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Proofreading: meaning, definitions and examples

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proofreading

[ ˈpruːfrɪːdɪŋ ]

Noun / Verb

Studying at college or university

^{Context #1 | Noun}

writing

The process of checking a text for errors before it is published or shared. Proofreading involves correcting spelling, grammar, punctuation, and formatting mistakes.

Synonyms

editing, revision.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
proofreading	Use when checking for minor errors in a final draft before it is published or submitted. After editing, the document goes through proofreading to catch any last-minute mistakes. She offers proofreading services for students' research papers.
editing	Use when making changes to a text to improve its content, structure, and style. This includes rewriting sections, correcting factual errors, and enhancing clarity. He is editing his novel to ensure the storyline flows smoothly. Her job involves editing academic papers for publication.
revision	Use when making substantial changes or improvements to the content, structure, or arguments of a text. This can include adding new information, deleting sections, or reorganizing the text. The author is working on a revision of his book to address the feedback received. Major revision of the report is required to improve the overall argument and support.

Word

Description / Examples

proofreading

Use when checking for minor errors in a final draft before it is published or submitted.

After editing, the document goes through proofreading to catch any last-minute mistakes.
She offers proofreading services for students' research papers.

editing

Use when making changes to a text to improve its content, structure, and style. This includes rewriting sections, correcting factual errors, and enhancing clarity.

He is editing his novel to ensure the storyline flows smoothly.
Her job involves editing academic papers for publication.

revision

Use when making substantial changes or improvements to the content, structure, or arguments of a text. This can include adding new information, deleting sections, or reorganizing the text.

The author is working on a revision of his book to address the feedback received.
Major revision of the report is required to improve the overall argument and support.

Examples of usage

I always do a thorough proofreading of my essays before submitting them.
She hired a professional proofreading service to review her novel.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

writing

To carefully read and correct errors in a text before it is published or shared. Proofreading requires attention to detail and a good understanding of language rules.

Synonyms

edit, review.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
proofreading	See the first entry under 'proofreading'. Use this term as before. He spent hours proofreading his cover letter to ensure it was flawless Proofreading is an essential step before submitting the final document
edit	This term is broader and can refer to making changes to the content, structure, and overall quality of a text. It can include rewriting sections, adding or removing paragraphs, and improving the clarity and flow. She asked me to edit her essay to make it more concise and impactful I spent the weekend editing the manuscript to improve its readability
review	This term often implies a more general assessment of a text or work, where feedback and suggestions for improvement are provided. It may not be as detailed as editing or proofreading and can also refer to evaluating content for its overall quality. Her job is to review the reports and provide feedback to the authors The committee will review the applications and select the best candidates

Word

Description / Examples

proofreading

See the first entry under 'proofreading'. Use this term as before.

He spent hours proofreading his cover letter to ensure it was flawless
Proofreading is an essential step before submitting the final document

edit

This term is broader and can refer to making changes to the content, structure, and overall quality of a text. It can include rewriting sections, adding or removing paragraphs, and improving the clarity and flow.

She asked me to edit her essay to make it more concise and impactful
I spent the weekend editing the manuscript to improve its readability

review

This term often implies a more general assessment of a text or work, where feedback and suggestions for improvement are provided. It may not be as detailed as editing or proofreading and can also refer to evaluating content for its overall quality.

Her job is to review the reports and provide feedback to the authors
The committee will review the applications and select the best candidates

Examples of usage

Make sure you proofread your resume before sending it to potential employers.
The teacher proofread the students' essays to help improve their writing skills.

Translations

Translations of the word "proofreading" in other languages:

🇵🇹 revisão

🇮🇳 प्रूफरीडिंग

🇩🇪 Korrekturlesen

🇮🇩 penyuntingan

🇺🇦 вичитка

🇵🇱 korekta

🇯🇵 校正 (こうせい)

🇫🇷 relecture

🇪🇸 corrección

🇹🇷 düzeltme

🇰🇷 교정 (gyojeong)

🇸🇦 مراجعة

🇨🇿 korektura

🇸🇰 korektúra

🇨🇳 校对 (jiàoduì)

🇸🇮 lektura

🇮🇸 prófarkales

🇰🇿 түзету

🇬🇪 სწორება

🇦🇿 korreksiya

🇲🇽 corrección

Etymology

The term 'proofreading' originated from the early printing industry where a 'proof' was a typeset version of a document for review before final printing. The process ensured accuracy and quality in published materials. Over time, proofreading became a standard practice in various forms of written communication to maintain professionalism and correctness.

See also: disproof, proof, proofread, proofreader, reproof.