What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
proofreading
Example
I spent all night proofreading my essay to make sure there were no mistakes. [proofreading: gerund]
Example
She is an expert at proofreading and always catches even the smallest errors. [proofreading: noun]
revising
Example
I need to revise my paper to make sure my arguments are clear and well-supported. [revising: verb]
Example
The author spent months revising the manuscript to make it more engaging and impactful. [revising: gerund]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Proofreading and revising are both commonly used in academic and professional writing contexts. However, proofreading is more commonly associated with correcting errors, while revising is more commonly associated with improving the overall quality and effectiveness of the written work.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between proofreading and revising?
Both proofreading and revising can be used in formal and informal contexts, but proofreading is generally considered more formal as it is associated with ensuring accuracy and correctness in written documents.