Elsevier Author Services – Articles
  • Research Process
  • Manuscript Preparation
  • Manuscript Review
  • Publication Process
  • Publication Recognition
  • Language Editing Services
  • Translation Services
  • Language Editing Services
  • Translation Services
Facebook
LinkedIn
YouTube
WeChat
x
Elsevier QRcode Wechat
Elsevier Author Services – Articles
Language Editing Services by Elsevier Author Services
Elsevier Author Services – Articles
  • Research Process
  • Manuscript Preparation
  • Manuscript Review
  • Publication Process
  • Publication Recognition
  • English
    • 简体中文
Errors in Academic English Writing
  • Manuscript Review

Navigating “Chinglish” Errors in Academic English Writing

  • 3 minute read
  • 6.7K views
Total
0
Shares
0
0
0
0
0

Table of Contents

  • Introduction¹ 
    • Remove unnecessary words¹ 
    • Misuse of pronouns¹
    • Incorrect phrasing¹ 
    • Dangling modifiers¹
  • Conclusion¹ 

Introduction¹ 

Written communication is an indispensable skill for scholars. For Chinese researchers, however, writing in English poses a unique set of challenges, often leading to avoidable mistakes that can result in obscure the clarity of their work. In this article, we delve into these problems and what you could do to bring clarity and a professional touch to your English manuscript, as a Chinese author.  

 

Remove unnecessary words¹ 

Chinglish, or English written by Chinese authors, often includes unnecessary words or phrases. It is quite common to see redundant nouns and verbs, as in: 

  • A steady growth in GDP is necessary for attainment of economic prosperity. 

Here, ‘attainment’ is an unnecessary noun that can be avoided. A better way to write this sentence is: 

  • A steady growth in GDP is necessary for economic prosperity. 

Another class of unnecessary words is what Joan Pinkham, author of “The Translator’s Guide to Chinglish”, calls “Redundant Twins”. These are two words with almost identical meaning used in conjunction.  

  • Border collies can be easily trained to help and assist livestock farmers. 

Here, ‘help’ and ‘assist’ mean the same thing. A better way to write this sentence is: 

  • Border collies can be easily trained to help livestock farmers. 

OR 

  • Border collies can be easily trained to assist livestock farmers. 

 

Misuse of pronouns¹

Correct use of pronouns like ‘I,’ ‘He,’ ‘She,’ ‘They,’ ‘Them,’ etc. is important for smoothness in language. It can also be a great tool to avoid repetition. Here is an example: 

  • Old people often suffer from muscle weakness, and it can be helpful if old people have external help at home. 

Here, repeating ‘old people’ is not a great way to structure the sentence. A better way to write this is to simply use the appropriate pronoun: 

  • Old people often suffer from muscle weakness, and it can be helpful if they have external help at home. 

 

Incorrect phrasing¹ 

Incorrect phrasing in English is the result of arranging words in the wrong order and the failure to follow language conventions. Incorrect phrasing can be a simple case of two words having swapped places, as in: 

  • He arrived for his shift work early on Monday. 

Here, the phrase ‘shift work’ may convey the idea. But since the sentence does not follow language conventions, it is incorrect. A better way to structure this sentence is: 

  • He arrived for his work shift early on Monday. 

 

Dangling modifiers¹

A dangling modifier is a grammatical error where a word or phrase does not modify the intended noun. This creates confusion and often communicates the wrong idea.  

  • Labelled a traitor by the tribe, his journey took him to a new country. 

Here, the phrase ‘Labelled a traitor by the tribe’ is a dangling modifier because it is not clear who was labeled a traitor. It seems to suggest that his journey was labeled a traitor by the tribe, which is not the intended meaning. The sentence can be rewritten correctly as: 

  • Labelled a traitor by the tribe, he journeyed to a new country. 

 

Conclusion¹ 

Addressing the common mistakes outlined in this article can help Chinese researchers elevate the clarity and impact of their English writing. Researchers can ensure that their contributions to a research study are effectively communicated to readers. Elsevier Language Services can help you as well! We have native English language speakers who can edit your manuscript. Click here to learn more! 

 

Type in wordcount for Plus
Total:
Follow this link if your manuscript is longer than 9,000 words.
Upload

 

References: 

  1. Pinkham, J. (2013). The Translator’s Guide to Chinglish. Foreign Language Teaching and Research Press.
Total
0
Shares
Post 0
Tweet 0
Share 0
Send 0
Message 0
Previous Article
what is a descriptive research design
  • Research Process

Descriptive Research Design and Its Myriad Uses

View Post
Next Article
Write an Excellent Discussion in Your Manuscript
  • Manuscript Preparation

6 Steps to Write an Excellent Discussion in Your Manuscript

View Post
You May Also Like
Tips to Efficient Spellchecks
View Post
  • Manuscript Review

Three Tips to Efficient Spellchecks | Elsevier

submitting your manuscript to journals checklist
View Post
  • Manuscript Review

If You’re a Researcher, Remember These Before You Are Submitting Your Manuscript to Journals!

AI in Manuscript Editing
View Post
  • Manuscript Review

Is The Use of AI in Manuscript Editing Feasible? Here’s Three Tips to Steer Clear of Potential Issues

editing experience with English-speaking experts
View Post
  • Manuscript Review

A profound editing experience with English-speaking experts: Elsevier Language Services to learn more!

Research Fraud: Falsification and Fabrication in Research Data
View Post
  • Manuscript Review

Research Fraud: Falsification and Fabrication in Research Data

Elsevier News Icon
View Post
  • Manuscript Review

Professor Anselmo Paiva: Using Computer Vision to Tackle Medical Issues with a Little Help from Elsevier Author Services

What is the main purpose of proofreading a paper?
View Post
  • Manuscript Review

What is the main purpose of proofreading a paper?

Systematic review vs meta-analysis
View Post
  • Manuscript Review

Systematic Review VS Meta-Analysis

  • Guide to Crafting Impactful Sentences

    A Guide to Crafting Shorter, Impactful Sentences in Academic Writing

    • 3 minute read
    View Post
  • Academic paper format

    Submission 101: What format should be used for academic papers?

    • 4 minute read
    View Post
  • what is a descriptive research design

    Descriptive Research Design and Its Myriad Uses

    • 3 minute read
    View Post
  • Writing in Environmental Engineering

    Making Technical Writing in Environmental Engineering Accessible

    • 4 minute read
    View Post
  • Strong Research Hypothesis

    Step-by-Step Guide: How to Craft a Strong Research Hypothesis

    • 4 minute read
    View Post
More Posts
  • Latex format
    How to submit articles to Elsevier journals using LaTeX format 
    • 4 minute read
  • how to write a cover letter
    How to Write a Cover Letter for Your Manuscript? Here are the Tips and Examples
    • 3 minute read
  • Being Mindful of Tone and Structure in Artilces
    Page-Turner Articles are More Than Just Good Arguments: Be Mindful of Tone and Structure!
    • 5 minute read
  • How to Ensure Inclusivity in Your Scientific Writing
    How to Ensure Inclusivity in Your Scientific Writing
    • 4 minute read
  • Tips to Efficient Spellchecks
    Three Tips to Efficient Spellchecks | Elsevier
    • 3 minute read
  • impactful introduction section
    Make Hook, Line, and Sinker: The Art of Crafting Engaging Introductions
    • 3 minute read
Price Calculator
Type in wordcount for Standard
Total:
Follow this link if your manuscript is longer than 12,000 words.
Upload
Learn more about
  • Research Process
  • Manuscript Preparation
  • Manuscript Review
  • Publication Process
  • Publication Recognition
  • News
Language Editing Services
Elsevier Author Services – Articles
  • Language Editing Services
  • Translation Services
Elsevier wordmark
Terms and conditions Privacy policy

Cookies are used by this site. To decline or learn more, visit our Cookies page.

All content on this site: Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V., its licensors, and contributors. All rights are reserved, including those for text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies.

RELX Wordmark

Input your search keywords and press Enter.