Whether you're a student submitting an important assignment, a business owner updating your website, or a writer polishing your latest manuscript, writing clearly and professionally can make all the difference. Even the most experienced writers make mistakes from time to time — that’s where a proofreader comes in.
As a professional proofreader with over 30 years’ experience, I’ve spotted some common slip-ups that appear time and again. Here are five of the most frequent errors I come across — and some simple tips to help you avoid them.
1. Misused Apostrophes
The Mistake: Using apostrophes to form plurals — “apple’s” instead of “apples”.
The Fix: Apostrophes are used to show possession (“the student’s book”) or in contractions (“it’s” for “it is”). They’re not used for regular plurals.
2. Confusing Similar Words
The Mistake: Mixing up homophones like “their”, “there” and “they’re” — or “affect” and “effect”.
The Fix: If you’re unsure, take a moment to double-check the meaning. Even better, ask someone else to review your writing — or work with a proofreader who can catch these easily missed errors.
3. Inconsistent Formatting
The Mistake: Changing fonts, spacing, or heading styles halfway through a document.
The Fix: Consistency is key, especially in professional or academic documents. Use style guides or templates — and always do a final formatting check before submitting or publishing your work.
4. Overuse of the Passive Voice
The Mistake: “The report was written by the manager” instead of “The manager wrote the report”.
The Fix: While passive voice has its place, using it too often can make your writing sound vague or overly formal. Try to use active voice where possible — it’s clearer and more direct.
5. Rushing the Final Draft
The Mistake: Skimming over the final version without a thorough review.
The Fix: Leave time between writing and proofreading. A fresh pair of eyes — whether yours or a professional’s — can make all the difference in catching overlooked errors and improving flow.
Need a Second Set of Eyes?
It’s easy to become blind to your own mistakes, especially when you’ve spent hours (or days) on a piece of writing. That’s where I come in. Whether you need help with an essay, a business proposal, or website content, I can help you present your work with confidence and clarity.
Get in touch today to find out how I can help refine your writing — or explore my services here.
Happy writing!
Micheala