How to Proofread

Being able to proofread is an invaluable skill to revising a piece of writing. Proofreading is simply reading over a completed essay, manuscript, etc, and checking for errors. For some people, proofreading means hitting spell check in Microsoft Word. For smart people, proofreading means so much more...

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. (Print out a copy of writing.) If you don't already have a hard copy of what you are going to proofread, print one out. You can proofread online writing on your computer, but reading a physical copy always helps the proofreading process.

2. (Read over writing once or twice without editing.) You need to become familiar with whatever you plan on proofreading first. Read it over once or twice without making any changes first.

3. (Read over writing looking for spelling mistakes.) If you have an electronic copy of the writing, then Spell Check should pick up most of the spelling errors. Still, there may be some names of people, places or things that it won't pick up. Either way, the first proofread should be for spelling mistakes.

4. (Proofread for grammar mistakes.) The next proofread should be for any grammar mistakes. Look for run-ons, improper punctuation and sentence fragments. This particular proofread is a bit tedious, but very crucial. Don't rush through it. And don't only rely on Spell Check either; it won't pick up every grammar error.

5. (Proofread for writing style.) The third proofread should be for writing style. Do the sentences flow? Is there a lot of sentence variety? Are any sentences too wordy? These are the questions you should be asking yourself while proofreading writing. If I had to choose a "favorite" proofread, then I guess it would be this one.

6. (Let the writing sit for a while.) Now that you've performed 3 thorough proofreads, leave the piece of writing alone for a while. Take some time to clear your mind from proofreading. I recommend at least a day. If you don't have that much time, at least take an hour or two away from proofreading to recharge.

7. (Proofread the writing one final time.) Now that you have been refreshed, it's time to proofread the work one last time. 4 proofreads might seem excessive, but you are guaranteed to pick up on errors you may have overlooked before.

Tips & Warnings

• Have someone else proofread the writing as well, especially if it's your writing. That way, you have an unbiased proofread in addition to your own.
• Be a harsh proofreader! Don't soften up; the writing will suffer because of it.

[misthaven]

on 7/9/2009 Thanks. I'll admit, I usually don't ask people to proofread after me. I get real touchy with my work lol.

[IcyCucky]

on 7/9/2009 Great tips! I do most of these, but sometimes still missed..I also ask friends to read it over!