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!

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    How to Use the Compare Tool in Google Docs for Proofreading

    How to Use the Compare Tool in Google Docs for Proofreading

    Published Apr 25, 2021
    Last Updated Jan 26, 2026

    • Proofreading Software and Tools
    • Proofreading Tips

    Google Docs includes a tool that lets you compare two documents. And this can be useful for proofreaders, especially if you forget to use the Suggest Edits function when working on a document. In this blog post, then, we’ll first set out how to use the compare tool in Google Docs, then we’ll look at […]

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    Editing Tips: What Is Alphabet Soup?

    Editing Tips: What Is Alphabet Soup?

    Published Apr 18, 2021
    Last Updated Jun 26, 2024

    • Other Errors
    • Proofreading Tips
    • Vocabulary Tips

    A dedicated proofreader will have an appetite for all kinds of text. But if there’s one literary meal that no editor or proofreader likes to see, it’s alphabet soup. What is alphabet soup in a writing context, though? And why is it a problem? In this post, we explain the basics and what to do […]

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Editing Tips: Prescriptivism vs. Descriptivism

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    Editing Tips: A Rough Guide to English Dialects

    Published Apr 11, 2021
    Last Updated May 16, 2023

    • Dialects
    • Proofreading Tips
    • Vocabulary Tips

    English has a lot of dialects! Our Becoming a Proofreader course covers British, Australian, and American English. These are the three main dialects used internationally, but there are many other English dialects you might encounter as a proofreader. In this post, we look at a few examples. Dialects and Proofreading Why are dialects relevant to […]

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    Proofreading Tips: What Is Oxford Spelling?

    Published Apr 08, 2021
    Last Updated Nov 24, 2025

    • Common Errors
    • Dialects
    • Proofreading Tips
    • Spelling

    As a proofreader, you might come across the term Oxford spelling. But what does this mean? And how should you approach a document if your client specifies using it? In this post, we explain everything you need to know to proofread documents effectively. If you’re not sure which spelling to use for a term, check […]

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    A Proofreader's Introduction to IEEE Style

    Published Mar 25, 2021
    Last Updated Jun 26, 2024

    • Academic Writing
    • Proofreading Tips
    • Referencing and Citations
    • Style

    The IEEE Editorial Style Manual for Authors provides advice for anyone writing for an IEEE journal or publication. However, many technical writers and educational institutions also use IEEE style, so it is worth knowing the basics if you proofread technical writing. Here, we look at some key aspects of IEEE style that proofreaders should know. […]

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    A Quick Guide to Stephanus Numbers

    Published Mar 14, 2021
    Last Updated Nov 26, 2024

    • Academic Writing
    • Proofreading Tips
    • Referencing and Citations
    • Style

    Plato is such an important part of Western philosophy that he has his own citation system: Stephanus numbers. But what do you need to know about Stephanus numbering as an academic proofreader? In this post, we’ll explain how these numbers work. What Are Stephanus Numbers? As well as being the man who gave us love, […]

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  • Proofreading and Editing Tips: A Proofreader’s Guide to Latin Plural Word Endings

    A Proofreader’s Guide to Latin Plural Word Endings

    Published Mar 07, 2021
    Last Updated Nov 26, 2024

    • Common Errors
    • Proofreading Tips
    • Spelling
    • Vocabulary Tips

    From abacus to virus, lots of English nouns have origins in Latin. These words can pose a challenge for proofreaders, though, as many have two plural forms. Here, we’ll look at: Some common Latin plural word endings. The difference between traditional and English Latin plurals. The exceptions to the rules. Common Latin Plural Word Endings […]

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    A Quick Guide to Dates and Times in MLA Style

    Published Feb 28, 2021
    Last Updated Jun 20, 2024

    • Academic Writing
    • Proofreading Tips
    • Referencing and Citations
    • Style

    Among many other things, the MLA Handbook (8th edition) has advice on writing dates and times. But what do you need to know about dates and times to proofread academic writing? In this post, we’ll explain the basics of dates and times in MLA style. Dates in the Main Text If an author uses a […]

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    A Proofreader's Guide to Conjunctive Adverbs

    A Proofreader's Guide to Conjunctive Adverbs

    Published Feb 25, 2021
    Last Updated Nov 18, 2024

    • Common Errors
    • Grammar
    • Proofreading Tips
    • Punctuation

    Conjunctive adverbs are a useful way of linking sentences and clauses in writing. However, the rules for punctuating conjunctive adverbs can be confusing. As a proofreader, then, you may need to look for issues with these terms. In this post, we’ll explain what you need to know. Linking Sentences with a Conjunctive Adverb Conjunctive adverbs […]

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    Scene Breaks in Books and Manuscripts

    Scene Breaks in Books and Manuscripts

    Published Feb 21, 2021
    Last Updated Sep 18, 2025

    • Creative Writing
    • Editing Tips
    • Formatting
    • Proofreading Tips
    • Style

    When a book is divided into sections, each chapter will typically start on a new page. But what about scene changes within a chapter? How do writers and publishers indicate a shift of perspective, time, or location? And what do you need to know about this when you’re proofreading creative writing? In this post, we […]

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