What is being compared when you proofread?

Answer 1

There are several different kinds of edits, depending on the category of the material.

• When confirming facts, this kind of edit is sometimes called a 'red check'
• When choosing a sequence for presenting concepts, such as in a text book, this kind of edit may be called a 'structural edit'
• When determining whether or not the material is substantially original, this kind of edit may be called a 'copyright edit'
• When stabilizing the 'voice' or point of view of a piece, this kind of edit may be called a 'rewrite' or a 'heavy edit' or by some other term, depending on the editor's venue.

Proofreading generally corrects grammar, punctuation, and conformation to the style guide in use by the publisher.

Types and kinds of edits are known by all kinds of different names, since there is no editorial standard that exists across all categories of publishing.

Answer 2

Proofreading was traditionally the last stage before printing, where the print setting would be checked against the original. Setting of the printing press often introduced errors and typos. So proofreading was a comparison of the original passage with the passage produced from the printing press, to find these errors and correct them.

With modern desktop publishing this is less of a problem now, so modern proofreading is checking a document for errors in spelling and grammar.

Answer 3

When you proofread, you are comparing the written text against standard rules of grammar, spelling, punctuation, and formatting to ensure that it is error-free and meets the required quality standards. You are also comparing the content for clarity, coherence, and consistency to make sure the message is effectively communicated to the audience.