Even if your copy is on message and reads well, small errors can sink you.
Every month, our team — led by proofreader Sarah Muench — shares a proofreading tip or two to help you strengthen your content, one detail at a time.
Pallet vs. Palette (vs. Palate)
OK, this is one of those that I used to always have to look up. Then I came up with a mnemonic device. Pallet is the wood platform goods are stacked on for shipping and [...]
Toward vs. Towards
Can you guess the only difference between toward and towards? (Hint: It's not a trick question.) The only difference is, you guessed it, an "s." You may have a preference, and so do predominately English-speaking countries. [...]
Millions, Billions, Trillions
The ways to incorrectly write big numerals in copy seem infinite. But with these simple AP Style rules, you'll establish consistency and put your readers at ease. With millions, billions and trillions, always use figures [...]
Personal vs. Personally
If you're like me, you cringe when you hear someone on reality TV say, "Don't take it personal." At that moment, I fear that it will catch on like wildfire across the world and this [...]
Every Day vs. Everyday; Any Time vs. Anytime
Though it might seem like we're focusing on only two sets of words here, this proofreading tip provides some base knowledge about compound words, adverbs and adjectives. "Every day" and "any time" are phrases that [...]
Between vs. Among
What's the difference between among and between? Or is it among between and among? Just some copy editor humor there. :::crickets::: But really, what is the difference and when do you use these two words? [...]
TIP: When to Use “Me” vs. “I”
Is it “Mike and me” or “Mike and I”? Well, it depends on how you and Mike are involved. If you and Mike are the subject of the sentence, then you should use “I.” If [...]
TIP: Ending Sentences with Prepositions
Your third-grade English teacher was wrong. It is OK to end a sentence with a preposition. Really. Oxford Dictionaries says so (even though some of AVC’s own favorite proofreaders aren’t down with this). This “rule” [...]
TIP: Comprise vs. Compose
It's something we often skip over when reading — comprise/compose. Is there really a difference? Does it really matter that much which one we use? Actually, it does. When your audience knows the difference [...]
TIP: Can’t I Just Say “They”?
Until English speakers adopt a gender-neutral pronoun, we’re stuck typing out “he or she” and “his or her” to be inclusive. But that can get super clunky. Fortunately, AP says it’s OK to use “they” [...]