How to Proofread like a Pro

Whether you are writing for education, business, or personal reasons, proofreading your work is the difference between looking sloppy and being heard.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Spell Check
• Highlighter or colored pen
• Dictionary or other reference

1. 
   This little button is your best friend.

   Always run Spell Check on your document first. While this handy tool won't catch every mistake, it will catch the kind that will distract your reader from what's important. If you are typing a resume or a cover letter, these spelling mistakes will most likely disqualify you as a candidate.

2. Print out your work and proofread the hard copy. It's easy to miss mistakes when you are reading the document on your screen. Take your printed copy and read it in the most natural light possible. Avoid florescent lights, since these will produce the same problems as a flickering monitor. Grab a highlighter or a red pen and mark your mistakes right on the paper. Wait until you are finished to correct them on your PC.

3. Read your copy out loud to make sure it is clear and easy to understand. Hearing it will help you pick out problems like repetition or wordiness. If you cannot read a sentence without taking a breath, it is probably too long.

4. If you have time, put your writing aside for the night and come back to it the next day. Proofreading a fresh document can be difficult, since your mind will automatically fill in missing words or gloss over obvious mistakes.

5. Have a trusted friend or family member do a final read-through. They will be able to pick up the mistakes you may have missed.

Tips & Warnings

• Sometimes reading a document in reverse picks up mistakes a spell check might miss, such as misspelled names or using the wrong word.
• Keep a grammar reference book around in case you can't remember which "their" to use, or whether a comma or colon is appropriate.
• Take breaks to avoid fatigue or boredom, which in turn might cause you to rush and miss errors.
• Neglecting to proofread can cost you a job or opportunity. Always double check your work.

[gld1179]

on 6/9/2009 Excellent article. Proofreading your work is so important.

[Dino1353]

on 5/31/2009 Thanks for the information very well written! 5* and recommended.

[1wiseguy]

on 5/29/2009 thanks for the information, will definitely help me become a better writer on eHow. 5 stars!

[tracysmith159]

on 5/28/2009 Good steps on how to proofread like a Pro. I save my articles and then read them later in the day before publishing now. This way I read what the article says not what I think it says. Plus your step on reading it out loud is a big help. Thanks for the additional information.

[lilmnstr]

on 5/23/2009 This is wonderful advice. Something everyone should do before posting or sending out any written document. Your right about the diffrence between being sloppy and being heard! 5* and recommended!