Proofreading Tips
Whether you’re just getting started or are an experienced proofreader, there’s always something new to learn. That’s where our blogs come in! We've got expert advice on spelling, grammar, punctuation, referencing, proofreading different types of writing (from creative to business and academic), and much more!
-
Cacti or Cactuses? A Guide to Irregular Plurals
Cacti or Cactuses? A Guide to Irregular Plurals
Published Dec 11, 2021
Last Updated Mar 27, 2025As a proofreader (or an aspiring one), you should know not all plurals are formed by adding -s to the end of a singular noun. You’ve probably also learned some irregular plurals by heart. But are there rules you should follow here? And how do they work if so? In this post, we’ll look at […]
-
How to Use the Compare Tool in Microsoft Word
How to Use the Compare Tool in Microsoft Word
Published Dec 10, 2021
Last Updated Nov 28, 2024When proofreading your clients’ documents, keeping track of all your changes can be a chore. Thankfully, Microsoft Word has tools that can spare you the trouble. One is the Compare tool, a function used to highlight the differences between two documents. This function can be a lifesaver for proofreaders. In this post, we will walk […]
When Can You Use the First Person in Academic Writing?
-
Noun and Verb Spelling Differences
Published Nov 25, 2021
Last Updated Jan 08, 2025Correcting spelling mistakes is key for any proofreader. But certain errors are easy to miss! This is especially true when it comes to noun and verb spelling differences, partly because they often vary by dialect. In this post, we’ll be taking a look at three cases where the noun and verb forms of a word […]
-
Can You Start a Sentence with a Conjunction?
Published Nov 21, 2021
Last Updated Nov 26, 2024As 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 […]
-
5 Tips for Proofreading Large Documents
Published Nov 18, 2021
Last Updated Nov 20, 2024When it comes to proofreading documents with high word counts, is the name of the game. The extended periods of concentration and stiff deadlines associated with big documents can put proofreaders under pressure. However, effective planning will help you deliver quality work. When proofreading large documents, we recommend that you: Get familiar with the document […]
-
Editing Tips: Editing IMRaD Essays
Published Nov 11, 2021
Last Updated May 16, 2023If you do a lot of academic editing or proofreading, chances are you will come across an IMRaD essay. Indeed, you may have worked on several without even knowing it! The term IMRaD stands for Introduction, Methods, Results and Discussion, which is a method of structuring essays. It’s worth yourself with this structure because it’s […]
-
Proofreading Tips: Parentheses and Square Brackets in Chicago Style
Published Nov 07, 2021
Last Updated May 16, 2023Parentheses and square brackets are punctuation marks used to set off certain bits of information from the main text in a document. They’re not too tricky, but different style guides can have slightly different rules for their usage. And, as a proofreader, you’ll need to check your client’s writing against these rules. This post, then, […]
-
Dos and Don'ts for Proofreading Academic Writing
Published Nov 04, 2021
Last Updated Jan 13, 2025Academic proofreading is a common source of work for many freelancers. However, there are some specific rules and requirements for proofreading academic documents that set them apart from other types of documents. With that in mind, we’ve put together five dos and don’ts for proofreading academic writing: Do correct informal language. Don’t change the content. […]
-
Proofreading Tips: What to Do With Scare Quotes
Proofreading Tips: What to Do With Scare Quotes
Published Oct 31, 2021
Last Updated May 16, 2023As a proofreader, what scares you the most? If scare quotes are the spookiest things you can think of, don’t worry. It might be Halloween, but there’s no reason to fear them! As long as you know what they are and when it’s appropriate to use them, you’ll know exactly what to do when they […]
-
A Proofreader’s Guide to Straight and Curly Quotes
A Proofreader’s Guide to Straight and Curly Quotes
Published Oct 28, 2021
Last Updated Nov 26, 2024Quotation 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 […]
