Common English Mistakes in Memo by Mandarin Chinese Speakers

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

Mistake Example #1

Using overly formal or direct language

To: All Staff Subject: Immediate Compliance Required EstDeemedar Colleagues, it iPleasimperative that you submit your monthly reports by theend ofthe day. Failure to comply will result in serious consequences. Your cooperation is expected wiprompthout delay.

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

"I changed some of the wording to make the English sound more natural while keeping the appropriate tone for a business memo."

To: All Staff Subject: Immediate Compliance Required Dear Colleagues, Please submit your monthly reports by the end of the day. Failure to comply will result in serious consequences. Your cooperation is expected promptly.

To: All Staff Subject: Immediate Compliance Required Esteemed Colleagues, it is imperative that you submit your monthly reports by end of day. Failure to comply will result in serious consequences. Your cooperation is expected without delay.

Mistake Example #2

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

To: All Staff Subject: Upcoming Training Session WI want to remind everyone about the training session scheduled for next Friday. It is crucial that you attend because the sessiton will cover important updates oncompany policiy updates. Please makensure to register by Wednesday to secure your spot. Looking forward to seeing everyone there.!

Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

"This needed some tweaking to add/correct missing sentence subjects, among other fixes."

To: All Staff Subject: Upcoming Training Session I want to remind everyone about the training session scheduled for next Friday. It is crucial that you attend because the session will cover important company policy updates. Please make sure to register by Wednesday to secure your spot. Looking forward to seeing everyone there!

To: All Staff Subject: Upcoming Training Session Want to remind everyone about the training session scheduled for next Friday. Is crucial to attend as it will cover important updates on company policies. Please ensure to register by Wednesday to secure your spot. Looking forward to see everyone there.

Mistake Example #3

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

To: All Staff Subject: Office Renovation Update Dear Team, IPlease want tobe informyoued that there wisll be many changes htappenkingplace in our office next month. There arwill be mucha lot of new furniture arriving, andso we need to prepare space for ithem. Please ensure there isare enough boxes for packing old items. Thank you for your cooperation.

Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

"This needed some tweaking for proper use of singular and plural nouns."

To: All Staff Subject: Office Renovation Update Dear Team, Please be informed that there will be many changes taking place in our office next month. There will be a lot of new furniture arriving, so we need to prepare space for it. Please ensure there are enough boxes for packing old items. Thank you for your cooperation.

To: All Staff Subject: Office Renovation Update Dear Team, I want to inform you that there is many changes happening in our office next month. There are much new furniture arriving, and we need to prepare space for them. Please ensure there is enough boxes for packing old items. Thank you for your cooperation.