From blog post writing, to writing books and essays, you're own eyes are the best spell checker you'll ever need. You can't always rely on your laptop or computer to catch every mistake.
Here are 8 simple proofreading tips to help you get the most out of proofreading:
1. Concentration is Crucial
When you're looking for mistakes it's vital not be distracted. This is why concentration is key, which means shutting off the rest of the world, and any surrounding distractions, such as social media, emails, TV, radio and any devices such as your mobile phone or tablet.
2. Write it Down
You read paper differently to reading a screen, so try printing out a copy of your document and reading it out loud to yourself, you'll find your ear will catch the mistakes your eyes have missed.
3. Look Out for Homonyms
Words that have different meaning's, but share the same spelling or pronunciation are called homonyms. If you decide to change complement with compliment your article could turn into a catastrophe. There's no harm in using a dictionary or thesaurus.
4. Look Out for Apostrophes and Contractions
It's easy to mix up they're, their and there. These small mistakes can often harm the validity of your writing. Keep in mind that apostrophes are never used to shape plurals.
5. Review Your Punctuation
There's nothing wrong with focusing on words but don't forget the punctuation. Take notice of capitalised words, extra or missing commas, full stops used incorrectly etc.
6. Study it Backwards
Our brain usually becomes blind to our own mistakes and automatically corrects words inside sentences. Try breaking this pattern by reading the text backwards.
7. Investigate the Numbers
When using numbers in your document make sure the value of an acquisition is correct, e.g.:
$10,000 instead of $100,000
8. Let Your Friends or Family Proofread Your Document
There's no harm in asking someone you know to run their eyes over your work. A fresh set of eyes can pick up mistakes you may have missed.
I'd love to hear your thoughts and tips on proofreading in the comments below.
Here are 8 simple proofreading tips to help you get the most out of proofreading:
1. Concentration is Crucial
When you're looking for mistakes it's vital not be distracted. This is why concentration is key, which means shutting off the rest of the world, and any surrounding distractions, such as social media, emails, TV, radio and any devices such as your mobile phone or tablet.
2. Write it Down
You read paper differently to reading a screen, so try printing out a copy of your document and reading it out loud to yourself, you'll find your ear will catch the mistakes your eyes have missed.
Words that have different meaning's, but share the same spelling or pronunciation are called homonyms. If you decide to change complement with compliment your article could turn into a catastrophe. There's no harm in using a dictionary or thesaurus.
4. Look Out for Apostrophes and Contractions
It's easy to mix up they're, their and there. These small mistakes can often harm the validity of your writing. Keep in mind that apostrophes are never used to shape plurals.
5. Review Your Punctuation
There's nothing wrong with focusing on words but don't forget the punctuation. Take notice of capitalised words, extra or missing commas, full stops used incorrectly etc.
6. Study it Backwards
Our brain usually becomes blind to our own mistakes and automatically corrects words inside sentences. Try breaking this pattern by reading the text backwards.
7. Investigate the Numbers
When using numbers in your document make sure the value of an acquisition is correct, e.g.:
$10,000 instead of $100,000
8. Let Your Friends or Family Proofread Your Document
There's no harm in asking someone you know to run their eyes over your work. A fresh set of eyes can pick up mistakes you may have missed.
I'd love to hear your thoughts and tips on proofreading in the comments below.
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