How Can I Check My Grammar Mistakes Before Hitting Publish?

As a writer, you need to understand the importance of fixing your spelling errors and grammar mistakes.

By Lisa Brown

Most programs do have a spell checker built in, but not many have a grammar checker.

There are many ways you can check your grammar and make sure you publish content that is correct and engages your audience without the distraction of improper writing.

If you are not familiar with the common grammar mistakes, you need to do your research first. Once you are aware of these, you have a better chance at identifying the uncommon ones.

There are many free grammar checkers online, but you have to be careful when selecting one.

Make sure the one you are using is based on the language you speak in your country. For example, the UK and US English language have a few differences. If you are in the US, you want to use a checker that is based on US English and not on UK or Australian.

You can also use a rewording website if your sentence structure is challenging. All of these tools are available to help you write better and learn from your mistakes.

It is one thing to put your work through a grammar checker, but the right way would be to take note of the error and the solution. Here are ways you can check for those mistakes.

Disable the grammar checker

I know you probably think that I have officially lost my mind, but switching off the grammar checker can really help you write better.

A lot of these grammar checkers, especially Microsoft Word, are pretty much useless. This program misses so many grammar errors that it’s laughable.

You could find a lot more mistakes with your own eyes. Just proofread your work instead. Many writers assume that if the grammar checker did not pick up any mistakes, then it must be in order.

After hitting that publish button, you might only then notice a few mistakes.

By that time, it is probably too late, and some of your readers would already have passed judgement on your writing.

Take a break, then proofread

After you just wrote the best article in your entire life, do not go over your work again.

Step away from your writing and take a break. This break can be a day or a week if you will.

Once you write an article or an essay, your subconscious mind is telling you that you just smashed it. So when you look at it immediately, you might not pick up mistakes because you are still emotionally attached to your brilliance.

Coming back to your work after a day, creates a bit of detachment and fresh eyes that will pick up a lot more. Also, your brain has had the opportunity to rest, and you can come back refreshed, with only one thing on your mind.

Ask someone else

If you are still attached to your work after a week-long break, it is probably not going to change.

Ask one of your intelligent friends (we all have one) to look at your work and give you some suggestions.

You will be surprised by how much is picked up by someone who does not care for the writing. Trust me, this is much better than a rewording generator and will give you better results.

Tell your friend or family member how important this work is to you, just to make sure they pay attention and actually do it. You might want to go with a box of chocolates in hand, just to sweeten the deal.

Read aloud

After it’s all is done, read your paper or article out loud.

Sure, you might look and sound crazy, but it is necessary. Just walk around the house and read your paper as if you are giving a lesson at a prestigious college.

When you hear the reading, it is easy to pick up mistakes. Something will tell you that this sentence just ‘don’t’ sound right. If you get that nudge, don’t ignore it.

Read the sentence again and make your corrections. If you feel the flow is still not perfect, find a reword my paper generator and see if it yields better results.

One page at a time

There is no need to overwhelm yourself by trying to proofread a thesis in one day. Just focus on one page at a time.

When you are overwhelmed with the amount of work you have to read through, your brain is already tired.

If you can conquer just one page, for now, your stress levels lower and you are able to recognise more mistakes.

It’s the same principle when it comes to studying a large amount of text. Taking frequent breaks has been proven to yield more success.

Educate yourself

I kept this one for last because it is the ultimate solution to all of your grammar problems.

Perhaps you want to take an advanced English course, just to increase your knowledge of the language. Nothing is more powerful than knowledge.

You can pay a lot of money for an editor or proofreading service, but if you are just as educated, you can save a lot. The initial cost of the course might leave a hole in your pocket, but it really pays for itself.

You can then save a lot of time by simply fixing your mistakes yourself.

Conclusion

Do not be too hard on yourself when it comes to fixing every mistake. After you have done all you can, you can still use a good grammar checker.

Remember, you do not have to accept all of the suggestions. Make sure it is not set to autocorrect, otherwise you won’t know what has just been done.

Checking for grammar mistakes is a tedious task, but a necessary one. A first draft is always terrible, but that is why we follow with proofreading and editing.

Only proofread and edit once you have completed the entire piece. First, you write for creativity and knowledge, and then you focus on fixing errors and accuracy.

Lisa Brown works as a content manager. She is specialized in writing useful articles for writers, students and people who want to improve their writing skills. Her hobby is reading, travelling and blogging. Lisa`s life motto is “Never stop learning because life never stops teaching”.

 

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