What are the Effective Proofreading Strategies

Proofreading is the one of the stages of the writing process. It is a method of identifying different errors, including typographical, grammar, spelling and punctuation and the formatting and style of a piece of writing. Proofreading is the final step in a writing process. After writing a document, a writer usually proofreads his or her written stuff so as to maintain accuracy.

It is imperative to understand that when you write something, you need to revise, edit and proofread it thoroughly. Revising means rearranging or replacing the words and sentences. Editing refers to finding grammar and spelling errors and proofreading means checking the typo errors and formatting of the document. Let us see some useful and effective proofreading strategies.

1.  Take enough time: Whether you are writing an essay or a research paper, you are likely to make mistakes in a hurry. After completing one paragraph, proofread the sentence as you may find errors or structural problem in your writing.

2.   Always refer a dictionary and a citation guide: While proofreading if you come across a word or a statement, which you have never heard or you are not able to recollect, then it is ideal to refer a dictionary and citation guide. Check in-text citation carefully and verify the source from the reference list.

3.  Read the document backward: Sometimes, it is difficult to find out your own mistakes. Hence, it is ideal to read your written stuff backward. Read paragraph by paragraph or sentence by sentence. This will help you in identifying the mistakes more quickly and easily.

4.  Read aloud: It is good to read the document aloud and slowly as it will help you in determining the flaws, including missing words, run-on sentences and typo errors.

5.  Mark the verbs: Mark the verbs in the sentence so as to identify passive voice.

6. Read the paper as a reader: Read the document as a different person. This will help you in determining whether your thoughts are precisely communicated to the target audience.

7. Keep an eye on the most common mistakes: If you often make common mistakes, then keep a close check on the errors when reading the document.