{"id":1317,"date":"2018-07-05T15:48:01","date_gmt":"2018-07-05T10:18:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.steptest.in\/?p=1317"},"modified":"2025-12-05T10:10:21","modified_gmt":"2025-12-05T10:10:21","slug":"how-do-i-check-my-writing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/step.thehindu.com\/blog\/how-do-i-check-my-writing\/","title":{"rendered":"7 Points Checklist: How do I Proofread My Writing?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The the impotence of proofreading.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The spellchecker will get the double \u2018the\u2019, but will it catch the other mistake?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If the question on your mind now is, \u201cHow do I check my writing then?\u201d, then this blog gives you an answer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When you work hard to write and produce a piece \u2014 a blog, a report, an article, you owe it to yourself to proofread the piece. Any writer will tell you that your first draft will have errors. So where do you start and what do you look for?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s begin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first advice editors give you is to proofread from a printed copy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But, we say save paper, and the environment!!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Open the document in your laptop and install a free text-to-speech software that can read out the document to you slowly. This method helps you catch sentences that look right but sound wrong. We suggest you adjust the rate at which it is read so you can follow word-by-word.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What you need to be looking for:<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Spelling and the spellcheck misbehaviour<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Thank God for the spellchecker. It has made our lives and editors\u2019 lives much much easier. Sometimes though, the spellchecker automatically replaces a word with a wrong word. That has led to some funny and embarrassing moments! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For instance, the spellchecker tends to replace cooperation with Cupertino, importance with impotence (like in the first line of this article). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The errors are usually well-hidden and there\u2019s a chance you might miss them. All the more reason for you to read between the words and lines with eagle eyes<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pro Tip: Try reading the piece backwards. It is easier to catch any errors this way.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Long Sentences<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you spot long sentences, split them. It\u2019s difficult for the reader to hold their concentration. Long sentences confuse the reader and make them miss the point. While you were writing, you were putting all your thoughts in. While you edit it\u2019s important to cut sentences into bite-sized pieces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Active Passive<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Check for voice switches. If you\u2019re swinging between active voice and passive voice in one piece, the reader is bound to get confused and tired. Choose active voice over passive voice. Every single time, unless you want to leave some ambiguity in your writing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also, if you want to begin a grammar lesson as an adult, this is a great one to begin with. Of the two, mastering the active voice<\/strong> is crucial as it is more straight forward, concise and easier to understand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Big words vs. Small words battle<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

We are just going to borrow Steve Jobs\u2019s words to emphasise this point. He said, “Simple can be harder than complex. It’s true, which is why it’s hard to express your ideas simply. Anyone can write long, confusing sentences. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Anyone can speak in esoteric jargon. But simplicity is worth pursuing because it can move mountains.” If you\u2019re using words that send a reader to a dictionary, then you\u2019re failing to communicate. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Contrary to popular belief, using big words does not mean you\u2019re smarter, brighter and intelligent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Word Choice<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Words are powerful. Your choice of words can elevate or deflate your sentence. Funny words for serious topics or vice versa robs the tone and context of the piece.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Language can be beautiful and impactful if there is wise word choice. The hardest part about choosing the right word is trying to get it right the first time. Focus first on what you want to say, then go back to make sure you\u2019re saying it clearly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Grammar Traps<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Reducing your grammatical errors means improvement in the clarity of your writing. Here, we list the most common grammatical errors that occur, this is also a cue to the grammar lessons you need to concentrate on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n