Japolish Tips: Common Mistakes by Japanese Speakers of English

Over use of transition words: 

On the one hand, you have mistakes of omission and on the other hand, you have mistakes of overuse. 

Words and phrases like consequently, on the one hand, and on the other hand help writers communicate the flow of thought. These words highlight the connection between two consecutive sentences or paragraphs.

English texts written by Japanese speakers tend to have too many of these words. Native English writers also use these words, but sparingly.

•  Incorrect: We should establish an online system for registering new users. On the other hand, we should make the system simple and user-friendly.
• Correct: We should establish an online system for registering new users. We should make the system simple and user-friendly.

Another problem with the use of transition words is that they are used incorrectly, as in the above example. A phrase such as on the other hand is used to indicate contrast or opposition. However, establishing a system and making it user-friendly are not opposing ideas. So the use of the phrase is incorrect.

www.japolish.com