Use spell-check tools

Word processing programmes have inbuilt spell check tools so do make use of these:

• Spell-check for Microsoft  Word
• Spell-check for Google Docs

Read your work out loud

As we become more proficient in reading, we sometimes skim words. You can spot errors much better by reading your work out loud as it can slow your reading pace.

Read with fresh eyes

Sometimes we become too close if we work on a document for so long and may miss errors. Once you have produced a draft, take a break from it for at least one day and then re-read it with fresh eyes. You’re likely to spot errors you may have missed if you have a break from your work.

Give your work to others to proofread

Have others proof your work as they may spot errors that you missed.

There are many tools you can use to check and edit your writing. They are great to use but always do a final check by reading through your work before you submit.

Grammarly is an online grammar checking tool and you will need to download the Grammarly programme on your computer.

You won’t have full access to all functionality if you download the free version.  Sign up to create your own UOA account – Grammarly Manual Feb 2020 (1)

Wordcounter scans your text and picks up words that are overused. Copy and paste your text into Wordcounter and remove some of the overused words from your assignment. You might also right-click the word in your assignment to identify an appropriate synonym.

This Readability Test Tool will assess how readable your writing is. Your assignment is well-written if it is readable and can be easily understood by lay people

The following resources can help you avoid common errors.

Word confusions

Merriam-Webster, a reputable publisher of language-related sources, explains common word confusions which can help you identify which terms to use:

That or which

Affect or effect

i.e. or e.g.

I or me

Who or whom

Than or then

Its or it’s

May or might

Further or farther