Common English Mistakes in Public Notices by Mandarin Chinese Speakers

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

Mistake Example #1

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.

Mistake Example #2

Using overly formal or direct language

Attention Residents: It is hereby informed that tThe community park will beundergoing maintenance fstaromting next Monday. All residents must refrain from entering the park during this period tTo ensure safety and compliance with regulations, residents may not access the park during this period. YThanks so much for your cooperation—it is highreally mappkes a differenciated and will contribute to thelp usuccessful complgetion of this important job done rightask.

Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

"This needed some tweaking to avoid overly formal language."

Attention Residents: The community park will be undergoing maintenance starting next Monday. To ensure safety and compliance with regulations, residents may not access the park during this period. Thanks so much for your cooperation—it really makes a difference and will help us get this important job done right.

Attention Residents: It is hereby informed that the community park will undergo maintenance from next Monday. All residents must refrain from entering the park during this period to ensure safety and compliance with regulations. Your cooperation is highly appreciated and will contribute to the successful completion of this important task.

Mistake Example #3

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

Notice to Residents: There isare many important updates regarding the community park renovation. The construction will begin on March 15th, and there will beagreat muchdeal of equipment arriving on site. We ask all residents to avoid the area for safety reasons. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

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

"I just replaced a word or two to make the English sound more natural. Otherwise, the ideas in this text are clearly expressed."

Notice to Residents: There are many important updates regarding the community park renovation. The construction will begin on March 15th, and there will be a great deal of equipment arriving on site. We ask all residents to avoid the area for safety reasons. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

Notice to Residents: There is many important updates regarding the community park renovation. The construction will begin on March 15th, and there are much equipment arriving on site. We ask all residents to avoid the area for safety reason. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.