Chinese new year is coming, so for the next couple of weeks, we are going to focus on some common errors to avoid in your writing.The first common error is very important in business writing, especially in emails. Let’s take a look:
Task 1: Study the error box.
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Frequent Error Box 1: help
Notes:
* “Help me” means: “let’s do it together”.
* However, in Chinese, “help me” (“bang wo”) means both “do it for me” and “let’s do it together”. (“bang wo”) is usually used in Chinese to make polite requests for action. It is not used like this in English.
* Take care that you don’t confuse these two meanings in English.
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Another common error is ‘wish and ‘hope’. The difference between these two words and their concepts is not easy to explain. But for now, just remember the common errors and avoid using them.
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Frequent Error Box 2: wish & hope
Notes:
* Remember that in set-phrases for closing emails “hope” is followed by v.p.
* Remember that in set-phrases for closing emails “wish” is followed by n.p.
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Task 2: Correct these sentences. Use the error boxes to help you.
I wish you have a nice Christmas.
Please help me to contact Cindy.
I wish you can join us.
Please help me to contact the customer.
I hope you to have a nice birthday party.
I hope you a nice vacation.
Can you help me to check your data again?
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*2015/02/07更新
Here are the answers from last week.
I hope you have a nice Christmas.
Please contact Cindy (for me).
I hope you can join us.
Please contact the customer (for me).
I hope you have a nice birthday party.
I hope you have a nice vacation.
Can you check your data again?
