Common English Mistakes in Legal Briefs by Mandarin Chinese Speakers

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

Mistake Example #1

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 #2

Using overly formal or direct language

Honorable Judge, I am writing to express myutmost dissatisfaction with the recent ruling in the case of Lee versus Chen. It is my sincerely beliefve that the decision was rendered without due consideration of all pertinent facts, and I must insist on a thorough re-evaluation of the evidencepresented. I humbly request youresteemed attention to this matter, as it is of great importance to ensure justice is served in afairly and impartialmannerly.

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 less formal :)"

Honorable Judge, I am writing to express my dissatisfaction with the recent ruling in the case of Lee versus Chen. I sincerely believe that the decision was rendered without due consideration of all pertinent facts, and I must insist on a thorough re-evaluation of the evidence. I humbly request your attention to this matter, as it is of great importance to ensure justice is served fairly and impartially.

Honorable Judge, I am writing to express my utmost dissatisfaction with the recent ruling in the case of Lee versus Chen. It is my sincere belief that the decision was rendered without due consideration of all pertinent facts, and I must insist on a thorough re-evaluation of the evidence presented. I humbly request your esteemed attention to this matter, as it is of great importance to ensure justice is served in a fair and impartial manner.

Mistake Example #3

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

In response to the court's request,we must emphasize the importance of adhering to the contractual obligations outlined in the agreement. It is crucial to understand that failure to comply with these terms may result in legal consequences. Furthermore,we believe that the evidence presented supports our client's position and should be considered in the final judgment.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"This sounded professional; I just needed to add some missing subjects."

In response to the court's request, we must emphasize the importance of adhering to the contractual obligations outlined in the agreement. It is crucial to understand that failure to comply with these terms may result in legal consequences. Furthermore, we believe that the evidence presented supports our client's position and should be considered in the final judgment.

In response to the court's request, must emphasize the importance of adhering to the contractual obligations outlined in the agreement. Is crucial to understand that failure to comply with these terms may result in legal consequences. Furthermore, believe that the evidence presented supports our client's position and should be considered in the final judgment.