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Ace Your Writing: The Power of Proper Proofreading

  • Writer: Claire Hayward
    Claire Hayward
  • Jun 9
  • 3 min read

Proofreading is a vital step in the writing process and should not be skipped, especially for English learners and professionals. It's important to proofread so there are no small mistakes. This post will let you know why proofreading is important, what to look for and how to proofread effectively.

proofreading a digital text.

Why Proofreading Matters

There are many reasons why proofreading is important. Firstly, for clarity. One small mistake can lead to misunderstandings which can interrupt fluency, as well as lead to confusion. Make sure that your writing has no mistakes so you can be sure your message is clear for the reader. Secondly, readers judge the quality of writing, particularly in professional and academic settings, so it is essential to ensure there are no mistakes so you can build credibility with the reader. Thirdly, it can boost your confidence. Knowing you have polished writing can give you the confidence to communicate clearly and more fluently. The more you proofread your writing, the more you can improve your English skills.


Common Mistakes to Catch When Proofreading

  • Spelling and typos - some spellings and typos do not get picked up by spellcheck because they may be the correct spelling but not in the context you need, so you need to make sure that your specific words are spelt the way that you mean them.

  • Grammar and punctuation errors - these are super important, as these can change meanings of sentences and context, which you don't want to do. Always check punctuation marks and grammar, particularly tenses, prepositions and conjunctions.

  • Misused words or homophones (e.g., their/they're/there) - homophones can be tricky because they have the same sounds but spellings and meanings are different. If you are using a word you're not sure about or not 100% it's the right word to use, make sure you check it out before using it.

  • Sentence clarity and awkward phrasing - make sure your sentences flow, read them out loud, do they make sense? Ensure words are in the correct order and correct phrases or idioms are used.

  • Formatting and consistency (font, spacing, tone) - Ensure there is organisation to your writing and make sure your font, font size and spacing is correct. Ensure your tone of the writing is consistent and not jumbled.

A man sat at a table proofreading his writing.

Simple Proofreading Tips Anyone Can Use

  • Read aloud to hear the flow and catch errors - when you read aloud, you can hear how it sounds as if you are speaking to the other person.

  • Take a break before reviewing your writing - if you can, take a short break before proofreading as this will ensure when you come to check it, you have a fresh mind and can see with fresh eyes.

  • Use tools - sites like Grammarly are great grammar checkers, input your sentences and they will check your grammar. However, don't rely on them fully because you want to be able to do your own checks and not rely too much on tools to help you.

  • Print it out or change the font for a fresh perspective - to gain a new insight while proofreading, change the font or print it out so you can check from a new perspective. This can help you to spot errors more easily.

  • Ask someone else to read it - if possible, get someone else to check. This could be a colleague or peer student, choose someone who is native, or has greater English knowledge than yourself. Ask them to point out your mistakes, give brief reasons so you can understand for the future.


Proofreading for English Learners

As an English learner, you can benefit greatly from proofreading. Firstly, it encourages you to understand grammar more and check for your own mistakes. This can make you more aware in all areas of English skills. Secondly, try making a checklist of errors. This can help you to pinpoint common errors that you can focus on practising more. Thirdly, you can use a proofreading exercise to review vocabulary and grammar. It's a great way to increase skills.


Make sure you take a few extra minutes to proofread your writing. This time is valuable and will ensure there are no small mistakes that can make a negative difference to your overall writing. Remember proofreading can be beneficial to your overall English skills and can aid in your growth so it is essential to not miss this exercise.

Learn more about the importance of proofreading and other English skills!

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