Common Errors
Discover a wealth of insights on common writing errors and how to avoid them. These articles break down frequent mistakes in grammar, punctuation, and style, offering practical tips to elevate the quality of your writing. Perfect for anyone striving for clarity and precision in their communication.
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Can You Start a Sentence with a Conjunction?
Can You Start a Sentence with a Conjunction?
Last Updated Nov 21, 2021
As a proofreader, you need to be able to spot and fix grammatical errors. You may have been taught that starting a sentence with a conjunction is one of these errors, but this is in fact a common grammar myth! In this post, we’ll explain what a coordinating conjunction is and why you probably don’t […]
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What to Do with Dangling and Misplaced Modifiers
What to Do with Dangling and Misplaced Modifiers
Last Updated Nov 14, 2021
Dangling and misplaced modifiers are common grammar mistakes. In this post, we’ll talk you through how to spot and correct these errors as a proofreader. What Is a Modifier? In grammatical terms, a modifier is a word, phrase, or clause that describes, clarifies, or alters) another word or phrase within a sentence. A modifier might […]
Proofreading Tips: What to Do With Scare Quotes
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A Proofreader’s Guide to Straight and Curly Quotes
Last Updated Oct 28, 2021
Quotation marks may seem simple, but if you’ve got a keen eye as all good proofreaders should you might notice some variety in these little symbols. In fact, quotes come in two distinct styles: straight and curly (or ). In this post, then, we’ll explain: The difference between straight and curly quotes. How to toggle […]
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Proofreading Tips: What to Do With Comma Splices
Last Updated Sep 23, 2021
A good proofreader will know how to spot and correct common punctuation errors. One of the most common of these is the comma splice. But what exactly are comma splices, and how can you fix them? Read on to find out more. What Are Comma Splices? A comma splice is what happens when two independent […]
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5 Commonly Confused Words to Look Out for While Proofreading
Last Updated Aug 28, 2021
If you’re a proofreader, you’ll most likely find it easy to spot common spelling mistakes and typos. But some words might still catch you out from time to time. In this post, then, we’re looking at five commonly confused words that proofreaders should keep an eye out for. Becoming A Proofreader Have you got an […]
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Editing Tips: What to Do with Variant Spellings
Last Updated Jul 08, 2021
If you want to pursue a career in proofreading, sooner or later you will encounter words that have variant spellings . In this post, then, we’re going to look at some common types of variant spellings and how to proofread them. Becoming A Proofreader If you would like to brush up on the basics of […]
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Proofreading Tips: Punctuation in MHRA Style
Last Updated Jul 01, 2021
The MHRA Style Guide is often used in the humanities, especially in the UK. But what does a proofreader need to know when working on a document that follows this style? In this post, we will look at the rules for punctuation in MHRA style, including: General guidelines about the overall punctuation conventions in MHRA […]
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5 Easy-To-Miss Apostrophe Errors
Last Updated Jun 10, 2021
A good proofreader will always check for apostrophe errors. And, as a proofreader, you should know the basics of how this punctuation mark works already. However, some apostrophe errors are easier to miss! In this post, we will explore five easy-to-miss errors to look out for: Exceptions to the rules about possessives and words that […]
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Editing Tips: Does a Comma Indicate a Pause?
Editing Tips: Does a Comma Indicate a Pause?
Last Updated May 13, 2021
One of the first things most people learn about commas is that they indicate a pause. And most writers add a comma wherever they would also pause in speech. When proofreading, though, you need to be more discerning. So, when does a comma indicate a pause? And what else do you need to know as […]
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Proofreading Tips: Prepositions in Title Case
Proofreading Tips: Prepositions in Title Case
Last Updated May 02, 2021
In title case – a common approach to styling titles and headings – the first letters of the main words in a title are prepositions in titles. Title Case and Prepositions If you want to know more, sign up for a free trial of the course today!
