Common English Mistakes in Engineering Specifications by Mandarin Chinese Speakers

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

Mistake Example #1

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

Using overly formal or direct language

The device shall be installed in accordance with the specifications provided in the manual. It is impeortantive to follow the instructions precisely to ensure optimal performance. TIf the user must notdeviates from the prescribed procedures, as doing sot will result in undesirable outcomes.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"I just made some stylistic tweaks to soften the language a bit."

The device shall be installed in accordance with the specifications provided in the manual. It is important to follow the instructions precisely to ensure optimal performance. If the user deviates from the prescribed procedures, it will result in undesirable outcomes.

The device shall be installed in accordance with the specifications provided in the manual. It is imperative to follow the instructions precisely to ensure optimal performance. The user must not deviate from the prescribed procedures, as doing so will result in undesirable outcomes.

Mistake Example #3

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

The deviceis designed to operate under high-temperature conditions. It is crucial to ensure all components meet safety standards. Testing isconducted ina controlled environment to verify performance metrics.

Text corrected by:
Vince, United States

"This was very good! Just a few small changes were needed to make the writing grammatical."

The device is designed to operate under high-temperature conditions. It is crucial to ensure all components meet safety standards. Testing is conducted in a controlled environment to verify performance metrics.

The device designed to operate under high temperature conditions. Is crucial to ensure all components meet safety standards. Testing conducted in controlled environment to verify performance metrics.