Proofreading Guide for Students
Directions:Use the following proofreading guide to weed common errors. Until you put these to memory, you may find it helpful to remember the steps using the acronym "SWAPS."
S
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Sentence Structure
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Check each sentence to be sure it is not a
- Run on sentence.
- Sentence fragment.
- Sentence that doesn't make sense.
- Stringy sentence.
(one that contains more than two independent clauses)
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W
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Word Usage
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- Be sure you've used the correct word.
- Avoid slang words. (kids, homies, etc.)
- Use precise nouns and verbs. (Word choice)
- Avoid contractions in formal writing.
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A
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Agreement
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- Be sure that subjects and Verbs agree in number. (singular or plural)
- Be sure pronouns agree with their antecedent in number. (singular or plural)
- Be sure pronouns are in the correct case. (subjective or objective e.g. between you and me)
- Keep verb tenses consistent. (present, past, future, etc.)
- Keep voice is consistent. (Don't switch incorrectly from first to second person, etc.)
- Keep similar items parallel.
- Use subjunctive mood for hypothetical and untrue situations.
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P
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Punctuation
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- Be sure all sentences have ending punctuation.
- Check to be sure questions end with question marks.
- Use commas after introductory words and phrases.
- Use commas after items in lists except for the last item.
- Use a comma in a compound sentence just before the coordinating conjunction. (FANBOYS)
- Use commas to set apart non essential phrases, clauses and appositives.
- Omit unnecessary commas.
- Use a comma after a dependent clause when it comes before an independent clause.
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S
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Spelling & Capitalization
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- Check for careless spelling errors including poor letter formation.
- Avoid casual spelling such as cause for because and gonna for going to.
- Remember that a lot is two words.
- Begin each sentence with a capital.
- Check homonyms to be sure you have spelled the one you mean (there, their, they're; where,were, to, too, two; your, you're)
- Capitalize proper nouns including I.
- Eliminate unnecessary capitals.
- Check to be sure apostrophes are used in contractions and possessives.
Source: http://7-12educators.about.com
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You can use
this page to record any errors found while using SWAPS.
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