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:Legal & Formal Writing
Writing used in legal and formal contexts.
Common Users:Lawyers, Paralegals, Law Students.
Mistake Example #1

Legal & Formal Writing / Agreement

Using overly formal or direct language

This Agreement is to herebyconfirms that Party A and Party B shawill execute the contract withutmost sincerity and without delay. It is imperative that bBoth parties must adhere strictly to the terms and conditions asoutlined in the document, and anyo deviation willnot be tolerated. We anticipate your immediate comopleratiaonce and expect you to fulfill all obligations asstated without anyexception.

Text corrected by:
Vince, United States

"Your ideas were clear :) I just made a few small changes to make the writing a little less formal. "

This Agreement confirms that Party A and Party B will execute the contract with sincerity and without delay. Both parties must adhere strictly to the terms and conditions outlined in the document, and no deviation will be tolerated. We anticipate your immediate cooperation and expect you to fulfill all obligations stated without exception.

This Agreement is to hereby confirm that Party A and Party B shall execute the contract with utmost sincerity and without delay. It is imperative that both parties must adhere strictly to the terms and conditions as outlined in the document, and any deviation will not be tolerated. We anticipate your immediate compliance and expect you to fulfill all obligations as stated without any exception.

Mistake Example #2

Legal & Formal Writing / Contract

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

This Agreementis made between Party A and Party B on this day. It is agreed that Party A will provide services to Party B, as outlined inthe attached schedule. Must ensure aAll obligations armust be fulfilled by both parties to maintain contract validity.

Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

"This needed some corrections to add missing articles."

This Agreement is made between Party A and Party B on this day. It is agreed that Party A will provide services to Party B, as outlined in the attached schedule. All obligations must be fulfilled by both parties to maintain contract validity.

This Agreement made between Party A and Party B on this day. Is agreed that Party A will provide services to Party B as outlined in attached schedule. Must ensure all obligations are fulfilled by both parties to maintain contract validity.

Mistake Example #3

Legal & Formal Writing / Court Document

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

In the matter of the case,it is necessary to present evidence by thenext hearing. CThe court requires all documents to be submitted in advance. It is crucial to adhere to deadlines to avoid any complications.

Text corrected by:
Miss E., Cyprus, Europe

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

In the matter of the case, it is necessary to present evidence by the next hearing. The court requires all documents to be submitted in advance. It is crucial to adhere to deadlines to avoid any complications.

In the matter of the case, is necessary to present evidence by next hearing. Court requires all documents to be submitted in advance. Is crucial to adhere to deadlines to avoid any complications.

Mistake Example #4

Legal & Formal Writing / Legal Brief

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

In the matter of the contract dispute between the parties, it is important to note that there isare many clauses in the agreement that have been violated. The plaintiff argue that there isare severalpieces of evidence to support their claim, including witness testimony and documentations. Furthermore, there isare muchany precedents in similar cases that favor the plaintiff's position, which should be considered by the court in making its decision.

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."

In the matter of the contract dispute between the parties, it is important to note that there are many clauses in the agreement that have been violated. The plaintiff argue that there are several pieces of evidence to support their claim, including witness testimony and documentations. Furthermore, there are many precedents in similar cases that favor the plaintiff's position, which should be considered by the court in making its decision.

In the matter of the contract dispute between the parties, it is important to note that there is many clause in the agreement that have been violated. The plaintiff argue that there is several evidence to support their claim, including witness testimony and documentations. Furthermore, there is much precedent in similar cases that favor the plaintiff's position, which should be considered by the court in making its decision.

Mistake Example #5

Legal & Formal Writing / Legal Memo

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

To: Legal Department Subject: Review of Contractual Obligations In the recent review of the contract, it is found that there isare several clauses which require immediate attention. There are muchany details that need clarification to ensure compliance with the local regulations. It is important that each partiesy involved areis aware of their responsibilities to avoid any potential legal disputes.

Text corrected by:
Miss E., Cyprus, Europe

"This is well-written overall and just needed a little edit. Please note that "much" people should be "many" people."

To: Legal Department Subject: Review of Contractual Obligations In the recent review of the contract, it is found that there are several clauses which require immediate attention. There are many details that need clarification to ensure compliance with the local regulations. It is important that each party involved is aware of their responsibilities to avoid any potential legal disputes.

To: Legal Department Subject: Review of Contractual Obligations In the recent review of the contract, it is found that there is several clauses which require immediate attention. There are much details that need clarification to ensure compliance with the local regulations. It is important that each parties involved are aware of their responsibilities to avoid any potential legal disputes.

Mistake Example #6

Legal & Formal Writing / Privacy Policy

Using overly formal or direct language

This Privacy Policy ismeant to inform you that we will collect your personal data with utmostrespect and seriousness. We shall use your information finorder to providinge you with our services, and we will not share your data with any third parties without your explicit consent. Please be assured that your privacy is our top priority, and we will take all necessary measures to protect your information from unauthorized access.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"I changed some of the wording to make it sound a little clearer and less formal."

This Privacy Policy is meant to inform you that we will collect your personal data with respect and seriousness. We shall use your information in order to provide you with our services, and we will not share your data with any third parties without your explicit consent. Please be assured that your privacy is our top priority, and we will take all necessary measures to protect your information from unauthorized access.

This Privacy Policy is to inform you that we will collect your personal data with utmost respect and seriousness. We shall use your information for providing you with our services, and we will not share your data with any third parties without your explicit consent. Please be assured that your privacy is our top priority, and we will take all necessary measures to protect your information from unauthorized access.

Mistake Example #7

Legal & Formal Writing / Terms & Conditions

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

UThe user agrees to terms and conditions by using theservice. It is important to read all sections carefully before proceeding. If youhave questions, contactthe support team for assistance.

Text corrected by:
Vince, United States

"Great job! Very few changes were needed overall."

The user agrees to terms and conditions by using the service. It is important to read all sections carefully before proceeding. If you have questions, contact the support team for assistance.

User agrees to terms and conditions by using service. Is important to read all sections carefully before proceeding. If have questions, contact support team for assistance.

Mistake Example #8

Legal & Formal Writing / Will & Testament

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

This is my last will and testament. WI want to ensure thatallof my belongings are distributed according to my wishes. It is important that my family receives the support they need. AI hereby appoint my brother asthe executor of this will.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"I added the subject to the beginning of the sentences where it was missing and made a few other changes to improve the flow."

This is my last will and testament. I want to ensure that all of my belongings are distributed according to my wishes. It is important that my family receives the support they need. I hereby appoint my brother as the executor of this will.

This is my last will and testament. Want to ensure all my belongings are distributed according to my wishes. Is important that my family receives the support they need. Appoint my brother as executor of this will.