Hello readers, by the end of this article you will get enlightened with top proof-reading techniques which you can use in 2022. Whether you are writing a resume, magazine article, a college essay, or an email to a client, getting your text free of mistakes is essential. The spell checker helps, but it is far from foolproof. This is where proofreading comes in. Proofreading is the process of reviewing a text for errors in grammar, punctuation, spelling, and style. Proofreading is essential in the publishing process because it ensures that a text is free from mistakes that could potentially confuse or mislead readers. It is also essential to ensure consistency in style and formatting.
Below you will find 8 tips and techniques to make your proofreading sessions more effective.
- Concentration is Key
If you’re going to spot mistakes, then you need to concentrate. That means getting rid of distractions and potential interruptions. Switch off the cell phone, turn off the television or radio and stay away from email.
- Put It on Paper
People read differently on screen and on paper, so print out a copy of your writing. If you read aloud, your ear might catch errors that your eye may have missed.
- Watch Out for Homonyms
Homonyms are words that share the same spelling or pronunciation but have different meanings. Switching accept with exception or complement with compliment could be disastrous, so pay attention to them.
- Watch Out for Contractions and Apostrophes
People often mix them and they’re, its and it’s, your and you’re and so on. If there is something that can hurt the credibility of your text, it is a similar mistake. Also, remember that the apostrophe is never used to form plurals.
- Check the Punctuation
Focusing on the words is good, but do not neglect the punctuation. Pay attention to capitalized words, missing or extra commas, periods used incorrectly and so on.
- Read it Backwards
When writing we usually become blind to our own mistakes since the brain automatically “corrects” wrong words inside sentences. In order to break this pattern, you can read the text backwards, word by word.
- Check the Numbers
Stating that the value of an acquisition was $10,000 instead of $100,000 is definitely not the same thing. What about the population of China, is it 1,2 million or 1,2 billion? Make sure your numbers are correct.
- Get Someone Else to Proofread Your Content
After checking all the previous points, do not forget to get a friend to proofread it for you. You will be amazed at the mistakes you’ve missed. A second person will also be in a better position to evaluate whether the sentences make sense or not.
