Precision Proofreading

Approaching Precision Proofreading

The process of precision proofreading could be viewed as a time-consuming task most writers do not want to tackle as because it is a tedious task. Some writers mix several phases of their writing process together, naming the entire process “proofreading the document.” Careful proofreading is like cutting the hair, straightening clothes, or polishing ones shoes prior to going out into the world. You can enter the public with a messy way, however the impact on the general public may not be as one might expect or would like.

If all other writing actions have been executed properly so that the stage of proofreading is regular and only a few errors which have not caught writers’ attention throughout writing, revising and editing steps.

What Proofreading Entails

The process of proofreading is to check for grammar, spelling and mechanical mistakes, which can include errors with the verb tense, subject/verb connection, parallel structure sentence completion, alternative forms of spelling, capitalization or punctuation. It is usually made simpler with the help of colored inks as well as bracketed and parenthetical or bracketed notations and proofreading symbols for recognition and correcting.

Incorrect subject-verb agreement must be inspected in each dependent and independent clause. The same is true for parallel structures of sentences, words as well as ideas. The detection of grammatical or spelling and mechanical mistakes shouldn’t remain to computer’s colored green or red of grammar and spell check electronic spell checkers frequently ignore homonyms, or incorrectly insert them instead of incorrectly spelled words. These errors are only detected with the naked eye.

Similar errors can be found in the computer’s recommendations for grammar. Humans shouldn’t be able to abdicate the responsibility of reasoning, and applying the knowledge of the computer’s artificial intelligence. The astronauts during 2001: A Space Odyssey the artificial intelligence could draw faulty conclusion.

Fresh Eyes

A lot of writers discover that they can benefit by creating a space of time and even a space between the latest version of the draft and the final phase prior to the publication. They find that looking at the text by examining it with fresh eyes, they are more adept at identifying flaws that could not be noticed by a person who’s spent a good long time working on the text.

Writing professionals who aren’t afforded the luxury of waiting for finishing a draft and then editing it from a fresh view through asking someone who’s not had the chance to read the document and proofread the document. An important note cautionary note in this instance, but a person who writes should not ask someone else to read all the writing documents for they may be viewed as too demanding.

Whatever method of proofreading done, it must be carried out in a cautious way, systematically so that the overall look of the document can be a reflection of the writer’s professionalism and his personal satisfaction with the procedure and final result. The paper should be read in reverse and forward is an effective way to take your time and find tiny mistakes that require attention.

What to Look for When Proofreading

Alongside all the grammar and stylistic issues that have been mentioned previously while proofreading, you should look out for any areas you may miss in your previous proofreading like missing or incorrect terms, capitalization issues as well as citation problems.

Wrong Words

Errors in spelling are frequent and rank as the number one in the list of. There are times when we commit an error in the spelling of a word while searching the thesaurus to discover the largest word that we can so that we can appear intelligent. It’s not the best method. Sometimes, it’s best to make things simple. And it’s better to keep it simple.

Also, we must take care when using the spell checker. There are times when we misspell terms, then the spell checker will make changes to words that we do not want. It’s possible to be caught up in the rush and not even realize. Check out this example to realize the issues that a spelling mistake may cause.

• There are times when I just observe people in the crowd. However, it’s definitely painful when I meet some of them.

In this case, the use of defiance by referring to certainly, definitely alters the meaning of the sentence.

This is the same sentence that uses the proper word:

• At times, I’ll look around and observe the people at a distance, however, it’s certain to be awful to look at someone.

Missing Words

It is easy to be in a rush when editing. Our brains are amazing. We are able to read sentences, and then add the words needed to be there, even when they aren’t. However, other people might immediately notice the error, which is why we need to figure out ways to slow down and make sure that we edit our writing with care. It is not a good idea to compose something like this instance that has an unimportant word that has a huge meaning.

• I love walking by myself through the forest at night since I don’t know who I’ll see when out in the darkness.

Did you spot the mistake? Take a look at the updated sentence in the following paragraph:

• I like walking in the forest at night because I don’t know who I’ll meet when I’m out in darkness.

Spelling

With the advent of spell-checkers, it’s difficult to think that errors in spelling will be on the top of the most frequently-reported errors list however, they are. The first step is to keep in mind to use your spell-checker. While you need to keep an eye on your spell checker, spell checkers can be the best place to start with spelling mistakes.

However, there’s a lot spelling mistakes that spelling errors that the spell-checker cannot detect. Apart from the possibility of creating mistakes with incorrect words, which we explained earlier, spell-checkers can also misspell words such as names, and even others that are proper nouns like in the following examples:

• While on vacation in France I visited Pares and saw the Eifel Tower and The Louvre museum, as well as the grave of Richard Wright.

The spell-checker did not catch these mistakes. Here’s the corrected form of the sentence:

• When I was on holiday in France I travelled to Paris where I visited the Eiffel Tower as well as the Louvre museum, as well as Jim Morrison’s tomb.

Also, make sure you use a spell-checker and don’t neglect to double or triple-verify your work. Spell checkers can’t detect every single error.

Capitalization

Take care to capitalize words that are required to be capitalized. This includes proper nouns. You should also not capitalize words that shouldn’t be capitalized. How do you tell what words should be capitalized and what shouldn’t? If you’re unsure check out the distinctions between proper nouns and regular nouns within the Parts of Speech area of the Excelsior OWL.

Errors in capitalization can affect the perceptions that readers get about your writing. Look at the following paragraph:

• I walked through the central park, and saw a Mime that was posing to be a Policeman was sprayed with mace an elderly woman who suspected he was trying to take her purse.

Then, glance at the sentence using proper capitalization

• I walked through Central Park and saw a mime who appeared to be a police officer, be sprayed by mace an elderly lady because she believed he was trying to take her purse.

Editing is essential and examine the rules as required!

Citations

It is crucial to remember that you must cite any information that is borrowed. Whatever your style of documentation, that it’s APA style, MLA format, or Chicago Style, all require an attribution form for quotes, paraphrased, or summarised information.

Quotations

Utilizing quotation marks in a correct manner may be difficult and especially if you want to apply other kinds of punctuation. Mechanical mistakes related to quotation marks are on the list of most frequent errors because beginners often do not realize the importance of putting commas and periods within quotation marks. This is an example of this:

• “When you’re trying to impress a lovely girl it’s like an hour one second. While sitting on the hot cinder floor the second feels like an hour. That’s relativity”, said Einstein.

In this particular case, the comma that is put outside quotation marks is wrong. The comma needs to be inserted within the quotation marks as follows: the following:

• “When you’re looking for a beautiful girl to marry it’s like an hour one second. While sitting on a hot, red cinder seconds seem to be an hour. That’s relativity,” said Einstein.

It is important to remember that, despite the fact that all punctuation marks automatically fit within quotation marks. The question marks can be a bit tricky. If the sole part of quotation marks is the word “question,” the question mark must fit inside the quotation marks. If not it actually is outside those quotation marks. This is a tricky one!

Additionally, novice writers frequently do not realize that titles for shorter pieces, like short stories or essays, must be set within quotation marks. Books and magazines, need to be written in italics