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 Is a Misplaced Modifier? (With Examples)
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 […]
What Is a Dangling Modifier? (With Examples)
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How to Use Comparatives and Superlatives (With Examples)
Published Jan 09, 2023
Last Updated Jun 20, 2024Comparatives and superlatives can be a confusing part of grammar, particularly for ESL writers. In this guide, we talk you through the rules for forming comparative and superlative adjectives, and what to look out for when proofreading them. What Are Comparatives and Superlatives? Comparatives and superlatives are both types of adjectives. Comparative adjectives are words […]
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One Word or Two? 10 Common Mistakes
Published Jan 07, 2023
Last Updated Oct 14, 2024Are you confident about terms being one word or two? If you are, congratulations! If not, though, you’re not alone. Errors of this type are some of the most common in the English language. In this post, we’ll cover some of the most common mistakes so that you’ve got the basics covered – whether you’re […]
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What Is the Present Perfect Tense? (With Examples)
Published Dec 26, 2022
Last Updated Nov 26, 2024The present perfect tense is one of the most common verb tenses in English, and despite the name containing the word present, it describes actions relating to both the past and present. Does it sound confusing? It doesn’t have to be! Read on for how to recognize and use the present perfect tense. How to […]
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What Is an Oxford Comma? (With Examples)
Published Dec 21, 2022
Last Updated Dec 15, 2023Commas can be a confusing part of punctuation, and the Oxford comma is no exception. In this post, we’ll explain what exactly an Oxford comma is and how you should deal with them as a proofreader. The Oxford Comma (AKA The Serial Comma) Commas are used to separate items in a list. An Oxford comma, […]
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What Is Antiquated Language? (And How to Proofread It)
Published Dec 14, 2022
Last Updated Jun 04, 2024As people change and advance, so does language. English is no exception to that; some of its words stand the test of time, while others fall from favor and are replaced by new words. In today’s blog post, we’ll shed some light on antiquated language in English and how to proofread it. What Is Antiquated […]
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A Complete Guide to Formatting Tools in Microsoft Word
Published Dec 04, 2022
Last Updated Dec 15, 2023Microsoft Word is a popular type of word processing software with a wide variety of features. As a freelance proofreader, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with its tools, as you’ll likely use them as part of your workflow. While proofreading doesn’t always include formatting, many proofreaders offer it as an additional service. Microsoft […]
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What’s a Colloquialism?
What’s a Colloquialism?
Published Nov 21, 2022
Last Updated Apr 11, 2024A colloquialism is an informal word or phrase commonly used in everyday conversation and often specific to a geographic region. For example, the word “y’all” (you all) is commonly used in the southern US, but not necessarily elsewhere in the world. Sometimes, a colloquialism’s popularity is a bit more widespread, like “head over heels” (falling […]
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When to Use “I” and “Me” in a Sentence
When to Use “I” and “Me” in a Sentence
Published Nov 19, 2022
Last Updated Mar 10, 2025Is it “you and me” or “you and I”? This can be a complex question, even for native English speakers. The difference lies in whether you need to use a subject pronoun or an object pronoun. In this post, we’ll dig into what these pronouns are and how to establish when “I” or “me” is […]
