Common English Mistakes in Will & Testaments by Mandarin Chinese Speakers

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

Mistake Example #1

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.

Mistake Example #2

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

I, Chen Wei, being of sound mind and body, declare this to be my last will and testament. There isare many assets that I wish to distribute among my family members. My house and car isare to be given to my daughter, Lin, and my savings account areis to be divided equally between my two sons, Ming and Hao.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"Good work! It had some issues involving singular/plural nouns, so I made some changes to those sentences."

I, Chen Wei, being of sound mind and body, declare this to be my last will and testament. There are many assets that I wish to distribute among my family members. My house and car are to be given to my daughter, Lin, and my savings account is to be divided equally between my two sons, Ming and Hao.

I, Chen Wei, being of sound mind and body, declare this to be my last will and testament. There is many assets that I wish to distribute among my family members. My house and car is to be given to my daughter, Lin, and my savings account are to be divided equally between my two sons, Ming and Hao.

Mistake Example #3

Using overly formal or direct language

I, Chen Wei, hereby declare my last will and testament. It is myutmost desire that all my possessions are distributed with fairness and precision. My son, Li Wei, shall receive the house located at 123 Main Street, and my daughter, Mei Ling, is to be given the family jewelry without delay. I insist that my instructions are followed exactly as stated, and anywithout deviationwill not be tolerated.

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

"I changed some of the phrases to make the language more straightforward. Otherwise, the ideas in this text are clearly expressed."

I, Chen Wei, hereby declare my last will and testament. It is my desire that all my possessions are distributed with fairness and precision. My son, Li Wei, shall receive the house located at 123 Main Street, and my daughter, Mei Ling, is to be given the family jewelry without delay. I insist that my instructions are followed exactly as stated, without deviation.

I, Chen Wei, hereby declare my last will and testament. It is my utmost desire that all my possessions are distributed with fairness and precision. My son, Li Wei, shall receive the house located at 123 Main Street, and my daughter, Mei Ling, is to be given the family jewelry without delay. I insist that my instructions are followed exactly as stated, and any deviation will not be tolerated.