How do I proofread my work?
It’s always important to proofread your own work to ensure that there are no language errors. Proofreading is a tedious, time-consuming and unexciting task but it is one of the most important steps in getting your document complete. Here are some steps on how to check your own work:
When should I start proofreading my work?
Only start proofreading once you’ve completed the entire essay. If you do it paragraph by paragraph, it may be difficult for you to check on the continuity and flow of the writing.
Once you’ve completed writing, give yourself at least a 10-minute break before you start checking your work. In this way, you’ll be able to look at your essay with fresh eyes. You may also want to ask someone else to look at your work because it is harder to detect mistakes in your own writing.
What should I look out for when checking my work?
If there are many different types of errors in your work, you may want to run through the essay a few times, checking for different errors each time.
Click here to find out the types of language errors that could mar your writing.
Use the spell check function of the computer to identify spelling errors (but don’t rely on it completely because, for example, it will not be able to identify if you need to use the word “here” instead of “hear”).
End by checking your overall format.
In the next few weeks, we will run-through some common language errors and how to correct them – so look out for these articles!
For proofreading assistance, please go to www.english-proofreaders.com
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