- Transposition
- Grammar
- Spelling
- Wrong meaning
Transposition
This happens when letters are transposed or swapped around in a word;
- from / form
- cat / act
- Wedensday / Wednesday
- public / pulbic
The first two errors can only be found through careful reading of the document as the incorrect versions are still words and will pass the spell checker.
The last two mistakes are easier to find as any good spell checker will immediately pick them up.
Grammar
These are too numerous to mention here in detail, however, four of the most common problems are;
- their, there, they're
- its, it's
- plurals of nouns (apostrophes are for the possessive case NOT plurals)
- passive voice.
For the correct use of the first two sets of items, consult a grammar book or online resource.
Plurals of most nouns are formed by adding s NOT 's.
The passive voice should be used sparingly - it does have its uses.
Passive - 'The boy was bitten by the dog, Active - ' 'The dog bit the boy.'
The active voice can
- remove doubt
- move the action along
- create tension
- keep the reader engaged.
Spelling
There are always words that catch us out. Make a list of the words you find you have trouble with, time and again.
- separate / seperate
- millennium / milennium
- licence / license
- current / currant
The spell checker will catch the first two but the second two are spelled correctly but may not be what is meant - a current bun means a bun that is fresh or up to date, while a currant report means a report on a currant!
Wrong meaning
If you are in doubt, check the definition!
- illusion / allusion
- effect / affect
- ingenuous / ingenious
- uninterested / disinterested
There are many words similar to these. Make lists of the ones that give you trouble.
Editing and proofreading are skills that can be learned but if you don't have the time, give me an email for a free quote info@kimoshea.com
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