Common English Mistakes by Mandarin Chinese Speakers

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

Category:Fiction & Creative Writing
Writing for storytelling, entertainment, and artistic expression.
Common Users:Authors, Playwrights, Poets.
Mistake Example #1

Fiction & Creative Writing / Creative Nonfiction

Using overly formal or direct language

IEarly in thequiet of the early morning, I took apeaceful walk through the park, and really nobsticervingd the treeswith great attention. The air wasfimelled wlith thkefragrance of flowers, and I felt a ptrofounde sense of trcanquilitym. It is mreally beliefve that nature progivides us the mobest excellenwaytform of relaxation, and I stronhighly recommend eveit foranyone who wantsto engagimprove thein such activities for mental hstatealth improvement.

Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

"This needed some tweaking to be less formal and more natural."

Early in the morning, I took a peaceful walk through the park and really noticed the trees. The air smelled like flowers, and I felt a true sense of calm. I really believe that nature gives us the best way to relax, and I highly recommend it for anyone who wants to improve their mental state.

In the quiet of the early morning, I took a walk through the park, observing the trees with great attention. The air was filled with the fragrance of flowers, and I felt a profound sense of tranquility. It is my belief that nature provides the most excellent form of relaxation, and I strongly recommend everyone to engage in such activities for mental health improvement.

Mistake Example #2

Fiction & Creative Writing / Flash Fiction

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

In the quiet village, night fealls softly. It is time for the lantern festival, and everyone gathers by the river. Lanterns float gently on water, carrying wishes to the stars. It is beautiful to see how light dances on the waves, reflecting dreams of the people.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"Lovely! I added the subject "it" to some of the sentences and made a couple of other minor changes."

In the quiet village, night falls softly. It is time for the lantern festival, and everyone gathers by the river. Lanterns float gently on water, carrying wishes to the stars. It is beautiful to see how light dances on the waves, reflecting dreams of the people.

In the quiet village, night fell softly. Is time for the lantern festival, and everyone gathers by the river. Lanterns float gently on water, carrying wishes to the stars. Is beautiful to see how light dances on the waves, reflecting dreams of the people.

Mistake Example #3

Fiction & Creative Writing / Novel

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

In the quiet village, alwayssomethingis always happening. People gather in the square, sharing stories and laughter. IThisis a place where everyone knows each other, and secrets are hard to keep. One day, amysterious stranger arrived, bringing with himan air of mystery and excitementwith him. Changes were coming, and everyone could feel it in the air.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"Some of the sentences were missing a subject. I also made some additional corrections. Nice work!"

In the quiet village, something is always happening. People gather in the square, sharing stories and laughter. This is a place where everyone knows each other, and secrets are hard to keep. One day, a mysterious stranger arrived, bringing an air of mystery and excitement with him. Changes were coming, and everyone could feel it in the air.

In the quiet village, always something happening. People gather in the square, sharing stories and laughter. Is place where everyone knows each other, and secrets are hard to keep. One day, mysterious stranger arrived, bringing with him air of mystery and excitement. Changes were coming, and everyone could feel it in the air.

Mistake Example #4

Fiction & Creative Writing / Personal Essay

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

Growing up in Taiwan,I was always fascinated by the vibrant night markets and thebustling streets. It's a place where tradition meets modernity, and every corner tells a story. RI remember visiting the old temple with my grandmother, andshe would tell me tales of the past. It's important to cherish these memories, as—they shape who we are today.

Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

"A subject needed to be added in several sentences."

Growing up in Taiwan, I was always fascinated by the vibrant night markets and bustling streets. It's a place where tradition meets modernity, and every corner tells a story. I remember visiting the old temple with my grandmother, and she would tell me tales of the past. It's important to cherish these memories—they shape who we are today.

Growing up in Taiwan, always fascinated by the vibrant night markets and the bustling streets. Is a place where tradition meets modernity, and every corner tells a story. Remember visiting the old temple with my grandmother, she would tell me tales of the past. Is important to cherish these memories, as they shape who we are today.

Mistake Example #5

Fiction & Creative Writing / Poem

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

In the garden where the moonlight dances, there isare many flowers that bloom in the night. The stars are like friends, shining brightly in the sky, and there are muchany dreams floating in the air.

Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

"This needed some tweaking for proper usage of singular vs. plural nouns, among other fixes."

In the garden where the moonlight dances, there are many flowers that bloom in the night. The stars are like friends, shining brightly in the sky, and there are many dreams floating in the air.

In the garden where the moonlight dance, there is many flower bloom in the night. The stars are like friend, shining bright in the sky, and there are much dream floating in the air.

Mistake Example #6

Fiction & Creative Writing / Screenplay

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

INT. COFFEE SHOP - DAY JEN sits across from MARK, sipping her latte. Sunlight filters through the window, casting a warm glow. JEN (softly) Is nice here, don't you think? AI always feel calm whenI come to this place. MARK (nodding) Yes, it'svery peaceful. RIt reminds me of home. Sometimes Iforget how busythe city can be. JEN (smiling) AI agree. It's good to take abreak, justto sit and enjoy themoment.

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

"I added subjects and articles to some of the phrases. Otherwise, the ideas in this text are clearly expressed."

INT. COFFEE SHOP - DAY JEN sits across from MARK, sipping her latte. Sunlight filters through the window, casting a warm glow. JEN (softly) Is nice here, don't you think? I always feel calm when I come to this place. MARK (nodding) Yes, it's very peaceful. It reminds me of home. Sometimes I forget how busy the city can be. JEN (smiling) I agree. It's good to take a break just to sit and enjoy the moment.

INT. COFFEE SHOP - DAY JEN sits across from MARK, sipping her latte. Sunlight filters through the window, casting a warm glow. JEN (softly) Is nice here, don't you think? Always feel calm when come to this place. MARK (nodding) Yes, very peaceful. Reminds me of home. Sometimes forget how busy city can be. JEN (smiling) Agree. Is good to take break, just sit and enjoy moment.

Mistake Example #7

Fiction & Creative Writing / Script Treatment

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

In the bustling city of Taipei, there is a young girl named Mei who dreams of becoming a famous dancer. Every day, she practices her moves in the small studio near her home, where multheriple are much mirrors reflecting her determination. Mei's journey is not easy, as—there are numanyerous obstacles she must overcome, but her passion drives her ever forward.

Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

"Changes I made for overall readability included fixing some incorrect uses of "much" and "many.""

In the bustling city of Taipei, there is a young girl named Mei who dreams of becoming a famous dancer. Every day, she practices her moves in the small studio near her home, where multiple mirrors reflect her determination. Mei's journey is not easy—there are numerous obstacles she must overcome, but her passion drives her ever forward.

In the bustling city of Taipei, there is a young girl named Mei who dream of becoming a famous dancer. Every day, she practice her moves in the small studio near her home, where there are much mirrors reflecting her determination. Mei's journey is not easy, as there are many obstacle she must overcome, but her passion drive her forward.

Mistake Example #8

Fiction & Creative Writing / Short Story

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

In the quiet village of Jiufen,there is always a mystery waiting to be discovered. One day, young Mei found an old map hidden under floorboard in her grandmother's attic. WIt was a map of forgotten treasure, said to be buried deep in the mountains. Excited, Mei decided to follow the map, believing that adventure was calling her name.

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

"I added the missing subject to a couple of sentences. Otherwise, the ideas in this text are clearly expressed."

In the quiet village of Jiufen, there is always a mystery waiting to be discovered. One day, young Mei found an old map hidden under floorboard in her grandmother's attic. It was a map of forgotten treasure, said to be buried deep in the mountains. Excited, Mei decided to follow the map, believing that adventure was calling her name.

In the quiet village of Jiufen, always a mystery waiting to be discovered. One day, young Mei found an old map hidden under floorboard in her grandmother's attic. Was a map of forgotten treasure, said to be buried deep in the mountains. Excited, Mei decided to follow the map, believing that adventure was calling her name.