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 Dependent and Independent Clauses?
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)
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 […]
How to Use Ellipses in Writing (With Examples)
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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?
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
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 […]
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Such As vs. Like: What’s the Difference?
Published Feb 13, 2023
Last Updated Nov 18, 2024While they may seem interchangeable, the terms “such as” and “like” actually have different meanings and are used in different ways. While “like” is used to compare things with similar characteristics, “such as” is used to introduce specific examples. In this blog post, we’ll explore how and when to use these two terms and what […]
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What Is the Subjunctive in English?
Published Jan 28, 2023
Last Updated Dec 12, 2024The subjunctive is a verb form or “mood” type that typically refers to wishes, demands, proposals, and hypothetical situations (i.e., something that might or could happen). In this post, we will explain what a mood is, and how and when to use the subjunctive mood, especially in UK and US dialects. What Is a Mood? […]
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What Is a Misplaced Modifier? (With Examples)
Published Jan 23, 2023
Last Updated May 27, 2025Understanding common grammar errors and how to fix them is a key part of working as a proofreader. In this post, we explain what misplaced modifiers are, how to spot the most common types, and how you can correct them in any piece of writing. What Is a Misplaced Modifier? Modifiers are words, phrases, or […]
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What Is an Adjectival Noun?
What Is an Adjectival Noun?
Published Jan 21, 2023
Last Updated Jan 10, 2025You might know of adjectives as words used to describe nouns, such as the yellow jacket or silly song. But can a noun ever work the way an adjective does? The answer is yes . . . sometimes. An adjectival noun functions as an adjective and is located before another noun in a sentence. Want […]
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What Is a Dangling Modifier? (With Examples)
What Is a Dangling Modifier? (With Examples)
Published Jan 16, 2023
Last Updated Jun 11, 2025As a proofreader, you’ll need to confidently spot and fix all kinds of errors, including grammatical ones. A common type in this category is the dangling modifier, which can lead to an unclear or downright baffling sentence! To help you understand this grammatical mistake, we’ll explain what dangling modifiers are, how to identify them, and […]