Common English Mistakes in Government Memos by Mandarin Chinese Speakers

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

Mistake Example #1

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

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

To all department heads,it is crucial to submit the quarterly reports by theend of this month. NYou need to ensurethat all data is accurate and complete before submission. AI would appreciateyour cooperation in this matter to maintain efficiency in our operations.

Text corrected by:
Miss E., Cyprus, Europe

"Please remember to use subjects in your sentences. For example, "is crucial" should be "it is crucial" and "Need to ensure" should be "You need to ensure"."

To all department heads, it is crucial to submit the quarterly reports by the end of this month. You need to ensure that all data is accurate and complete before submission. I would appreciate your cooperation in this matter to maintain efficiency in our operations.

To all department heads, is crucial to submit the quarterly reports by end of this month. Need to ensure all data is accurate and complete before submission. Appreciate cooperation in this matter to maintain efficiency in our operations.

Mistake Example #3

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

To: All Department Heads Subject: Upcoming Policy Review Meeting There isare many important topics to discuss in the upcoming policy review meeting. It is crucial that each department prepare itheirs report and submit it by theend of this week. ThereA arelot muchof datathat need to be analyzed to ensure we meet our objectives. Please ensure all team members are informed and ready for the discussion.

Text corrected by:
Vince, United States

"This was well-written – I just made a few minor changes to fix some grammar concerns :)"

To: All Department Heads Subject: Upcoming Policy Review Meeting There are many important topics to discuss in the upcoming policy review meeting. It is crucial that each department prepare its report and submit it by the end of this week. A lot of data need to be analyzed to ensure we meet our objectives. Please ensure all team members are informed and ready for the discussion.

To: All Department Heads Subject: Upcoming Policy Review Meeting There is many important topics to discuss in the upcoming policy review meeting. It is crucial that each department prepare their report and submit it by end of this week. There are much data that need to be analyzed to ensure we meet our objectives. Please ensure all team member are informed and ready for the discussion.