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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    Editing Tips: Widows and Orphans Explained

    Editing Tips: Widows and Orphans Explained

    Published Nov 16, 2023

    • Formatting
    • Proofreading Tips

    As a proofreader, if you work with a publisher, they might ask you to look out for widows and orphans in a typeset text. But this can be tricky, as not everyone uses these words in the same way! In this post, then, we’ll explain the basics, including: Read on below to find out what […]

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    How to Proofread Resumes and CVs

    How to Proofread Resumes and CVs

    Published Nov 14, 2023
    Last Updated Jun 24, 2024

    • Business Writing
    • Proofreading Tips
    • Style

    As a freelance proofreader, you may be asked to check resumes and CVs. These documents come in many types, so it is worth knowing how they work so you can proofread them effectively.  In this blog post we’re going to explain: The difference between a resume and a CV The three most common types of […]

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    A Guide to Citing Shakespeare in Academic Writing

    Published Nov 09, 2023
    Last Updated Nov 26, 2024

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

    Are you confident when it comes to citing Shakespeare? Shakespeare’s plays are so influential that many style guides have special rules for citing them. As a proofreader, you’ll need to look out for citations like these when working on academic writing and make sure they have been added correctly.  If you’re not sure how to […]

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    How to Use Google Ngram Viewer While Proofreading

    Published Nov 07, 2023
    Last Updated Jan 02, 2025

    • Proofreading Software and Tools
    • Proofreading Tips
    • Vocabulary Tips

    Google offers many tools that a proofreader or editor can use. One of the most underappreciated is the Google Books Ngram Viewer, which you can use to see how common certain words are. So, how does the Ngram Viewer work? And how can you use it while proofreading and editing? What Is an N-gram? An […]

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    What's the Difference Between Active and Passive Voice?

    Published Nov 05, 2023
    Last Updated May 27, 2025

    • Editing Tips
    • Grammar
    • Proofreading Tips

    Do you know the difference between active and passive voice? Don’t worry if you don’t! It’s an area that’s often misunderstood or overlooked, especially by those who are new to proofreading. But understanding the effect and purpose of both the active and the passive voice is valuable for proofreaders and editors. By recognizing the distinction […]

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    Halloween or Hallowe’en?

    Published Oct 31, 2023

    • Proofreading Tips
    • Punctuation
    • Spelling

    Boo! Grab your masks, pumpkins, and bowls of candy. It’s that time of the year again! Halloween is celebrated on October 31 in the US and other parts of the world. Though you’re probably familiar with the spelling Halloween, you might have come across an alternative spelling: Hallowe’en. In this post, we’ll talk about where […]

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    How and When to Use Sic in a Quotation

    Published Oct 26, 2023
    Last Updated Sep 03, 2025

    • Academic Writing
    • Editing Tips
    • Formatting
    • Proofreading Tips
    • Style

    Have you ever seen the term sic used in a quotation and wondered what it meant? Or perhaps you’ve thought about whether you are using it correctly in your writing? Many people misuse this term or use it when there’s a more suitable alternative. This is why proofreaders and editors should make sure they know […]

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    Word Confusion: Biennial vs. Biannual

    Published Oct 19, 2023
    Last Updated Sep 25, 2025

    • Common Errors
    • Proofreading Tips
    • Spelling

    Do you know when to use biennial vs. biannual? While the two words look and sound similar, there is a meaningful difference. Some similar words are so familiar and so different in meaning that, should a client muddle them up, you will notice them right away. For instance, if an essay refers to Darwin’s theory […]

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    What Are Auxiliary Verbs? (With Examples)

    What Are Auxiliary Verbs? (With Examples)

    Published Oct 13, 2023
    Last Updated Jul 06, 2024

    • Grammar
    • Proofreading Tips

    Can you answer the question: “What are auxiliary verbs?” Many fluent English speakers would struggle, even though they use them daily! However, auxiliary verbs play a vital role in constructing sentences. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the world of auxiliary verbs, including a specific subset called modal auxiliary verbs. You will learn: What […]

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  • What Is the Difference Between Proofreading and Editing?

    What Is the Difference Between Proofreading and Editing?

    What Is the Difference Between Proofreading and Editing?

    Published Oct 03, 2023
    Last Updated Apr 15, 2025

    • Editing Tips
    • Proofreading Tips
    • Vocabulary Tips

    Do you know the difference between proofreading and editing? People often use the terms interchangeably, but proofreading and editing are, in fact, distinct tasks. In this blog post, we’ll explain: Read on to learn more. The Stages of the Publication Process Editing and proofreading are both ways to polish a piece of writing. However, they […]

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