What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
proofreading
Example
I spent hours proofreading my essay to make sure there were no mistakes. [proofreading: gerund or present participle]
Example
She is an expert at proofreading legal documents for accuracy and clarity. [proofreading: noun]
correcting
Example
I need to spend some time correcting the typos in this report. [correcting: gerund or present participle]
Example
The editor made several corrections to the manuscript to improve its readability. [corrections: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Proofreading and correcting are both commonly used in writing and editing contexts. However, proofreading is more commonly associated with surface-level errors, while correcting is more commonly associated with broader editing and revision tasks.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between proofreading and correcting?
Both proofreading and correcting can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, proofreading may be more commonly associated with formal writing, such as academic papers or legal documents, while correcting may be more commonly associated with informal writing, such as emails or social media posts.
