Proofreading

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Proofreading [1] is reviewing and rereading a document looking for errors and is essential for all writing. It creates a seamless document by correcting all errors. When proofreading look for typos [2], misspelled words, punctuation and grammar [3] mistakes, and any other problems within the document. Having a flawless, error free, document gives creditably and is easier for the audience [4] to read and understand.

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Why Proofreading is Important

While content is important, readers base their judgment on the document's appearance. Careless errors are distracting to readers. It is important to pay attention to details because it helps make a good impression overall. It is better to work with a definite plan that helps search for specific kinds of errors rather than quickly glancing over the document. When quickly glancing over a document, it is easy to overlook many errors.

Checklist

When proofreading, first put the document aside for a few hours, days, or weeks. This allows for a fresh look at the document to see what is really on the page. Find a quite place to work. Read slow, and read every word. Read aloud. By following a proofreading checklist, it is easier to find common errors [5]. Proofread for only one kind of error at a time.

Spelling

Look for misspelled words. Using a spell checker [6] will find most errors and typos, but not all. It is important not to only rely on spell checker but to also review and reread your document. Spell checkers do not always correct homophones [7](i.e. their, they're, there), words used incorrectly,as well as and/or contractions [8](i.e. don't, won't, can't).

Punctuation

Punctuation [9] is not always checked with the spell checker. When rereading your document, look for punctuation errors. This includes periods [10], commas [11], colons [12], semicolons [13], quotations [14] and the correct punctuation when citing sources.

Content

When proofreading, be sure to also pay attention to the content. Check for clarity, organization, variation of sentence structure, and word choice. Also, check for correct grammar [15]. Check your document to make sure your tenses [16] are consistent (past, first-person, present). Be sure to stay within the same format throughout (MLA, APA, etc.). Also, pay close attention to the way the document is laid out (margins and fonts).

Proofread Again

It does not hurt to reread your document many times looking for errors and for ways to improve it. It is easy to overlook an error or mistake. However, close reexamination ensures that fewer errors will make it to the final text, lending to more credibility to the author. Consider having a peer or professor look over the document as well.

References

1. Carrol, Brian. (2010).Writing for Digital Media. New York: Routledge. Retrieved 28 March 2013.
2. Lucas, Gerald. (1997)."Editor's Checklist". http://litmuse.net/resources/writing/editors-checklist. Retrieved 28 March 2013.
3. "Macon State College Library's Guide to Citing Sources" Retrieved 28 March 2013.
4. Olson, Gary. (1999)."Punctuation Made Simple". http://lilt.ilstu.edu/golson/punctuation/. College of the Arts and Sciences at Illinois State University. Retrieved 28 March 2013.
5. Welcome to the Purdue University Online Writing Lab (OWL). (2013)."The Purdue Online Writing Lab".http://owl.english.purdue.edu/. Retrieved 28 March 2013.
6. "Proofreaders' Marks". (2013). Dictionary and Thesaurus - Merriam-Webster Online.http://www.merriam-webster.com/mw/table/proofrea.htm. Retrieved 28 March 2013.

See Also

• Foundational Writing Skills
• Scan-ability
• Brevity
• Inverted Pyramid