Proofreading Archives

Can You Fix This Error-Filled Email?

Below is a screenshot of the first half of an email invitation I received for a bill-signing event in Seattle. I understood the content and appreciated the invitation, but I couldn’t help spotting all the errors. How many do you recognize? Feel free to edit… continue reading

Error or No Error?

I saw this great card designed by Jessica Hogarth at my local supermarket. It’s a thank-you card for a teacher. Does it contain an error? If so, where? If not, why not? Do you worry about whether errors are getting by you? Or that you… continue reading

Proofreading

This Sign Needs Help

I’ve cropped the store’s name and email to save it the embarrassment. I hope the staff takes a proofreading course during closure! How many errors can you find? Lynn

Proofreading

A Spelling Test for You

I am enjoying Dreyer’s English: An Utterly Correct Guide to Clarity and Style. Author Benjamin Dreyer, copy chief of Random House, included a chapter titled “Notes on Easily Misspelled Words.” Thinking you will enjoy the challenge, I offer a spelling test. I chose 20 of… continue reading

A Large Amount of Mistakes

Today I was reading an article online in Forbes. I expect Forbes to produce error-free articles, but an error popped out in this sentence: When you stop to think about it, the sheer amount of websites can also confuse and perplex us. Did you recognize the error?… continue reading

Proofreading

Another Sign for You to Proofread

My friend Eric W. sent me a sign that needs your proofreading eye. What would you change? Please share your recommendations in a comment. If your company or organization has a sign-making department, suggest that one of its team members take my online course… continue reading

Three Quests for Errors

Are you feeling smart and alert today? Test yourself in the three short passages below. Each “Error Quest” has just one error. Find and correct it. Error Quest 1: Since you asked, this is RoAnn’s and my suggestion: We believe that we should use the word programs rather… continue reading

A graphic of a woman jealously looking at someone holding a gold medal with the text "Jealous or Envious?"

Proofreading

Are You Envious–or Jealous?

Envious? Jealous? Do you use these words interchangeably? Or do you make a distinction between them? Test your understanding by filling in these blanks: I am _______________ of my neighbors’ gorgeous backyard. Rob feels _______________ when he sees Carlos talking to their new supervisor so often, especially… continue reading

How Do You Feel About Sloppy Supplier Messages?

A reader named Deborah shared a short email she recently received: Dear Sirs,pls let me have by return the supp docs about yr a.m. invoice because we cannot find our shpm.Thks and rgds How would you feel if you received this message? Would you care… continue reading

Proofreading Checklist to Avoid “Oops!” Messages

I just received an “Oops!” email from our beloved, prestigious public television station. When I read the subject line, “Oops! Correction for Rick Steves Preview Screening and Q+A!” I instantly knew what the oops must be: a date error. Indeed, the email opened “Apologies, there… continue reading