Proofreading tips
The last part of editing your writing is proofreading. This involves checking things like spelling, punctuation, grammar and referencing.
Here are some useful proofreading tips:
- Print your document if you prefer to proofread from a printout rather than on a screen.
- Make sure you have no distractions - shut down your email and social media and turn off your phone.
- Record yourself reading your work and listen back to hear the flow, comprehension and clarity of your writing.
- Use Word's 'Read Aloud' feature to have your work read back to you.
- Use a ruler or a blank sheet of paper to cover up the lines below the one you are reading. This technique keeps you from skipping ahead of possible mistakes.
- Review comments on past assignments to identify errors that you make repeatedly. Prioritise addressing patterns of error to see the biggest improvements in your marks.
- Read though looking for one type of error at a time.
Video learning sequence
Our Refine Your Writing: Better Proofreading video learning sequence demonstrates effective strategies you can use to proofread your writing, whether you are polishing up a cover letter or preparing to submit your thesis. Our proofreading tips playlist can be viewed here on YouTube.
Click here to view the accessible version of this interactive content
Different types of errors
Remember, check for one type of error at a time.
| Error Type |
Tips |
| Formatting |
- Check for consistent use of heading styles, font, diagrams, tables, and margins.
|
| Punctuation |
- Use the computer search function to find any mistakes you are likely to make. For example search for "it", if you confuse "its" and "it's.
- Try reading out loud to hear any problems and spot any overly long sentences.
|
|
Spelling
|
- Do use the spell check on your computer, but remember that a spell checker may not identify all mistakes and typing errors.
- Are you consistently using the US or UK version of a word? For example:
- “Globalized” – US
- “Globalised” – UK
|
| Referencing |
- Check you are using the recommended referencing style.
- Are all references presented consistently in the required style? Use your UoS credentials to check on Cite Them Right.
- Are all the sources used listed in the bibliography or reference list?
- Do all in-text references correspond with the end references in the reference list?
|
Academic responsibility and conduct
The University's Academic Responsibility and Conduct (ARC) Guidance provides full details of what help is and isn't acceptable in terms of proofreading. A simplified version of the guidance is available here, including information on using digital tools to check grammar/spelling, enlisting help from peers or family, and more.
