This is a guide for Filipino copywriters to be aware of Filipinisms, and how these can be avoided so non-Filipino readers can understand their copy better.

1. Filipinisms

2. 1.
Defining “FILIPINISM”
A linguistic usage specific to or typical of the Philippines, such as
“Open the light” and “viand” (any dish eaten with rice).

3. filipinisms
Grammar Features Unique to Filipino English
Use of the continuous tenses for habitual aspect:
‐ He is going to school regularly instead of He goes to school
regularly
Lack of tense consistency:
‐ He said he has already seen you instead of He said he had
already seen you; She hoped that she can visit you tomorrow
A reversal of the norms for the use of the definite article:
‐ He is studying at the Manuel Quezon University instead of He
is studying at Manuel Quezon University
‐ I am going to visit United States instead of I am going to visit
the United States
Verbs that are generally transitive used intransitively:
‐ Did you enjoy? | I cannot afford. | I don't like.
What causes filipinisms?
‐ Evolution of Filipino English
‐ Directly translating sentences in
Tagalog to English
‐ Unfamiliarity with the correct
terminology
Filipino english
‐ Filipinos have a distinctive way of
speaking English, which comes through
when we write

4. Why We SHould AVoid FILIPINISMS
‐ Causes misunderstanding
‐ Makes it apparent to readers that
writers are not fluent in North
American English
‐ In turn, this can cause site visitors to
lose confidence in the client
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5. filipinisms
5
Filipinism The Correct Way to Write It
Fill up the form Fill in the form | Fill out the form
Officemates Co-workers | colleagues
It’s for free It’s free
Main Branch | Branch Headquarters | Location
“Taking up [field of study]” “I am studying [field of study]|

6. Slightly related - pluralization errors
General rule: if it’s an uncountable noun, don’t add an S.
- Softwares
‐ Equipments
‐ Feedbacks
‐ Furnitures
‐ Glasswares

7. Slightly related - pluralization errors
Tricky Tricky
Experience (nouncount):
the process of doing and seeing things and of having things happen to you
“The experience of being burned by hot kombucha is one I’d rather not repeat.”
skill or knowledge that you get by doing something
‐ “I have a lot of experience in creating MS Paint memes.”
Experience (count):
something that you have done or that has happened to you
‐ “I’m a magnet for weird experiences. One time, I got stabbed at an H&M.”

8. Slightly related - pluralization errors
Damage (nouncount):
Emotional or physical harm that is done to someone or something
“Unfortunately, the slip-and-fall accident in front of her crush caused serious
damage to her dignity.”
“Dude, the preowned shoes you’re selling are not in excellent condition.
There’s damage to the soles, plus the swoosh is backwards.”
Damages (plural):
An amount of money that a court requires you to pay to
someone you have treated unfairly or hurt in some way
“She ran her motorcycle over my lawn gnomes! I’m suing her for $5,000 in damages!”
Combined:
“There was a lot of damage to the plaintiff’s lawn gnomes. Hence, I am awarding him $5,000 in damages.”

9. Slightly related - pluralization errors
Fat (nouncount):
The soft flesh on the bodies of people and animals that helps keep the body warm and is used to store energy
“Burning unwanted fat is one of the benefits of high-intensity interval training.”
Fat (noncount):
An oily solid or liquid substance in food
“Fried chicken contains a lot of fat!”
“My doctor advised me to cut back on nuts because they contain too much fat.”
Fat (count):
“Fats like butter and olive oil make food taste better.”

10. Slightly related - incorrect word choice or usage and awkward phrasing
‐ Take Note: to notice or give special attention to someone or something. Take note is often followed
by the word of and the thing to focus on (Chef, please take note of the fact that I hate okra).
‐ Note: to make special mention of or remark on (They got my order wrong. Note that the chef disregarded
my vegetable preferences).
Take note that the meeting is mandatory should be Note that the meeting is mandatory
‐ Avail
Definition 1: to be useful or helpful to (someone or something)
His efforts availed him nothing (His efforts gained him nothing/were of no use or help).
Definition 2: to make use of (something)
“They availed themselves of his services.” (They used his services)
Definition 3: help toward reaching a goal
Our best efforts were of no avail. [Our efforts did not help]
They tried to discuss the issue calmly, but to no avail. [They were unable to discuss the issue calmly]
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11. filipinisms
How to avoid filipinisms
‐ Familiarize yourself with Filipinisms
and the correct way to write the
thoughts behind them
‐ Include checking for Filipinisms as
part of your self-editing/proofreading
process
‐ Avoid using Filipinisms in daily life
‐ Increase your exposure to North
American English via movies, music,
books, and online articles
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Bingeing “Never Have I
Ever” is my self-care.