Proofreading
with SWAPS
Use the following proofreading guide to
weed common errors. Until you use them automatically, you may find it
helpful to remember the steps using the acronym
"SWAPS."
S
|
Sentence
Structure
|
Check each sentence to be sure it
is not a
- Run on
sentence.
- Sentence
fragment.
- Sentence that doesn't make
sense.
- Stringy sentence.
(one that contains more than two independent
clauses)
|
W
|
Word
Usage
|
- Be sure you've used the
correct word.
- Avoid slang words.
(kids, homies, etc.)
- Use precise nouns and verbs.
(Word choice)
- Avoid contractions in formal
writing.
|
A
|
Agreement
|
- Be sure that subjects and
Verbs agree in number. (singular or
plural)
- Be sure pronouns agree with
their antecedent in number. (singular or
plural)
- Be sure pronouns are in the
correct case. (subjective or objective e.g.
between you and me)
- Keep verb tenses are kept
consistent. (present, past, future, etc.)
- Keep voice is consistent.
(Don't switch incorrectly from first to second
person, etc.)
- Keep similar items
parallel.
- Use subjunctive mood for
hypothetical and untrue situations.
|
P
|
Punctuation
|
- Be sure all sentences have
ending punctuation.
- Check to be sure questions
end with question marks.
- Use commas after
introductory words and phrases.
- Use commas after items in
lists except for the last item.
- Use a comma in a compound
sentence just before the coordinating conjunction.
(FANBOYS)
- Use commas to set apart
non essential phrases, clauses and
appositives.
- Omit unnecessary
commas.
- Use a comma after a
dependent clause when it comes before an independent
clause.
|
S
|
Spelling &
Capitalization
|
- Check for careless
spelling errors including poor letter
formation.
- Avoid casual spelling
such as cause for because and
gonna for going to.
- Remember that a
lot is two words.
- Begin each sentence with a
capital.
- Check homonyms to be
sure you have spelled the one you mean (there, their,
they're; where,were, to, too, two; your,
you're)
- Capitalize proper
nouns including
I.
- Eliminate unnecessary
capitals.
- Check to be sure
apostrophes are used in contractions and
possessives.
Source:
http://7-12educators.miningco.com
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