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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    Fewer vs. Less: Which Is Correct?

    Fewer vs. Less: Which Is Correct?

    May 08, 2023

    • Grammar
    • Proofreading Tips

    If you spotted four grammatical mistakes in one document and three in another, are there less errors or fewer? “Fewer” and “less” have been tripping up writers and editors alike since their introduction. But these two adjectives aren’t as indistinguishable as they might first seem. Read on to discover the difference between “fewer” and “less”, […]

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  • A Complete Guide to First, Second, and Third Person

    A Complete Guide to First, Second, and Third Person

    A Complete Guide to First, Second, and Third Person

    May 01, 2023

    • Grammar
    • Proofreading Tips

    The first, second, and third persons are present in all forms of writing in English. But what, exactly, do these terms refer to? In our complete guide, we cover everything you need to know about first-, second-, and third-person points of view. What Are First, Second, and Third Person? We use the terms first person, […]

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  • What Is the Difference Between Affect and Effect?

    What Is the Difference Between Affect and Effect?

    Apr 17, 2023

    • Common Errors
    • Grammar
    • Proofreading Tips
    • Style

    Affect and effect are examples of homophones – two words that sound alike but have different meanings and spellings. People frequently confuse the two words because we often use affect and effect in similar contexts.  This blog post will explore the difference between affect and effect and help you know which one to use – […]

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  • How to Track Changes in Google Docs

    How to Track Changes in Google Docs

    Apr 10, 2023

    • Editing Tips
    • Proofreading Software and Tools
    • Proofreading Tips

    Previously, we covered how to use the track changes and compare tools in Microsoft Word. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at how to track changes in Google Docs.  As a freelancer, you may come across clients who use Google Docs to collaborate on content. Understanding how to use Google Docs’ editing tools […]

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  • 10 Egg-Cellent Examples of Eggcorns

    10 Egg-Cellent Examples of Eggcorns

    Apr 08, 2023

    • Common Errors
    • Proofreading Tips
    • Spelling

    We’ve all done it – misheard a common phrase and made it our own. The phenomenon even has its own name: an eggcorn. “But that’s not even a real word!” we hear you cry. Well, that’s exactly the point!  Although we can’t give you any chocolate eggs for Easter, we can give you a whole […]

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  • Native Speaker vs Fluent Speaker: Which Term Is Best?

    Native Speaker vs. Fluent Speaker: Which Term Is Best?

    Apr 03, 2023

    • Editing Tips
    • Proofreading Tips
    • Vocabulary Tips

    The Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading recently announced that it’s asking its writers to stop using the terms “native” or “non-native” when referring to language speakers – and is instead advising that they use “fluent” or “non-fluent.” At Knowadays, we’ve opted to do the same and will no longer use these phrases in our […]

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  • How to Check Unfamiliar Terms in Different English Dialects

    How to Check Unfamiliar Terms in Different English Dialects

    Apr 01, 2023

    • Dialects
    • Editing Tips
    • Proofreading Tips

    Even for fluent speakers, English is not the easiest language to master. English has a rich history, and because of that, many English dialects exist that can differ in spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary.  As proofreaders and editors, having an opportunity to work with people from anywhere in the world is great, but it means we […]

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  • Who vs That: What’s the Difference?

    Who vs. That: What’s the Difference?

    Mar 27, 2023

    • Common Errors
    • Grammar
    • Proofreading Tips

    Although we often replace who with that and vice versa, specific usage rules apply to these words. This blog post will help you understand those rules and provide examples for how to use them. Who vs. That Who and that are relative pronouns. This means we use them to introduce a dependent clause (also known […]

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  • Does Punctuation Go Inside or Outside of Quotation Marks?

    Does Punctuation Go Inside or Outside of Quotation Marks?

    Does Punctuation Go Inside or Outside of Quotation Marks?

    Mar 25, 2023

    • Common Errors
    • Dialects
    • Proofreading Tips
    • Punctuation

    As if the differences between UK and US English spelling weren’t tricky enough, several other variations between the two dialects also exist, such as how quotations are written. In addition, the guidelines that dictate whether the punctuation goes inside or outside of quotation marks depend on the dialect you’re writing or proofreading in.  While neither […]

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  • How to Use Commas with Coordinating Conjunctions

    How to Use Commas with Coordinating Conjunctions

    How to Use Commas with Coordinating Conjunctions

    Mar 20, 2023

    • Grammar
    • Proofreading Tips
    • Punctuation

    Coordinating conjunctions can be confusing for new proofreaders, especially when commas are involved. We’re here to make things clear for you with our guide to using commas with coordinating conjunctions. What Are Coordinating Conjunctions? Coordinating conjunctions are words that join words, phrases, or clauses together. We have seven coordinating conjunctions in English, which can be […]

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