Common English Mistakes in Novels by Mandarin Chinese Speakers

This page focuses on errors typically made by native Mandarin Chinese speakers from Taiwan when writing a Novel 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, 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 #2

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

In the quiet village of Lushan, there isare many storyies that whisper through the bamboo groves. Mei Ling, a young girl with dreams as vast as the sky, often wandered the paths where there are muchany secrets hidden beneath the leaves. One day, she stumbled upon an ancient book, its pages filled with tales of heroes and adventures, and she knew her life would never be the same.

Text corrected by:
Miss E., Cyprus, Europe

"This is mostly well-written. However, be mindful of errors such as the following: "there is many story" should be "there are many stories" and "there are much secret" should be "there are many secrets"."

In the quiet village of Lushan, there are many stories that whisper through the bamboo groves. Mei Ling, a young girl with dreams as vast as the sky, often wandered the paths where there are many secrets hidden beneath the leaves. One day, she stumbled upon an ancient book, its pages filled with tales of heroes and adventures, and she knew her life would never be the same.

In the quiet village of Lushan, there is many story that whisper through the bamboo groves. Mei Ling, a young girl with dreams as vast as the sky, often wandered the paths where there are much secret hidden beneath the leaves. One day, she stumbled upon an ancient book, its pages filled with tales of hero and adventure, and she knew her life would never be the same.

Mistake Example #3

Using overly formal or direct language

In thea dimly lit room, the protagonist, Li Wei, sat with great determination. "I mshoustld inform you,dear reader, that the journey ahead is fraughtilled with perilsk and danger," he declared with utmostseriousness. "It is impeortantive that we proceed with caution and pcarecision, foras the consequences of failure are mostsevere."

Text corrected by:
Vince, United States

"Your ideas were clear :) I just made a few small changes to remove overly formal language. "

In a dimly lit room, the protagonist, Li Wei, sat with great determination. "I should inform you, reader, that the journey ahead is filled with risk and danger," he declared with seriousness. "It is important that we proceed with caution and care, as the consequences of failure are severe."

In the dimly lit room, the protagonist, Li Wei, sat with great determination. "I must inform you, dear reader, that the journey ahead is fraught with peril and danger," he declared with utmost seriousness. "It is imperative that we proceed with caution and precision, for the consequences of failure are most severe."