Proofreading Checklist
Adapted from Writer’s Inc.
Punctuation
_____
Do my sentences end with the proper punctuation?
_____
Do I use commas correctly in compound sentences? (Example: My alarm
clock didn’t go off this morning, and I slept until 10. NOT I ordered a
cheeseburger, and fries.)
_____
Do I use commas correctly in a series and after long introductory phrases
or clauses? (Example: I wore jeans, my volleyball shirt, and tennis shoes.
Because I know I will wear jeans, my volleyball shirt, and tennis shoes
every Tuesday, I have more time on Tuesday mornings.)
_____
Do I use apostrophes correctly? (Example: girls’ shoes, Jayden’s boots
NOT I have three puppy’s.
Mechanics
_____
Do I start my sentences with capital letters?
_____
Do I capitalize proper nouns?
_____
Have I checked for spelling errors, even if I use spell-check? (Spellcheck may not catch when you use the wrong word but you spell that one
correctly, like using defiantly for definitely.)
Grammar
_____
Do the subjects and verbs agree in my sentences? (Plurals go with
plurals.)
_____
Do my paragraphs have all the same verb tenses? (If you’re talking about
the past, keep it in the past tense.)
_____
Did I accidentally leave out a word in my typing?