Common English Mistakes in Life Advice Columns by Mandarin Chinese Speakers

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

Mistake Example #1

Using overly formal or direct language

Dear Advice Seeker, I am writing to inform you that it is imperativeyoumust cease communication with your friend immediately. The situation you described is highly inappropriate, and it is essential you take decisive action to protect your personal well-being. Please ensutreyou followat this advice withthe utmost seriousness and do noact delay ion implementringht these measuresway.

Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

"This needed some tweaking to sound more native and natural."

Dear Advice Seeker, I am writing to inform you that you must cease communication with your friend immediately. The situation you described is highly inappropriate, and it is essential you take decisive action to protect your personal well-being. Please treat this advice with the utmost seriousness and act on it right away.

Dear Advice Seeker, I am writing to inform you that it is imperative you cease communication with your friend immediately. The situation you described is highly inappropriate, and it is essential you take decisive action to protect your personal well-being. Please ensure you follow this advice with utmost seriousness and do not delay in implementing these measures.

Mistake Example #2

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

Dear Advice Column,I Hhave been feeling very stressed lately because of work and family. It is hard to finda balance between myjob andmy personal life. Sometimes,I just want to escape and take a break, but I amnot sure how to managemy responsibilities. Any tips on how to handle stress and find peace would be appreciated.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"Hello, there! The subject was missing from some of the sentences, so I added some words."

Dear Advice Column, I have been feeling very stressed lately because of work and family. It is hard to find a balance between my job and my personal life. Sometimes, I just want to escape and take a break, but I am not sure how to manage my responsibilities. Any tips on how to handle stress and find peace would be appreciated.

Dear Advice Column, Have been feeling very stressed lately because of work and family. Is hard to find balance between job and personal life. Sometimes, just want to escape and take a break, but not sure how to manage responsibilities. Any tips on how to handle stress and find peace would be appreciated.

Mistake Example #3

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

Dear Advice Column,I am feeling very overwhelmed because there are too muchany things happening in my life right now. My friends say there isare many opportunityies for me to relax, but I find it hard to take their advice. How can I manage all theise stress and find balance in my daily routine?

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"Nice work! I just fixed some small issues, including a couple with much/many."

Dear Advice Column, I am feeling very overwhelmed because there are too many things happening in my life right now. My friends say there are many opportunities for me to relax, but I find it hard to take their advice. How can I manage all this stress and find balance in my daily routine?

Dear Advice Column, I am feeling very overwhelmed because there are too much things happening in my life right now. My friends say there is many opportunity for me to relax, but I find it hard to take their advice. How can I manage all these stress and find balance in my daily routine?