Common Errors
In these posts, we look at common errors that proofreaders and editors may encounter in their work. This will include issues related to spelling, grammar, punctuation, and other aspects of writing.
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What Is the Difference Between an Acronym and an Initialism?
What Is the Difference Between an Acronym and an Initialism?
Nov 30, 2023
Do you know the difference between an acronym and an initialism? Acronyms and initialisms are both types of abbreviations. Both terms refer to abbreviations made up of a set of capitalized letters (rather than a shortened word, e.g., Mrs.), but they have slightly different meanings. In this blog post, we take a closer look at […]
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Word Confusion: Biennial vs. Biannual
Word Confusion: Biennial vs. Biannual
Oct 19, 2023
Do you know when to use biennial vs. biannual? While the two words look and sound similar, there is a meaningful difference. Some similar words are so familiar and so different in meaning that, should a client muddle them up, you will notice them right away. For instance, if an essay refers to Darwin’s theory […]
What Is the Difference Between Affect and Effect?
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10 Egg-Cellent Examples of Eggcorns
Apr 08, 2023
We’ve all done it – misheard a common phrase and made it our own. The phenomenon even has its own name: an eggcorn. “But that’s not even a real word!” we hear you cry. Well, that’s exactly the point! Although we can’t give you any chocolate eggs for Easter, we can give you a whole […]
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Who vs. That: What’s the Difference?
Mar 27, 2023
Although we often replace who with that and vice versa, specific usage rules apply to these words. This blog post will help you understand those rules and provide examples for how to use them. Who vs. That Who and that are relative pronouns. This means we use them to introduce a dependent clause (also known […]
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Does Punctuation Go Inside or Outside of Quotation Marks?
Mar 25, 2023
As if the differences between UK and US English spelling weren’t tricky enough, several other variations between the two dialects also exist, such as how quotations are written. In addition, the guidelines that dictate whether the punctuation goes inside or outside of quotation marks depend on the dialect you’re writing or proofreading in. While neither […]
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How to Use Ellipses in Writing (With Examples)
Mar 06, 2023
Ellipses, also known as “dot, dot, dot,” are a type of punctuation with many purposes. In this guide, we explore what ellipses are and how you can help your clients make the most of them in their writing. What Is an Ellipsis? An ellipsis is a form of punctuation consisting of three dots (or periods): […]
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British vs. American English: -Ise or -Ize?
Feb 20, 2023
The verb endings “-ise” and “-ize” often get confused. Usually, the correct ending depends on which English dialect your client is using. Here’s our guide on using these spellings in British and American English and what you need to consider when proofreading. British vs. American Spelling For the most part, American English uses the spelling […]
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What Is a Misplaced Modifier? (With Examples)
Jan 23, 2023
Understanding common grammar errors and how to fix them is a key part of working as a proofreader. In this post, we explain what misplaced modifiers are and what you can do when you spot them in your clients’ work. What Is a Misplaced Modifier? Modifiers are words, phrases, or clauses that describe another part […]
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What Is a Dangling Modifier? (With Examples)
What Is a Dangling Modifier? (With Examples)
Jan 16, 2023
As a proofreader, you’ll need to spot and fix grammatical errors. One of the most common of these is the dangling modifier. In this post, we’ll provide a crash course on what dangling modifiers are, how to identify them, and what to do with them when proofreading. What Is a Dangling Modifier? A modifier is […]
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How to Use Comparatives and Superlatives (With Examples)
How to Use Comparatives and Superlatives (With Examples)
Jan 09, 2023
Comparatives and superlatives can be a confusing part of grammar, particularly for ESL writers. In this guide, we talk you through the rules for forming comparative and superlative adjectives, and what to look out for when proofreading them. What Are Comparatives and Superlatives? Comparatives and superlatives are both types of adjectives. Comparative adjectives are words […]