Common English Mistakes in User Manuals by Mandarin Chinese Speakers

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

Mistake Example #1

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 #2

Using overly formal or direct language

To operate the device,you must follow the instructions with utmost pcarecisionfully. Firstly,you will press the power button,. and it is imperative that you dDo not deviate from this step. SubsequentFoly, ylou must ensure thatw all safety protocols are adhered towithout exception,. as fFailure to comply may result in undesirable consequences.

Text corrected by:
Camille, Maryland, USA

"I have removed some of the formality to make this more direct while still being professional. "

To operate the device, follow the instructions carefully. First, press the power button. Do not deviate from this step. Follow all safety protocols without exception. Failure to comply may result in undesirable consequences.

To operate the device, you must follow the instructions with utmost precision. Firstly, you will press the power button, and it is imperative that you do not deviate from this step. Subsequently, you must ensure that all safety protocols are adhered to without exception, as failure to comply may result in undesirable consequences.

Mistake Example #3

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

To operate the device, there are several steps you must follow. First, ensure that the battery is fully charged before use. There isare many functions available on the main menu, and each function provides a different setting option.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"Nice job! It had some issues with singular/plural nouns and verbs, so I fixed those."

To operate the device, there are several steps you must follow. First, ensure that the battery is fully charged before use. There are many functions available on the main menu, and each function provides a different setting option.

To operate the device, there are several step you must follow. First, ensure that the battery is fully charged before use. There is many function available on the main menu, and each function provide different setting option.