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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One Word or Two? 10 Common Mistakes
One Word or Two? 10 Common Mistakes
Jan 07, 2023
Are you confident about terms being one word or two? If you are, congratulations! If not, though, you’re not alone. Errors of this type are some of the most common in the English language. In this post, we’ll cover some of the most common mistakes so that you’ve got the basics covered – whether you’re […]
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When to Use “I” and “Me” in a Sentence
When to Use “I” and “Me” in a Sentence
Nov 19, 2022
Is it “you and me” or “you and I”? This can be a complex question, even for native English speakers. The difference lies in whether you need to use a subject pronoun or an object pronoun. In this post, we’ll dig into what these pronouns are and how to establish when “I” or “me” is […]
When to Use Possessive Apostrophes
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Similes and Metaphors: What’s the Difference?
Nov 09, 2022
Have you ever wondered what the difference is between a simile and a metaphor and how to use them in writing? If you’re an editor, particularly of creative writing and fiction, it’s important to know the difference between these two literary devices so that you can advise your client on when to use them – […]
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Whomever or Whoever: What’s the Difference?
Nov 06, 2022
If you’re confused about when to use whomever or whoever, you’re not alone. In today’s post, we’ll explain the difference between whomever and whoever and how you can determine which one to use. Who and Whom Whoever and whomever take their forms from who and whom, two words that belong to a time when many […]
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How to Use Semicolons (With Examples)
Oct 24, 2022
A semicolon (;) is a punctuation mark that indicates a pause, and it typically serves two purposes: linking two closely related independent clauses and separating items in a multipart list. But how are they different from colons? And when is a semicolon a better choice than a comma? As a proofreader, you’ll need to know […]
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Common Homophone Errors (and How to Avoid Them)
Oct 17, 2022
It’s time for a flashback to elementary school. Remember the unit on homophones, way back when? Homophones are words with the same pronunciation but different meanings and spellings (e.g., “wait” and “weight”). Many people mistake one term for the other when writing homophones. In this post, we’ll look at some of the most common homophone […]
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The Bad Big Wolf? A Proofreader’s Guide to Adjective Order
Oct 08, 2022
If the phrases “black little dress” and “red dry wine” sound strange in your head, you have intrinsic knowledge of English adjective order. When we use multiple adjectives to modify a noun or nouns, they don’t fall into a random sequence. Rather, they follow a pattern based on their function. In fact, most native English […]
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Common Fallacies (and How to Fix Them)
Oct 01, 2022
Logical fallacies are deceptive or false arguments that use faulty reasoning to shift the direction of a discussion away from the main point. Whether you’re writing a critical essay or having a heated discussion with your neighbor, being aware of logical fallacies can help you build stronger arguments and establish credibility. As an academic editor, […]
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Common Clichés (And How to Avoid Them)
Common Clichés (And How to Avoid Them)
Aug 10, 2022
Part of your job as a proofreader or editor is to help your client avoid clichés in their writing. This will involve highlighting overused terms and phrases and suggesting less clichéd alternatives. But to do this, you’ll first need to know what clichéd language is and how to spot it. This is where our guide […]
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Proofreading Tips: A Proofreader's Guide to E.g. and I.e.
Proofreading Tips: A Proofreader's Guide to E.g. and I.e.
Nov 28, 2021
The terms e.g. and i.e. are common, especially in academic writing. As a proofreader, it’s important to know what they mean and how to use them. In this blog post, we give a basic introduction to e.g. and i.e., as well as some common errors to look out for when proofreading. What Do E.g. and […]