Proofreading Tools
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Have you ever read a sign advertising “grate business opportunity” from a company who “alwayss paies attention to detale?”

How much money you would be willing to invest in such a reputable company?

Oh, you would rather wait to find a company who actually cares enough to proofread and check their work?

So would the rest of us!

It’s very important to proofread all of your documents, especially if they are work-related. The difference between a well written error-free document and a poorly written one filled with typos and spelling mistakes can cost you a lot in terms of reputation and money.

The good news is there are many easy ways to proofread your documents.

Proofreading Tool #1: Spell check feature

Please remember that the spell check exists for a reason! Use it to check all of your documents every time. The spell check feature will pick up on misspelled words, duplicate words and many grammatical errors as well.

You can adjust your settings for programs such as Outlook Express to automatically spell check every email before the message is sent. This can be a lifesaver, especially when you are in a rush and may forget to check a document. One typo in a sales figure might cost you a lot more than your reputation!

Just remember that the spell check feature is there to assist you with your proofreading - it’s not a magic tool! You will need to review the document for words that are used in the wrong context or aren’t spelled correctly given their intended meaning.

I mean who new that computers still aren’t able to find sew many ways to help you fix every spelling and correct your grammar two.

Proofreading Tool #2: Thesaurus

Another valuable proofreading tool is a thesaurus. You can purchase a thesaurus at most bookstores.

However, this handy feature is also available in almost all word processing programs. It will allow you to find similar meanings, or synonyms, for a particular word depending on the context it is used.

You can also look up an antonym, or word that has an opposite meaning. This will allow you to enrich your vocabulary instead of using the word “has” or “said” a million times per page!

Proofreading Tool #3: Online references

Another valuable proofreading tool is the internet. The World Wide Web contains reference-related websites of every imaginable kind.

You’ll find sites that contain a thesaurus or translation software that will allow you to check the meaning or spelling of a foreign word. If you want to find out if your foreign employer was swearing about you or praising you in his letter of recommendation, you can find out online!

Many sites also contain dictionaries. Some of them will show you a list of related words followed by their definition. For example, you can search for a list of computer terms or cooking terms.

Some sites will even allow you to type in a word and then hear the pronunciation through your computer speakers. So be very careful what words you choose to look up when kids are around!

So, the next time you’re preparing to write or send an email, memo, letter or report, make sure you take the necessary time to proofread the document first. Use the spell check feature and look up suitable word replacements or options using a thesaurus. You should also learn to take advantage of the many available online reference sites.

The small amount of extra time spent using a proofreading tool could end up saving your reputation, not to mention your job!

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