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:Technical & Scientific Writing
Writing for scientific and technical subjects.
Common Users:Engineers, Scientists, Tech Writers.
Mistake Example #1

Technical & Scientific Writing / Engineering Specification

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

The new design specification for the hydraulic pump system includes several important features. There isare many components that need to be assembled with precision to ensure optimal performance. The specification details the requirement for each part, and there areis much attention given to the material selection to prevent corrosion.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"This text had some issues with singular and plural nouns. I also made a few other corrections. Good job overall!"

The new design specification for the hydraulic pump system includes several important features. There are many components that need to be assembled with precision to ensure optimal performance. The specification details the requirement for each part, and there is much attention given to the material selection to prevent corrosion.

The new design specification for the hydraulic pump system include several important feature. There is many component that need to be assembled with precision to ensure optimal performance. The specification detail the requirement for each part, and there are much attention given to the material selection to prevent corrosion.

Mistake Example #2

Technical & Scientific Writing / Grant Proposal

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

The proposed project aims to develop innovative solar panel technology that can significantly increase energy efficiency. It is crucial to address the growing energy demands in Taiwan and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. By investing in this research, itwill contribute to sustainable development and environmental protection.

Text corrected by:
Miss E., Cyprus, Europe

"This is mostly well-written; however, you omitted the subject "it" in parts of the content ("Is crucial"/"will contribute"). I've made a few changes accordingly."

The proposed project aims to develop innovative solar panel technology that can significantly increase energy efficiency. It is crucial to address the growing energy demands in Taiwan and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. By investing in this research, it will contribute to sustainable development and environmental protection.

The proposed project aims to develop innovative solar panel technology that can significantly increase energy efficiency. Is crucial to address the growing energy demands in Taiwan and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. By investing in this research, will contribute to sustainable development and environmental protection.

Mistake Example #3

Technical & Scientific Writing / Patent Application

Using overly formal or direct language

The present invention discloses a novelw wapparatus fory the purpose of enhancinge efficiency in solar energy collection. It is imperative to note that tThe device comprntainses of multiple photovoltaic cells, whichare arranged in a manner to maximize exposure to sunlight. The invention ishall provide significant improvement over existing technologies, and grantingthe patent right away is strongly recommendedthat the patent be granted without delay to prevent unauthorized replication.

Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

"I made some changes to simplify the language and polish it up."

The present invention is a new way to enhance efficiency in solar energy collection. The device contains multiple photovoltaic cells which maximize exposure to sunlight. The invention is a significant improvement over existing technologies, and granting the patent right away is strongly recommended to prevent unauthorized replication.

The present invention discloses a novel apparatus for the purpose of enhancing efficiency in solar energy collection. It is imperative to note that the device comprises of multiple photovoltaic cells, which are arranged in a manner to maximize exposure to sunlight. The invention shall provide significant improvement over existing technologies, and it is strongly recommended that the patent be granted without delay to prevent unauthorized replication.

Mistake Example #4

Technical & Scientific Writing / Scientific Paper

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

Ina recent study, we investigate the effect of temperature on thegrowth of bacteria. There isare many factors that influence bacterial growth, but temperature is one of the most important ones. Our results show that at higher temperatures, bacteria reproduce at faster rates, which could have significant implications for food safety in Taiwan.

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

"I corrected the singular/plural agreement of the nouns. Otherwise, this was well written and clearly expressed."

In a recent study, we investigate the effect of temperature on the growth of bacteria. There are many factors that influence bacterial growth, but temperature is one of the most important ones. Our results show that at higher temperatures, bacteria reproduce at faster rates, which could have significant implications for food safety in Taiwan.

In recent study, we investigate the effect of temperature on growth of bacteria. There is many factors that influence bacterial growth, but temperature is one of the most important one. Our result show that at higher temperature, bacteria reproduce at faster rate, which could have significant implication for food safety in Taiwan.

Mistake Example #5

Technical & Scientific Writing / Technical Report

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

In this technical report, we analyze the performance of the new solar panel system installed at the research facility. There is manygreat deal of data collected over the past six months, which shows significant improvement in energy efficiency. However, there isare still several issues with the integration of the panels into the existing grid, wthichat require further investigation to optimize the output.

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

"I corrected the agreement of singular and plural nouns. Otherwise, the ideas in this text are clearly expressed."

In this technical report, we analyze the performance of the new solar panel system installed at the research facility. There is a great deal of data collected over the past six months, which shows significant improvement in energy efficiency. However, there are still several issues with the integration of the panels into the existing grid that require further investigation to optimize the output.

In this technical report, we analyze the performance of the new solar panel system installed at the research facility. There is many data collected over the past six months, which show significant improvement in energy efficiency. However, there is still several issues with the integration of the panels into the existing grid, which require further investigation to optimize the output.

Mistake Example #6

Technical & Scientific Writing / User Manual

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

To start the device, press the power button located on the right side. It is necessary to hold the button for three seconds until the screen lights up. Once thedevice is on,you can navigate through the menu using the arrow keys.

Text corrected by:
Gregg, Los Angeles, CA

"This needed some tweaking to add missing sentence subjects, among other adjustments."

To start the device, press the power button located on the right side. It is necessary to hold the button for three seconds until the screen lights up. Once the device is on, you can navigate through the menu using the arrow keys.

To start the device, press the power button located on the right side. Is necessary to hold the button for three seconds until the screen lights up. Once device is on, can navigate through the menu using the arrow keys.

Mistake Example #7

Technical & Scientific Writing / White Paper

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

In recent years,it has become evident that renewable energy sources are crucial for sustainable development. Solar power, in particular, offers significant advantages due to its abundance and low environmental impact. It is necessary to invest in research and development to improve efficiency of solar panels. In Taiwan, government initiatives have been supporting this transition, but more collaboration with theprivate sector is needed to accelerate progress.

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

"I added some subjects and articles to make the English grammatically correct. Otherwise, the ideas in this text are clearly expressed."

In recent years, it has become evident that renewable energy sources are crucial for sustainable development. Solar power, in particular, offers significant advantages due to its abundance and low environmental impact. It is necessary to invest in research and development to improve efficiency of solar panels. In Taiwan, government initiatives have been supporting this transition, but more collaboration with the private sector is needed to accelerate progress.

In recent years, has become evident that renewable energy sources are crucial for sustainable development. Solar power, in particular, offers significant advantages due to its abundance and low environmental impact. Is necessary to invest in research and development to improve efficiency of solar panels. In Taiwan, government initiatives have been supporting this transition, but more collaboration with private sector is needed to accelerate progress.