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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Native Speaker vs. Fluent Speaker: Which Term Is Best?
Native Speaker vs. Fluent Speaker: Which Term Is Best?
Published Apr 03, 2023
Last Updated Mar 26, 2025The 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
Published Apr 01, 2023
Last Updated Dec 15, 2023Even 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 […]
Who vs. That: What’s the Difference?
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Does Punctuation Go Inside or Outside of Quotation Marks?
Published Mar 25, 2023
Last Updated May 27, 2025Quotation marks might seem like a minor detail, but they play a major role in helping readers understand what’s being said, cited, or shouted in a sentence. Whether you’re presenting character dialogue in a novel or referencing expert insights in an essay, quotation marks and the surrounding punctuation guide the reader through who said what. […]
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How to Use Commas with Coordinating Conjunctions
Published Mar 20, 2023
Last Updated Nov 28, 2024Coordinating 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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What Are Dependent and Independent Clauses?
Published Mar 18, 2023
Last Updated Jul 23, 2024Understanding independent and dependent clauses is essential to writing and editing – but how exactly are they different? And how should you punctuate sentences with independent and dependent clauses? We’ve got the answers! Keep reading to learn what makes a clause independent or dependent and how to write both correctly. What Is a Clause? A […]
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11 Uncommon Punctuation Marks (and How to Use Them)
Published Mar 13, 2023
Last Updated Jun 27, 2024There’s no doubt about it: punctuation is an integral part of writing. We use it to mark pauses, pose questions, emphasize certain ideas, and clarify meaning. You’ll already be familiar with the usual suspects – periods, commas, exclamation points, question marks, and so on – but did you know there are some weird and wonderful […]
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How to Use Ellipses in Writing (With Examples)
Published Mar 06, 2023
Last Updated Mar 04, 2025Ellipses, also known as “dot, dot, dot,” are a type of punctuation with many purposes. In this guide, we explore what ellipses are and how you can help your clients make the most of them in their writing. What Is an Ellipsis? An ellipsis is a form of punctuation consisting of three dots (or periods): […]
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How to Save Your Revisions in Microsoft Word
Published Feb 27, 2023
Last Updated Nov 26, 2024To work as a freelance proofreader, it’s essential that you know the basics of popular word processing software such as Microsoft Word. One of the Microsoft Word tools that proofreaders use is the Compare feature, which allows you to generate both a Clean copy and a Track Changes copy to return to the client. Does […]
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British vs. American English: -Ise or -Ize?
British vs. American English: -Ise or -Ize?
Published Feb 20, 2023
Last Updated Jun 03, 2025The verb endings “-ise” and “-ize” often get confused. Usually, the correct ending depends on which English dialect your client is using. Here’s our guide on using these spellings in British and American English and what you need to consider when proofreading. British vs. American Spelling For the most part, American English exclusively uses the […]
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How to Cite Translated Works in APA Style
How to Cite Translated Works in APA Style
Published Feb 18, 2023
Last Updated Nov 24, 2025Referencing is one of those details in academic writing that can seem deceptively simple – until you stumble across a source that doesn’t quite fit the usual template. Whether you’re a writer compiling your own references or a proofreader checking someone else’s academic work, accuracy matters. Clear, consistent citations not only give credit where it’s […]