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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    What Are Concrete and Abstract Nouns?

    What Are Concrete and Abstract Nouns?

    Last Updated Jun 12, 2023

    • Grammar
    • Proofreading Tips

    From pigeons to pacifism, all nouns fall into one of two categories: concrete or abstract. As an editor or proofreader, understanding what concrete and abstract nouns are and how they work will help you make sure your clients are communicating clearly. That’s why, in this post, we explain: What Is a Concrete Noun? Concrete nouns […]

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    Backslash vs. Forward Slash: What’s the Difference?

    Backslash vs. Forward Slash: What’s the Difference?

    Last Updated May 29, 2023

    • Proofreading Tips
    • Punctuation

    If you look down at your keyboard, you’ll notice that there are two types of slashes: the backslash (\) and the forward slash (/). But do you know the difference between them, and when to use each one? If not, don’t worry! In this blog post, we’ll explain: What is a Backslash? The backslash is […]

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Fewer vs. Less: Which Is Correct?

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

    A Complete Guide to First, Second, and Third Person

    Last Updated 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 E.g. and I.e

    What Is the Difference Between E.g. and I.e.?

    Last Updated Apr 24, 2023

    • Grammar
    • Proofreading Tips

    If you’ve spotted the abbreviations e.g. and i.e. in a piece of writing, you may have wondered what they mean. And you may have wondered if you’re using them correctly! These two Latin terms often cause confusion, even for experienced writers and editors. But knowing the difference is essential if you want to write clearly […]

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  • What Is the Difference Between Affect and Effect?

    What Is the Difference Between Affect and Effect?

    Last Updated 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

    Last Updated 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

    Last Updated 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?

    Last Updated 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

    How to Check Unfamiliar Terms in Different English Dialects

    Last Updated 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?

    Who vs. That: What’s the Difference?

    Last Updated 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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