Proofreading Tips
If your project involves creating original content and design, it always helps to have an outline of what to look for when checking your document. Here are some steps to follow to improve your proofreading process, and ultimately the clarity of your communications:
Proofread from a hard copy if possible.
Do not proof from your computer screen. It is easier to miss errors this way. Using a straight edge of some kind to highlight each line or section you are on will also help you avoid errors.
Use standard proofreader marks.
If you are unsure of a mark, write out the revision and mark it clearly on the proof copy.
Break down your tasks into more manageable steps.
If you will be looking at spelling, punctuation, grammar, format, etc., group these into smaller stages; for instance, first check for spelling and punctuation, then maybe for grammar and word usage, and then perhaps for spacing and other formatting elements.
After corrections have been made, proof the document again.
First, check to make sure all of your corrections are done, and then take a last look to make sure there is not anything else you want to change. If there is, put the document through the proofreading cycles again.
Do not proofread your own work unless absolutely necessary.
Since you already know what you want to say, there is a better chance you will overlook mistakes. If possible, have more than one person check your work, since everyone has different proofreading strengths.
Words to avoid
Buzzwords that can seem tired or overused
- marry (to join or combine)
- state-of-the-art
- grow (as in your business, etc.)
- leading edge
Also try to avoid these "legalese" words and phrases
- abeyance
- afore-granted
- aforementioned
- aforesaid
- before-mentioned
- henceforward
- hereby
- herein
- hereinafter
- hereinbefore
- hereunto
- pursuant
- thenceforth
- thereunto
- to wit
- under-mentioned
- whatsoever
- whensoever
- whereas
- whereof
- whosoever
- witnesseth