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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All Together Or Altogether?
All Together Or Altogether?
Published Feb 21, 2018
Last Updated Nov 19, 2024The classic movie Airplane! plays on the similarity between the terms all together and altogether. In that film, the protagonist discovers that pressing the autopilot button is counterproductive. But when he explains this and uses the word altogether to mean entirely, his companions respond by echoing his words all together. And, lo, we immediately see […]
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Citing Edited Books in MLA and IEEE
Citing Edited Books in MLA and IEEE
Published Feb 15, 2018
Last Updated Nov 28, 2024We’re sorry. We’ve made you wait, trembling with anticipation, for the next exciting instalment of our occasional series on referencing. Perhaps your desperation for referencing tips has led you to seek out the darker corners of the internet for dodgy tips cut with misconceptions. Stop. We have the good stuff. And if you’re not sure […]
How to Fix Subject–Verb Agreement Errors
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Citing Chapters of Edited Books in Harvard and APA
Published Dec 19, 2017
Last Updated Oct 30, 2025If you’ve ever scratched your head wondering how to cite just one chapter of a book with multiple contributors, you’re not alone. In academic writing, it’s common to use just one part of an edited volume, such as a textbook with chapters by different specialists or an anthology of essays by various writers. Knowing how […]
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Proofreading Before Computers
Published Nov 21, 2017
Last Updated Jan 26, 2026Proofreading dates back to the early days of printing: a contract from 1499 even mentions it, saying that the responsibility for proofreading lies with the author. But it may interest technology fans to know that Microsoft Word was not around in the fifteenth century. And proofreading before computers was, necessarily, very different. As such, to […]
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Historic vs. Historical: What’s the Difference?
Published Nov 14, 2017
Last Updated May 27, 2025The invention of the computer was a historic event. Without it we would still be scribbling in the margins of galley proofs, unaided by word-processing software. The invention of the computer was also a historical event, hence our use of the past tense. Yet not every historical event is historic, and not every historic event […]
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Hyphens, En Dashes, and Em Dashes
Published Nov 07, 2017
Last Updated Jul 28, 2025As the supermarkets begin to stock their shelves with exploding hat-and-joke containers, stuffing-flavour crisps and puddings nobody likes, Michael Bublé comes out of his long hibernation. Listen. He is warming up his voice. “A kiss is just a kiss,” he sings. “A sigh is just a sigh.” But is a dash just a dash? Is […]
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Top 5 Grammar Myths: Exposing the Truth
Published Oct 25, 2017
Last Updated Jan 26, 2026There comes a time in every proofreader’s life when they’re faced with the unsettling fact that some of the ‘rules’ they have always used are either misleading or downright wrong. This can be a hard pill to swallow, but it’s better to get it over and done with. So grab a cup of strong, sweet […]
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Windows vs. Mac: Which Is Better for Proofreading?
Published Oct 20, 2017
Last Updated Jan 26, 2026So which is better, Windows or Mac? Fight! Sadly, we can’t make our computers to engage in an epic battle to the death to prove once and for all that Windows machines are better. Therefore, we can’t tell you which kind of computer to use for proofreading. Ultimately, either is fine because both support Microsoft […]
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A Brief Guide to Vancouver Referencing
A Brief Guide to Vancouver Referencing
Published Oct 16, 2017
Last Updated May 16, 2023It’s happened to us all. A client wants you to proofread their essay or journal article, but you are unfamiliar with the referencing system! Suddenly everything is called into question. Imposter syndrome kicks in. You wonder, can you presume to do this with only Google to guide you? What if the information there is unreliable? […]
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Top 5 Tips for ESL Proofreading
Top 5 Tips for ESL Proofreading
Published Oct 07, 2017
Last Updated Nov 21, 2024As a proofreader, you are almost certain to encounter clients who do not speak English as a first language. This may seem daunting, but never fear! In this post, we have five top tips for working with ESL (English as a second language) clients and documents. 1. Be Clear and Patient in Your Communication The […]