Basic Proofreading Checklist
- Remember not to rely on your spelling checker or grammar checker
- Only check for one type of error at a time
- Check spelling for specialist vocabulary or terminology.
- Look out for missing words ( particularly - the, a, at, as, is ...)
- Check for homonyms which share same pronunciation or spelling (accept and except)
- Watch out for contractions. Don’t mix they’re and their, you’re and your
- Check use of apostrophes – they're never used to form plurals
- Check punctuation, capitalized words, missing commas, periods....Pay attention to capitalised words
- Check numbers.
- Double check proper names.
- Check whether you have mixed up your verb tenses eg deposit vs deposited
Join the Discussion
Reply
Jamie Smith
Premium
Thanks for your great blog, I see so many proofreading errors each day online.
Sherion
Premium
Great! I am going to try a lot of these ideas.
One thing I was going to ask you is on this first page in the first line>>This tutorial is a brief run through of some of techniques use can use to edit and proofread your blog posts or articles. I am not understanding that line "techniques use can use"? Is it suppose to be "you can use". Just asking.
Thanks again.
One thing I was going to ask you is on this first page in the first line>>This tutorial is a brief run through of some of techniques use can use to edit and proofread your blog posts or articles. I am not understanding that line "techniques use can use"? Is it suppose to be "you can use". Just asking.
Thanks again.
findingemo
Premium
Beverley, another great training.
I haven't tried the "don't proofread while writing" method. Perhaps, that's why I struggle so much with finishing my pieces, they always seem to be a "work in progress" and I rarely feel confident that they are "done".
I know my grammar and punctuation could use some "refreshing" but, I haven't thought to look online for some reminders and tips. I foolishly rely on grammar, spell check and my memory (lol). I give them way to much "credit" and I am lazier about double checking my work. I assume they have caught all my mistakes.
I throughly enjoy your trainings and I think everyone should read them.
Thanks for sharing. :)
I haven't tried the "don't proofread while writing" method. Perhaps, that's why I struggle so much with finishing my pieces, they always seem to be a "work in progress" and I rarely feel confident that they are "done".
I know my grammar and punctuation could use some "refreshing" but, I haven't thought to look online for some reminders and tips. I foolishly rely on grammar, spell check and my memory (lol). I give them way to much "credit" and I am lazier about double checking my work. I assume they have caught all my mistakes.
I throughly enjoy your trainings and I think everyone should read them.
Thanks for sharing. :)
BIS
Premium
Hi Patty
Thanks for the compliments. Glad you enjoyed it.
I think you have to get over the urge to edit and edit - otherwise you find yourself constantly rewriting. I'm rarely happy with what I've written - but the question I always ask myself is 'Is it good enough?' And 9 times out of 10 it is.
I too rely on my knowledge of grammar and punctuation. You'd be surprised how often I get it wrong! You don't have to be perfect, but you do need to know enough to ensure that people can understand what you say and that you don't change the meaning of what you're saying because of a mistake. It's worth giving yourself a refresher course now and again.
Beverley
Thanks for the compliments. Glad you enjoyed it.
I think you have to get over the urge to edit and edit - otherwise you find yourself constantly rewriting. I'm rarely happy with what I've written - but the question I always ask myself is 'Is it good enough?' And 9 times out of 10 it is.
I too rely on my knowledge of grammar and punctuation. You'd be surprised how often I get it wrong! You don't have to be perfect, but you do need to know enough to ensure that people can understand what you say and that you don't change the meaning of what you're saying because of a mistake. It's worth giving yourself a refresher course now and again.
Beverley
