Common English Mistakes in Instructional Guides by Mandarin Chinese Speakers

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

Mistake Example #1

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

To assemble the bookshelf, you need to follow these steps carefully. First, there isare many pieces of wood that you must organize by size. Then, take one of the long planks and attach it to the side panel using the screws provided. Make sure there is enough space between each shelf for your books.

Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

"This needed some corrections of the singular and plural nouns."

To assemble the bookshelf, you need to follow these steps carefully. First, there are many pieces of wood that you must organize by size. Then, take one of the long planks and attach it to the side panel using the screws provided. Make sure there is enough space between each shelf for your books.

To assemble the bookshelf, you need to follow these step carefully. First, there is many pieces of wood that you must organize by size. Then, take one of the long plank and attach it to the side panel using the screw provided. Make sure there is enough space between each shelf for your book.

Mistake Example #2

Using overly formal or direct language

To whom it may concern, iIt is impeortantive that you follow these instructions with utmostprecision. First, you must gacquithere the necessary materialswithout delay. Subsequently, you care required ton assemble the components in the exact order asspecifiedorder. Failure to adhere to these guidelines will result in unsatisfactory outcomes.

Text corrected by:
Vince, United States

"This was already very well-written – I just made a few minor changes to make it sound a bit more natural and polite :)"

It is important that you follow these instructions with precision. First, you must gather the necessary materials. Subsequently, you can assemble the components in the specified order. Failure to adhere to these guidelines will result in unsatisfactory outcomes.

To whom it may concern, it is imperative that you follow these instructions with utmost precision. First, you must acquire the necessary materials without delay. Subsequently, you are required to assemble the components in the exact order as specified. Failure to adhere to these guidelines will result in unsatisfactory outcomes.

Mistake Example #3

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

To cook traditional Taiwanese beef noodle soup, youfirst need to gather all of theingredients. It is important to have fresh beef, noodles, and spices for thebest flavor. Start by boilingthe beef in water until tender, then add thenoodles and spices. Let it simmer for 30 minutes, andthe soup is ready to serve. Enjoy with family and friends for an authentic taste experience.

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

"I added subjects and articles to some of the phrases to make the sentences grammatically correct."

To cook traditional Taiwanese beef noodle soup, you first need to gather all of the ingredients. It is important to have fresh beef, noodles, and spices for the best flavor. Start by boiling the beef in water until tender, then add the noodles and spices. Let it simmer for 30 minutes, and the soup is ready to serve. Enjoy with family and friends for an authentic taste experience.

To cook traditional Taiwanese beef noodle soup, first need to gather all ingredients. Is important to have fresh beef, noodles, and spices for best flavor. Start by boiling beef in water until tender, then add noodles and spices. Let simmer for 30 minutes, and soup is ready to serve. Enjoy with family and friends for authentic taste experience.