Common English Mistakes in Short Stories by Mandarin Chinese Speakers

This page focuses on errors typically made by native Mandarin Chinese speakers from Taiwan when writing a Short Story 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 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.

Mistake Example #2

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

In the small village of Lanyu, there was a legend about a mysterious forest where many strange things happened. One day, a young girl named Mei decided to explore the forest, hoping to find the secrets hidden within. As she walked deeper into the woods, she noticed there wasere many bird singing in the trees, and the air was filled with the scent of blooming flowers. Mei felt a sense of wonder and excitement, knowing that there wares much adventure waiting for her in this magical place.

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

"I corrected the verb usage to agree with the singular and plural nouns. Overall, the ideas in this text are clearly expressed."

In the small village of Lanyu, there was a legend about a mysterious forest where many strange things happened. One day, a young girl named Mei decided to explore the forest, hoping to find the secrets hidden within. As she walked deeper into the woods, she noticed there were many bird singing in the trees, and the air was filled with the scent of blooming flowers. Mei felt a sense of wonder and excitement, knowing that there was much adventure waiting for her in this magical place.

In the small village of Lanyu, there was a legend about a mysterious forest where many strange things happened. One day, a young girl named Mei decided to explore the forest, hoping to find the secrets hidden within. As she walked deeper into the woods, she noticed there was many bird singing in the trees, and the air was filled with the scent of blooming flowers. Mei felt a sense of wonder and excitement, knowing that there are much adventure waiting for her in this magical place.

Mistake Example #3

Using overly formal or direct language

In the ancient village of Lanyu, there was a young girl named Mei who powassessedan extraordinarily talentined paintinger. One day, she decided to venture into the dense forest to find inspiration for her next masterpiece. UpoWhenshe encounteringed a majestic waterfall, she exclaimed, "This scenery is msost beautiful. aIneed shall beto captured withutmost precision.!" HMeri's determination was unwavering, and she declared, "I will paint until the sun descends from the sky."

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"I changed some of the language to make it sound less formal and more natural for a story."

In the ancient village of Lanyu, there was a young girl named Mei who was an extraordinarily talented painter. One day, she decided to venture into the dense forest to find inspiration for her next masterpiece. When she encountered a majestic waterfall, she exclaimed, "This scenery is so beautiful. I need to capture this!" Mei's determination was unwavering, and she declared, "I will paint until the sun descends from the sky."

In the ancient village of Lanyu, there was a young girl named Mei who possessed extraordinary talent in painting. One day, she decided to venture into the dense forest to find inspiration for her next masterpiece. Upon encountering a majestic waterfall, she exclaimed, "This scenery is most beautiful and shall be captured with utmost precision." Her determination was unwavering, and she declared, "I will paint until the sun descends from the sky."