Common English Mistakes in Contracts by Mandarin Chinese Speakers

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

Mistake Example #1

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 #2

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

This Agreement is made between Company A and Company B on this day of October 15, 2023. There isare many terms and conditions that both parties must agree to. Each party shall provide their own equipment and there is no need for muchany resources from the other party.

Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

"This needed some tweaking for proper usage of singular vs. plural nouns."

This Agreement is made between Company A and Company B on this day of October 15, 2023. There are many terms and conditions that both parties must agree to. Each party shall provide their own equipment and there is no need for many resources from the other party.

This Agreement is made between Company A and Company B on this day of October 15, 2023. There is many terms and conditions that both parties must agree to. Each party shall provide their own equipment and there is no need for much resources from the other party.

Mistake Example #3

Using overly formal or direct language

This Agreement is made between Party A and Party B, and it is hereby declared that Party A shall provide services to Party B in accordance with the terms and conditions stated herein. It is imperative that Party B shall comply with all obligations without delay, and failure to do so will result in immediate termination of this Agreement. Party A is entitled to receive full payment within five days of service completion, and any deviation from this timeline is unacceptable.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"This is a legal text, so the language is supposed to be very formal."

This Agreement is made between Party A and Party B, and it is hereby declared that Party A shall provide services to Party B in accordance with the terms and conditions stated herein. It is imperative that Party B shall comply with all obligations without delay, and failure to do so will result in immediate termination of this Agreement. Party A is entitled to receive full payment within five days of service completion, and any deviation from this timeline is unacceptable.

This Agreement is made between Party A and Party B, and it is hereby declared that Party A shall provide services to Party B in accordance with the terms and conditions stated herein. It is imperative that Party B shall comply with all obligations without delay, and failure to do so will result in immediate termination of this Agreement. Party A is entitled to receive full payment within five days of service completion, and any deviation from this timeline is unacceptable.