In this section, we feature a collection of the most common English mistakes found in public signs found in Singapore that contain broken English and how they should be phrased correctly.
Phrase 1
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Please keep door close. |
 |
Please keep door closed. |
Phrase 2
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Thank you for your corporation. |
|
Thank you for your cooperation. |
Phrase 3
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For lift breakdown, please call… |
|
In the event of a lift breakdown, please call… |
Phrase 4
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Please keep cleaning. |
|
Please keep the place clean. |
Phrase 5
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Authorised personnals only. |
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Authorised personnel only. |
Phrase 6
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Please off lights after use. |
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Please switch off lights after use. |
Phrase 7
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Please mine your head. |
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Please mind your head. |
Phrase 8
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Works in progress. |
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Work in progress. |
Phrase 9
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Apologies for inconveniences cause. |
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We apologise for any inconvenience caused. |
Phrase 10
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Please keep silence. |
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Please keep silent. |
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Silence, please. |
Phrase 11
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No pet are allow. |
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No pets are allowed. |
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No pets allowed. |
Phrase 12
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No litter and dumping. |
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No littering and dumping. |
Phrase 13
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Out off order. |
|
Out of order. |
Phrase 14
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Check deposit. |
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Cheque deposit. |
Phrase 15
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No parking of motorists. |
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No parking of motorcycles. |
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No parking of vehicles. |
Phrase 16
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Please drop here. |
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Please drop in your forms here. |
Phrase 17
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Strictly for man customers only. |
|
Strictly for male customers only. |
Phrase 18
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Today special. |
|
Today’s special. |
Phrase 19
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For your safety, please do not seat on the steps. |
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For your own safety, please do not sit on the steps. |
Phrase 20
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No tresspass. |
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No trespassing. |
Phrase 21
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Shoplifters will be handled over to the police. |
|
Shoplifters will be handed over to the police. |
Phrase 22
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Open 24 hour. |
|
Open 24 hours. |
Phrase 23
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Aircon dinning area. |
|
Air conditioned dining area. |
Phrase 24
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No enter. |
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No entry. |
Phrase 25
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No horning. |
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No honking. |
Phrase 26
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Wheel cramp. |
|
Wheel clamp. |
Phrase 27
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Seize operation. / Stop operation. |
|
Cease operations. |
Send in your suggestions to info@goodenglish.org.sg
For more signs in broken English spotted by the public, visit English As It Is Broken or Fix That Sign.
