Common English Mistakes in Flash Fictions by Mandarin Chinese Speakers

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

Mistake Example #1

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 #2

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

In the quiet village of Jiufen, there isare many storyies about the old tea house on the hill. Every night, when the moon is full, there isare muchlot of light that dances through the windows, casting shadows that tell tales of forgotten times. People say that if you listen closely, you can hear the whispers of those who once gathered there, theirsharing secrets and dreams.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"Great job! I just polished it up and corrected some issues with singular/plural nouns."

In the quiet village of Jiufen, there are many stories about the old tea house on the hill. Every night, when the moon is full, there is a lot of light that dances through the windows, casting shadows that tell tales of forgotten times. People say that if you listen closely, you can hear the whispers of those who once gathered there, their sharing secrets and dreams.

In the quiet village of Jiufen, there is many story about the old tea house on the hill. Every night, when the moon is full, there are much light that dance through the windows, casting shadows that tell tales of forgotten times. People say that if you listen closely, you can hear the whispers of those who once gathered there, sharing secrets and dreams.

Mistake Example #3

Using overly formal or direct language

In the quiet village of Lanyu, the sunset wassetting with great beautyiful, casting an orange glow over the ocean. The fisherman, Mr. Lin, determinedlyapproached the shorewith utmost determination, his boat filled with largefishof significant size. He greeted the villagers with a formalbow, saying,: "I have returned with an abundant catch, andwhich Ia'm pleased to share with all of you, esmyteemedrrific neighbors."

Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

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

In the quiet village of Lanyu, the sunset was beautiful, casting an orange glow over the ocean. The fisherman, Mr. Lin, determinedly approached the shore, his boat filled with large fish. He greeted the villagers with a bow: "I have returned with an abundant catch, which I'm pleased to share with all of you, my terrific neighbors."

In the quiet village of Lanyu, the sun was setting with great beauty, casting an orange glow over the ocean. The fisherman, Mr. Lin, approached the shore with utmost determination, his boat filled with fish of significant size. He greeted the villagers with a formal bow, saying, "I have returned with abundant catch, and I am pleased to share with all of you esteemed neighbors."