ENG1020 English Composition : Research resources: Proofreading and Writing

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Proofreading

Proofreading is the process by which you or another person reads through your final paper to check for errors, miscommunications, and inconsistencies. ALWAYS proofread your paper before you turn it in to your professor. After you have proofread your paper, it is best to have another person proofread your paper afterward. Here are some resources for proofreading:

• Proofreading tips and techniques

• Editing and proofreading

If you are proofreading someone else's paper, try using the Track Changes feature in Microsoft Word. That way the writer can easily see changes that the proofreader has made without having to compare drafts side by side.

Common Grammar Mistakes

These are some of the most common grammar issues that students need to address in their academic essays:

• Correct run-on sentences and sentence fragments

• Use parallel structure with conjoining words like "and," "between," "or," etc.

• Avoid mixing verb tenses

• Make sure that subjects and verbs agree

• Use clear modifiers to avoid reader confusion

• Use the right word (a list of commonly confused words and how to use them correctly)

This video shows some of the most commonly confused words in the English language.

Punctuation and Capitalization

Most of us know to capitalize the first letter of a sentence and to use a period at the end of a sentence -- but capitalization and punctuation are not always so simple. Check out the following links to make sure you are using capital letters, commas, colons, and semicolons correctly.

• When to use capitals

• Quick Guide to Commas

• What is a semicolon and how do I use it?

• What is a colon and how do I use it?

Georgia Tech presents six of the most common punctuation mistakes that students make.