How to Catch The Mistakes in Your Writing

Making mistakes in your writing is normal. The best writers in the world makes mistakes because it is just human nature. The reason they don't seem to make mistakes is they may have editors proofing their content before the writing gets to print. You can avoid the amount of mistakes that get to the final draft with a little practice.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Let someone else proofread your content. This isn't always possible with the deadlines of today's writers, but it is one of the best ways to catch mistakes in your writing. If you don't have anyone to proof your work don't worry you can proof your own work with the tips that follow.

2. Walk away from your writing. After you have written your piece walk away for about an hour if you can. When you come back you are looking through a fresh pair of eyes.

3. Read backwards. You have stepped away and now you are ready to proofread your work. Instead of reading it from the beginning to end, read it from the end to the beginning. This technique forces the mistakes to leap off the page because your brain isn't use to reading this way.

4. Read out loud. When you read out loud you are using your ears as a way to catch errors in your writing. You are forced to read each word and pause when necessary. This technique helps with catching the coma errors also.

Tips & Warnings

• Proofread your work in printed form instead of on the computer.
• Make note of your common errors and looks for those first.

Resources

• Do you make these 7 mistakes in your writing
• Guide to Grammar and Writing

[DiscountTickets]

on 11/26/2009 Such an interesting way on catching mistakes in your writing.

[jenniferjjames]

on 11/16/2009 Interesting tip on reading backwards, I'll try it. Good article. 5* rec

[lspulisfer]

on 11/14/2009 Thank you for the suggestions. It will assist me in my future goals!

[kinderhook]

on 11/14/2009 Those are good ideas for catching writing mistakes, & I use most of them (haven't tried reading backward). The most important part is to just slow down--don't jump to publish. Read and read again to be sure your grammar, punctuation, etc are correct, and don't ever forget to use spell check! 5*

[rnhealthinfo]

on 11/13/2009 Very helpful tips in How to Catch The Mistakes in Your Writing. 5* and recommend