9 Common Proofreading Errors & 7 Tips to Correct Them

Most Common Proofreading Errors and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced writers can make mistakes during proofreading. Proofreading and editing are both challenging but essential in making written work accurate and clear. Knowing the most common proofreading errors can help you spot and fix them in your writing.

Top Proofreading Errors to Watch Out For

Our brains tend to skip over small mistakes in our own work, so it is easy to miss errors. Here are the most frequent proofreading mistakes you should check before you finish any document.

1. Inconsistency

Consistency helps make writing easy to follow. Many writers miss small differences:

• Dates: "June 4, 2020" vs. "4 June 2020"
• Spellings: "color" vs. "colour"
• Compound words: "proofreading" vs. "proof reading"
• Quotes: Switching between single and double quotation marks
• Layout: Page numbers, headers, and margins varying

Always double-check your document for uniformity in these elements.

2. Spelling Mistakes

Spell check tools catch many errors, but not all. You still need to look for:

• Typos not flagged by spell check
• Homonyms like "their," "there," and "they're"
• Misspelled names and technical terms

Rely on careful review, not just technology, to catch every mistake.

3. Apostrophe Errors

Apostrophes can show possession or contraction. Common problems include:

• Missing apostrophes: "Its my favorite food." (should be "It's my favorite food.")
• Incorrect use: "I'm selling PC's." (should be "PCs" for plurals)

Confirm if an apostrophe is needed for every contraction and possessive form.

4. Syntax Errors

Syntax refers to sentence structure and word order. Incorrect syntax can create confusion.

• Example: "Dresses for sale used" instead of "Used dresses for sale"

Read sentences out loud to catch awkward phrasing or missing words.

5. Trusting Spellcheck Too Much

Spellcheckers do not understand the context of every word. They might miss:

• Words that are spelled right but used wrongly
• Grammar issues unrelated to spelling

Use spellcheck as a first step, but always do manual proofreading afterward.

6. Doubled or Missing Words

Writers often repeat or omit words by mistake. Watch carefully for:

• Repeated words: "the the"
• Left-out words that break the sentence flow

Read slowly and pay attention to every word to avoid missing these errors.

7. Homophone Confusion

Homophones are words that sound the same but have different meanings and spellings.

• Examples: "new" and "knew," "bare" and "bear," "right" and "write"

Spellcheckers often miss these mistakes, so always review your work for proper use.

8. Comma Splices, Run-Ons, and Fragments

Look for sentence errors that affect clarity:

• Comma splices: Joining two sentences with a comma
• Run-on sentences: Two sentences combined without proper punctuation
• Fragments: Incomplete sentences missing a subject or verb

Check for complete sentences and correct punctuation during proofreading.

9. Repetitive Words and Phrases

Writers sometimes overuse the same words, which makes text sound robotic.

• Spot repeated words within a sentence or paragraph
• Replace them with synonyms where appropriate

Variety improves readability and style.

Proofreading Tips to Avoid Common Errors

Use these practical steps to reduce mistakes in your writing:

1. Watch Your Punctuation

Incorrect punctuation changes meaning and can confuse readers. Learn basic punctuation rules and apply them as you proofread.

2. Take a Break After Writing

Step away from your work before editing. A short break helps you see errors with fresh eyes. The longer your document, the longer you may need to rest before reviewing (University of Cambridge, 2023).

3. Make Editing a Separate Step

Editing ensures your writing is clear, logical, and free from unnecessary repetition. Proofreading alone may not be enough. Plan for both steps in your writing process.

4. Check for Repetition

Look for words or phrases you use too often. Replace or rearrange them for better flow.

5. Don’t Rely Only on Software Tools

Grammar and spelling programs are limited. Manual review is necessary for thorough correction. Double-check everything, even after running a spellchecker.

6. Read Out Loud

Reading aloud forces you to focus on each word. This technique helps spot skipped, doubled, or awkward words. If a sentence does not sound right, change it.

7. Allow Enough Time for Proofreading

Do not rush. Set aside dedicated time to proofread and edit. If you are pressed for time, consider using a professional service for help.

• Read slowly
• Take breaks
• Proofread multiple times
• Ask for help or use expert services when needed

How GoTranscript Helps You Achieve Error-Free Writing

Proofreading takes practice, patience, and attention to detail. Over time, your skills will improve, and you will make fewer mistakes. But sometimes, writing deadlines or complex documents make extra support valuable.

GoTranscript offers a full range of services to improve your content’s accuracy and professionalism:

• Transcription services for clear and error-free documents
• Automated transcription for fast turnaround
• Transcription proofreading services to spot and fix mistakes
• Text translation services for multilingual accuracy
• Closed caption services and subtitling services to make content accessible

If you have large projects or ongoing needs, try an AI transcription subscription for affordable, automated help. You can learn more about transcription pricing and captioning services pricing any time, or simply order transcription or order captions online.

With GoTranscript, you can ensure your writing is clear, consistent, and error-free every time.