Graduate Communication Support Initiative @ UDL: Grammar for Graduate Writers Week 4

Proofreading techniques

Proofreading—or editing—is the last stage in the writing process. When you are happy that you have revised the content and organization, you finally turn to grammar, spelling, word choice, punctuation, and format (including citations).

A.          Analyzing Errors

Know Yourself! What errors do you usually make? What errors do readers/professors/editors tell you that you make? Look for these problems first when you proofread.

Grammar:               __ Verb tenses/forms                       __ Passive voice

                                    __ Articles                                               __ Prepositions

                                    __ Subject/verb agreement           __ Word order

                                    __ Conjunctions                             __ Relative/Adjective Clauses (that, who, which)

Vocabulary:            __ Word form (noun/verb/adj) __ Spelling

                                    __ Word choice                                    __ Phrasal verbs

                                    __ Idioms                                                __ Repetition of the same words

Mechanics/            __ Periods (.)                                         __ Commas (,)

Format                     __ “Quotations”                                   __ Other punctuation (; : ’ etc.)

                                    __ Citation/reference style             __ Format (margins, page numbers, etc.)

 B.         Finding Errors

1.       Read for one error at a time (e.g. grammar, vocabulary,  mechanics).

2.       Read one sentence at a time (cover up the rest of your paper).

3.       Read slowly and read aloud.

4.       Read backwards.

5.       Change the appearance of your text – computer/paper, change the color, font, size, etc.

6.       Circle or highlight problem areas – e.g. circle every punctuation mark; or every be verb; or every transition word (because, however, and – they have different punctuation).

C.          Fixing errors

1.       Don’t trust the spelling/grammar checker in Word. (Computers aren’t good at English.)

2.       Use a good learner’s dictionary for errors of spelling, grammar, and usage, e.g. the Oxford Learner’s Dictionary online (http://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/)

3.       Use proofreading as an opportunity to learn – keep a list of your common mistakes and questions.

4.       Although the Graduate Student Writing Center won’t proofread your paper for you, they will work with you on clarity and organization. Make an appointment at https://www.writingcenter.udel.edu/for-graduate-students/graduate-student-writing-center