Common English Mistakes in Screenplays by Mandarin Chinese Speakers

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

Mistake Example #1

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 #2

Using overly formal or direct language

INT. COFFEE SHOP - DAY JAMES sits across from LUCY,; bothare holding coffee cups. The atmosphere is tense. JAMES Lucy,I must inform you that your behavior is unacceptable. You have been late three times this week, and it is causingsignificantly disruptiontog our project timeline. LUCY I'm sorry apbologize forut my tardiness, James. I will makensurethat it doesno't happen again. Your feedback imeans verya valuablot to me, andso I will do everything I cake immediate action to get to work on timprovemy punctuality.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"I changed some of the phrasing to give the dialogue a more casual, natural sound."

INT. COFFEE SHOP - DAY JAMES sits across from LUCY; both are holding coffee cups. The atmosphere is tense. JAMES Lucy, your behavior is unacceptable. You have been late three times this week, and it is significantly disrupting our project timeline. LUCY I'm sorry about my tardiness, James. I will make sure it doesn't happen again. Your feedback means a lot to me, so I will do everything I can to get to work on time.

INT. COFFEE SHOP - DAY JAMES sits across from LUCY, both holding coffee cups. The atmosphere is tense. JAMES Lucy, I must inform you that your behavior is unacceptable. You have been late three times this week, and it is causing significant disruption to our project timeline. LUCY I apologize for my tardiness, James. I will ensure that it does not happen again. Your feedback is very valuable, and I will take immediate action to improve my punctuality.

Mistake Example #3

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

INT. COFFEE SHOP - DAY JENNY sits at a small table, looking around nervously. There are muchany people in the shop, and she feels overwhelmed. Her friend, MARK, arrives and sits across from her. MARK (cheerfully) Wow, there isare so many personple here today! I didn't expect this crowd. JENNY (nodding) Yes, it makes me feel a bit anxious. I hope we can find somea quiet place later.

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

"I corrected the singular/plural agreement in some of the phrases. Otherwise, the ideas in this text are clearly expressed."

INT. COFFEE SHOP - DAY JENNY sits at a small table, looking around nervously. There are many people in the shop, and she feels overwhelmed. Her friend, MARK, arrives and sits across from her. MARK (cheerfully) Wow, there are so many people here today! I didn't expect this crowd. JENNY (nodding) Yes, it makes me feel a bit anxious. I hope we can find a quiet place later.

INT. COFFEE SHOP - DAY JENNY sits at a small table, looking around nervously. There are much people in the shop, and she feels overwhelmed. Her friend, MARK, arrives and sits across from her. MARK (cheerfully) Wow, there is so many person here today! I didn't expect this crowd. JENNY (nodding) Yes, it make me feel a bit anxious. I hope we can find some quiet place later.