactions of different chemical solutions under controlled conditions. There isare many variables that affect the outcome, including temperature and concentration. During the procedure, we notice that there is asignificant change in color when asolution is heated.

Text corrected by:
Vince, United States

"This was very good! Just a few small changes were needed to make the grammar more consistent."

In this experiment, we observe the reactions of different chemical solutions under controlled conditions. There are many variables that affect the outcome, including temperature and concentration. During the procedure, we notice that there is a significant change in color when a solution is heated.

In this experiment, we observe the reaction of different chemical solution under controlled condition. There is many variable that affect the outcome, including temperature and concentration. During the procedure, we notice that there is significant change in color when solution is heated.

Mistake Example #2

Using overly formal or direct language

The results of the experiment was conducted with utmost precision and accuracy. The results demonstrate significant findings that are of great importance to the scientific community. It is imperative that these results are considered with the highest regard andshould be implemented immediately to advance the field.

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

"I removed some of the optional phrases to make the language more straightforward as appropriate for a lab report."

The results of the experiment are of great importance to the scientific community and should be implemented immediately to advance the field.

The experiment was conducted with utmost precision and accuracy. The results demonstrate significant findings that are of great importance to the scientific community. It is imperative that these results are considered with the highest regard and implemented immediately to advance the field.

Mistake Example #3

Omitting the subject in sentences ('Is important to learn English' instead of 'It is important to learn English')

In this experiment, it wasobserved thatthe reaction time was faster when the temperature increased. It is crucial to maintaina consistent temperature throughout the process to ensure accurate results. AIt was also noted that whenthe solution was stirred continuously, the rate of reaction improved significantly.

Text corrected by:
Miss E., Cyprus, Europe

"Be mindful of errors such as the following: "observed that reaction time was faster when temperature increased" should be "it was observed that the reaction time was faster when the temperature increased" and "Is crucial" should be "It is crucial"."

In this experiment, it was observed that the reaction time was faster when the temperature increased. It is crucial to maintain a consistent temperature throughout the process to ensure accurate results. It was also noted that when the solution was stirred continuously, the rate of reaction improved significantly.

In this experiment, observed that reaction time was faster when temperature increased. Is crucial to maintain consistent temperature throughout the process to ensure accurate results. Also noted that when solution was stirred continuously, the rate of reaction improved significantly.