EDITING CHECKLIST

Editing involves finding and fixing mistakes in spelling, punctuation and grammar. Use this checklist to make sure you catch all your mistakes. Check for one item at a time.

Item

 

Check when done

Capital letters

Did you begin each sentence with a capital letter?

Periods (full stops)

Did you use a period at the end of every sentence?

Paragraphs

Did you indent your paragraphs?

Plural endings

Did you use an "s" (or "es") to make plural nouns?

Verb tense

Are your verb tenses correct? (Examples: Tomorrow she will work. Yesterday she worked.)

Subject-verb agreement

Do your subjects and verbs agree? (Examples: She is going. They are going.)

Spelling

Make sure all words are spelled correctly. If in doubt, use the dictionary.

Commas

Don't forget about commas to make your writing clear. They are used in dates, too.

Apostrophes

Did you use apostrophes to show possession?

I read every word

Take your time when editing.

I read it aloud

Reading aloud can help you focus.

I read my work more than once.

You can't be too careful with editing.