Common English Mistakes in Personal Essays by Mandarin Chinese Speakers

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

Mistake Example #1

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

Growing up in Taiwan,I was always fascinated by the vibrant night markets and delicious street food. It is amazing how the culture here blends tradition with modernity. When visiting Taipei 101,you can feel the excitement of being in one of the tallest buildings in the world. Learning English has been a journey, but Ibelieveit is important for connecting with people globally.

Text corrected by:
Camille, Maryland, USA

"Don't forget to use subjects in your sentences."

Growing up in Taiwan, I was always fascinated by the vibrant night markets and delicious street food. It is amazing how the culture here blends tradition with modernity. When visiting Taipei 101, you can feel the excitement of being in one of the tallest buildings in the world. Learning English has been a journey, but I believe it is important for connecting with people globally.

Growing up in Taiwan, always fascinated by the vibrant night markets and delicious street food. Is amazing how the culture here blends tradition with modernity. When visiting Taipei 101, feel the excitement of being in one of the tallest buildings in the world. Learning English has been a journey, but believe is important for connecting with people globally.

Mistake Example #2

Using overly formal or direct language

When I was young, I hadgothe great honor to visit my grandmother's house every summer. Her residencShe waslocatived in the countryside, surrounded by the most beautiful and serene environment. I'm mso thankfust express my utmost gratitudel for those experiences, as—they havwere sa bignipart oficantly contributed to my personal development and they helped me appreciate how beaunderstanding oful nature'isprofound beauty.

Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

"This needed some adjustments to reduce overly formal language."

When I was young, I got to visit my grandmother's house every summer. She lived in the countryside, surrounded by the most beautiful and serene environment. I'm so thankful for those experiences—they were a big part of my personal development and they helped me appreciate how beautiful nature is.

When I was young, I had the great honor to visit my grandmother's house every summer. Her residence was located in the countryside, surrounded by the most beautiful and serene environment. I must express my utmost gratitude for those experiences, as they have significantly contributed to my personal development and understanding of nature's profound beauty.

Mistake Example #3

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

When I first arrived in Taipei, I was surprised by how muchany people are on the streets at night. There isare so many night markets, and each one haves different foods to try. I enjoy exploring these places because there are so muchany interesting things to see and eat.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"There were some issues with singular vs. plural nouns, but overall your description of Taipei was very vivid. Nice work!"

When I first arrived in Taipei, I was surprised by how many people are on the streets at night. There are so many night markets, and each one has different foods to try. I enjoy exploring these places because there are so many interesting things to see and eat.

When I first arrived in Taipei, I was surprised by how much people are on the streets at night. There is so many night markets, and each one have different foods to try. I enjoy exploring these places because there are so much interesting things to see and eat.