Common English Mistakes by Mandarin Chinese Speakers

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

Category:Government & Policy Writing
Writing used for policy-making and government communication.
Common Users:Government Officials, Non-profits, Public Policy Analysts.
Mistake Example #1

Government & Policy Writing / Government Memo

Using overly formal or direct language

To Whom It May Concern,: I hereby inform you that the new policy regarding public transportation will be implemented immediately. It is imperative that all departments comply with the regulations without delay. YourPlease cooperatie ton is expected and appreciated in ensuringe the smooth execution of this directive.

Text corrected by:
Vince, United States

"This was already very well-written – I just made a few minor changes to make it sound a bit more natural :)"

To Whom It May Concern: I hereby inform you that the new policy regarding public transportation will be implemented immediately. It is imperative that all departments comply with the regulations without delay. Please cooperate to ensure the smooth execution of this directive.

To Whom It May Concern, I hereby inform you that the new policy regarding public transportation will be implemented immediately. It is imperative that all departments comply with the regulations without delay. Your cooperation is expected and appreciated in ensuring the smooth execution of this directive.

Mistake Example #2

Government & Policy Writing / Grant Application

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

AI am applying fora grant to supportthe community education program. In rural areas, it is essential to provide resources for Englishlearning Englinsh—the rugralnt areas. Aims to increase access and improve language skills among young learners.

Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

"This needed some tweaking to add omitted sentence subjects, as well as some other fixes."

I am applying for a grant to support the community education program. In rural areas, it is essential to provide resources for learning English—the grant aims to increase access and improve language skills among young learners.

Applying for grant to support community education program. Is essential to provide resources for English learning in rural areas. Aim to increase access and improve language skills among young learners.

Mistake Example #3

Government & Policy Writing / Legislative Report

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

Ina recent legislative session,discussed the importance of renewable energy policies for Taiwanwas discussed. It is crucial to implement measures that support sustainable development and reduce carbon emissions. Also, it is recommended thatthe government allocate more resources to research and development in green technologies.

Text corrected by:
Miss E., Cyprus, Europe

"This is well-written. However, remember to use subjects in your sentences. For example, "Also recommended" should be "Also, it is recommended" and "Is crucial" should be "It is crucial"."

In a recent legislative session, the importance of renewable energy policies for Taiwan was discussed. It is crucial to implement measures that support sustainable development and reduce carbon emissions. Also, it is recommended that the government allocate more resources to research and development in green technologies.

In recent legislative session, discussed the importance of renewable energy policies for Taiwan. Is crucial to implement measures that support sustainable development and reduce carbon emissions. Also recommended that government allocate more resources to research and development in green technologies.

Mistake Example #4

Government & Policy Writing / Official Statement

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

In response to recent environmental concerns,it is crucial to address the air quality issues affecting our cities. GThe government has implemented new regulations to reduce emissions from vehicles and factories. It is our responsibility to ensure a healthier environment for future generations.

Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

"This needed some tweaking to replace missing sentence subjects."

In response to recent environmental concerns, it is crucial to address the air quality issues affecting our cities. The government has implemented new regulations to reduce emissions from vehicles and factories. It is our responsibility to ensure a healthier environment for future generations.

In response to recent environmental concerns, is crucial to address the air quality issues affecting our cities. Government has implemented new regulations to reduce emissions from vehicles and factories. Is our responsibility to ensure a healthier environment for future generations.

Mistake Example #5

Government & Policy Writing / Policy Brief

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

In recent years, tTaiwanhere ias seenmuchany policy changesin Taiwan regarding environmental protection. The government haves implemented several measures to reduce pollution and promote sustainable practices. However, there are sMultipll muche challenges remain, however, and thatey need to be addressed to achieve the desired outcomes.

Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

"This needed some corrections for singular vs. plural nouns, and some other tweaks."

In recent years, Taiwan has seen many policy changes regarding environmental protection. The government has implemented several measures to reduce pollution and promote sustainable practices. Multiple challenges remain, however, and they need to be addressed to achieve the desired outcomes.

In recent years, there is much policy changes in Taiwan regarding environmental protection. The government have implemented several measure to reduce pollution and promote sustainable practices. However, there are still much challenge that need to be addressed to achieve the desired outcomes.

Mistake Example #6

Government & Policy Writing / Public Notice

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

Notice to Residents: It is necessary to inform youthatthe water supply will be interrupted on Saturday from 8 AM to 4 PM for maintenance work. AWe apologize for any inconveniencecaused and appreciate your understanding.

Text corrected by:
Camille, Maryland, USA

"In a few cases, a subject needed to be added to your sentences."

Notice to Residents: It is necessary to inform you that the water supply will be interrupted on Saturday from 8 AM to 4 PM for maintenance work. We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding.

Notice to Residents: Is necessary to inform that water supply will be interrupted on Saturday from 8 AM to 4 PM for maintenance work. Apologize for any inconvenience caused and appreciate your understanding.