Still too stubborn to use an English grammar software? Here are three effective techniques you can employ during the editing process to help fix common writing sticking points. Hopefully, this cuts down on your editing process.
Subject/Verb Agreement
Errors of this sort happen when a phrase intervenes between a subject and a verb, often confusing the use of the action word. To remedy it, simply isolate the actual subject and the actual verb for the sentence, and match them together.
Pronoun Agreement
To check the correct use of pronouns, simply skim the paper to find each one in the text your are editing. Every time you find one, skim backwards to find the particular noun that it stands for. Isolate the two and make sure that they match. In cases where a noun can’t be identified for a found pronoun, you can either replace the pronoun with a noun or add it in a previous sentence.
Omitted Words
Omitted words are a common error among writers who edit their own work. When the mind encounters an omitted word, for some reason, it can just subconsciously plug the missing item in, making the writer think everything’s fine. A good solution is to read your writing starting from the last sentence, going backwards. It distorts your bias for the piece and, often, turns up more errors than you ever imagined finding.
Tags: copyediting, editing tips, proofreading
