Common English Mistakes in Script Treatments by Mandarin Chinese Speakers

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

Mistake Example #1

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 #2

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

In a bustling Taipei, young artist Mei discovers a mysterious painting in (an/the)attic. It's strange howthe colors seem to move, telling stories of anancient Taiwan. As Mei delves deeper, sherealizesthe painting holds akey toa forgotten history. MShe must finda way to unlockthe secrets before it's too late.

Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

"This needed some fixes to add missing articles ("the," "an," etc.)."

In a bustling Taipei, young artist Mei discovers a mysterious painting in (an/the) attic. It's strange how the colors seem to move, telling stories of an ancient Taiwan. As Mei delves deeper, she realizes the painting holds a key to a forgotten history. She must find a way to unlock the secrets before it's too late.

In a bustling Taipei, young artist Mei discovers a mysterious painting in attic. Is strange how colors seem to move, telling stories of ancient Taiwan. As Mei delves deeper, realizes painting holds key to forgotten history. Must find way to unlock secrets before is too late.

Mistake Example #3

Using overly formal or direct language

In the script treatment, the protagonist, Mr. Chen, embarks on a journey to discover the truth about his family's past. He is determined to uncover the secrets that have been hidden for many years, and he will not be deterred by any obstacles. Mr. Chen's pursuit of truth is relentless, and he will confront anyone who stands in his way with utmost directness.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"This text is not overly formal."

In the script treatment, the protagonist, Mr. Chen, embarks on a journey to discover the truth about his family's past. He is determined to uncover the secrets that have been hidden for many years, and he will not be deterred by any obstacles. Mr. Chen's pursuit of truth is relentless, and he will confront anyone who stands in his way with utmost directness.

In the script treatment, the protagonist, Mr. Chen, embarks on a journey to discover the truth about his family's past. He is determined to uncover the secrets that have been hidden for many years, and he will not be deterred by any obstacles. Mr. Chen's pursuit of truth is relentless, and he will confront anyone who stands in his way with utmost directness.