Common English Mistakes by Mandarin Chinese Speakers

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

Category:Student
Personal writing used for admissions and transfer letters.
Common Users:Students of various disciplines.
Mistake Example #1

Student / Admission Essay

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

Applying to your university is adream for me. It is important to study in an environment where innovation is encouraged. HI hope to contribute tothe campus community with my unique perspective from Taiwan.

Text corrected by:
Vince, United States

"This was very good! Just a few small changes were needed to correct grammar errors. "

Applying to your university is a dream for me. It is important to study in an environment where innovation is encouraged. I hope to contribute to the campus community with my unique perspective from Taiwan.

Applying to your university is dream for me. Is important to study in environment where innovation is encouraged. Hope to contribute to campus community with my unique perspective from Taiwan.

Mistake Example #2

Student / Personal Statement

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

I am very excited to apply for the Master's program in Computer Science at your esteemed university. There are many reasons why I havechoosen your program, including the strong faculty and diverse research opportunities. In my previous studies, I have developed strong skills in programming and data analysis, and I believe there isare muchlot of potential for me to grow further inas part of your program.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"There were some issues with singular vs. plural. I also polished up the text a bit."

I am very excited to apply for the Master's program in Computer Science at your esteemed university. There are many reasons why I have chosen your program, including the strong faculty and diverse research opportunities. In my previous studies, I have developed strong skills in programming and data analysis, and I believe there is a lot of potential for me to grow further as part of your program.

I am very excited to apply for the Master's program in Computer Science at your esteemed university. There are many reason why I choose your program, including the strong faculty and diverse research opportunities. In my previous studies, I have developed strong skills in programming and data analysis, and I believe there are much potential for me to grow further in your program.

Mistake Example #3

Student / Transfer Essay

Using overly formal or direct language

I am writing to express mystrong desire to transfer to your esteemed university. The academic environment at your institution is highly regarded, and I am confident that it will provide me with superiorxcellent opportunities for intellectual growth. I believe that my current university does not offer the same level of academic rigor, and thus, I am compelled to seek a more challenging and prestigious academic setting.

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 direct :)"

I am writing to express my desire to transfer to your esteemed university. The academic environment at your institution is highly regarded, and I am confident that it will provide me with excellent opportunities for intellectual growth. I believe that my current university does not offer the same level of academic rigor, and thus I am compelled to seek a more challenging and prestigious academic setting.

I am writing to express my strong desire to transfer to your esteemed university. The academic environment at your institution is highly regarded, and I am confident that it will provide me with superior opportunities for intellectual growth. I believe that my current university does not offer the same level of academic rigor, and thus, I am compelled to seek a more challenging and prestigious academic setting.