How to detect errors in writing?

Discussion in 'Copywriting' started by nightcrawlers, Jul 22, 2010.

  1. #1
    Hello,

    This might be the biggest problem witn non-natives (including me) that whenever I write for clients or for myself, I don't find any mistakes by myself. I also use different software as well like White Smoke(purchased this expensive useless software), after the dead line, word spell check, online spell check, but still when a native English speaker reads they point out mistakes. How do I make sure that there is no mistake grammatically and in sentence structure? I am tired of using softwares to help me and I cannot afford native proof reader :s

    Thanks
     
    nightcrawlers, Jul 22, 2010 IP
  2. peejaydee

    peejaydee Peon

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    #2
    Unfortunately, I think this might continue to be a problem for you. Software will never detect every grammatical error or where a word with subtly different meaning has been used in error.
    Native speaking proofreaders can be relatively expensive, especially if you're operating on a budget.

    There was a thread on DP about bartering for services. You could try that. Alternatively, why not try and set up a long term partnership with a native speaker via one of these forums that will allow you to exchange services for ideas or draft text?
     
    peejaydee, Jul 22, 2010 IP
  3. nightcrawlers

    nightcrawlers Active Member

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    #3
    I don't think so anyone would exchange/trade services just for draft text and ideas. Although If there is anyone I can help on this one surely.
     
    nightcrawlers, Jul 23, 2010 IP
  4. contentboss

    contentboss Peon

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    #4
    'Never' is a big word, as is 'every'.

    We have in-house software we use that is about 95% effective at detecting syntactic howlers. It's especially useful for picking up badly spun stuff, like stuff that lazy newbies have run through 'the bestest spinner' for example. Unfortunately, we don't sell it (too useful, and too server intensive), so your best bet would be to hire someone from DP to proof read it for you. Get a job lot, should be cheap.
     
    contentboss, Jul 23, 2010 IP
  5. vasilisa

    vasilisa Peon

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    #5
    maybe its time to improve grammatics?)

    now really, its a good idea) spend sevetal hours on it and your problems will be solved)
     
    vasilisa, Jul 23, 2010 IP
  6. iNET SEO

    iNET SEO Active Member

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    #6
    Eh???

    Anyway, quite simply, no software is ever going to get this right for you. Your options are limited to either a proofreader or taking an English course or similar.
     
    iNET SEO, Jul 23, 2010 IP
  7. parsibagan

    parsibagan Active Member

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    #7
    "this might be" over here `may' would have been suitable. "I don't find any mistakes by myself." Since you already mentioned `I don't" there is no use of `by myself,' it is understood. "software as well like White" `software as well,' `after the dead line,' `dead line' should be one word... deadline. `how do I,' is technically better as `how can I.' `native English speaker reads they'... reads what? `native English speaker reads it, they' is better. >>> read what you have written after some time, and you'll find the mistakes. WhiteSmoke is crap. Hope this post did not hurt your feelings. Remember, nobody, and that includes me, is perfect. :)
     
    parsibagan, Jul 23, 2010 IP
  8. Perry Rose

    Perry Rose Peon

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    #8
    I'm sorry, but I am afraid that your only recourse is to take a writing class.

    You say you have "clients"? How much do they pay you? Is it enough to where you can take half of that to pay a proofreader?

    You can also learn along the way.
     
    Perry Rose, Jul 23, 2010 IP
  9. nightcrawlers

    nightcrawlers Active Member

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    #9
    Everyone is suggesting either hire a proofreader or take English writing classes. Is there any useful online source or website to help me write like natives?
     
    nightcrawlers, Jul 23, 2010 IP
  10. rob485

    rob485 Peon

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    #10
    I don't think this needs to be done by any softwares or tools. Reading over and over
    again is the best way to 'detect' your errors. Unless you really know the grammar
    rules. And if that native speaker tells you that you have a mistake, don't be shy in
    asking in which part or why it is wrong for him or her. At least you're open for new
    things that would make you a better writer, gradually. :)
     
    rob485, Jul 23, 2010 IP
  11. nicolasthun

    nicolasthun Guest

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    #11
    In my opinion the best solution is to hire somebody to prove read your articles and maybe explain the errors.
     
    nicolasthun, Jul 23, 2010 IP
  12. Perry Rose

    Perry Rose Peon

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    #12
    I don't know of any online courses that will help you.

    You need someone by your side, like the teacher in class.

    But there's one positive thought: Many hire ghostwriters because they cannot put their thoughts into words; they are not good storytellers. They can do this verbally, but they cannot transfer that on paper. But, with you, it may be the other way around. You may be very good at it, but your grammar is bad.

    With that in mind, I would suggest writing down your very best articles, then spend the money to have them proofread. Then submit them to sources, both off and online to see if they will buy them.

    Many, MANY pay $20 on up to over $200 per article (many magazines pay 1-3 dollars a word; many newspapers pay around 50 dollars per article).

    I can give you a list of both off and online sources, if you want it.

    If you can do this, you can indeed make enough money to pay both yourself and a proofreader.

    Take part of that money to put towards writing classes.

    Of course, this is hinged on you being a very good storyteller.
     
    Last edited: Jul 23, 2010
    Perry Rose, Jul 23, 2010 IP
  13. omarabid

    omarabid Well-Known Member

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    #13
    Software are not human. They are limited. Humans can improve to an undefined limit. That being said, the best method to correct your grammatical mistakes is reading. Develop an ear. Read a lot and you'll be able to have your own rhythm and focus. Practice and you'll be even better.

    Nevertheless, mistakes are inevitable and there are always a better version of your writing. This is why rates differs from a writer to another.
     
    omarabid, Jul 23, 2010 IP
  14. Kraven2

    Kraven2 Active Member

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    #14
    Well, first off don't be to hard on yourself. I see plenty of the native speakers making a lot more errors then some of us "foreigners" do ;)

    In fact it may be because we are not native speakers, that we look to closely, when proofreading.
     
    Kraven2, Jul 24, 2010 IP
  15. gvannorman

    gvannorman Well-Known Member

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    #15
    Proofreading is actually an easy process. First you need to learn how to speak like a native. This will help you write like one. Your going to get a bunch of writers or posters responding with the fact that you need a writing class. I disagree with this, there are some online classes that you can try the Oxford Guide to English Grammar of course if you can not get into the thread, then join the forum and try again.
     
    gvannorman, Jul 28, 2010 IP
  16. Perry Rose

    Perry Rose Peon

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    #16
    I noticed at least 10 mistakes in nightcrawler's post. About a quarter of the mistakes in that short post makes the reading a bit difficult. ... It doesn't flow.

    The Oxford Guide to English Grammar will not help him in making that article flow for the reader.

    An amateur/dope/kid/affiliate selling a lame product will still buy his articles, because he himself doesn't have the sense to know any better.

    Because of this, I have this feeling that even nightcrawler isn't making much money, if any at all.

    And I think it is safe to assume that he wants to make money off of this as soon as possible, so....
     
    Perry Rose, Jul 28, 2010 IP
  17. gvannorman

    gvannorman Well-Known Member

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    #17
    Flow of the article is one thing and grammar is another. I look at "flow" as keeping the reader reading. If they get hung up on a certain part without any hand off to the next then they stop and the article becomes useless. I am not sure but, if this is not how you look at it please let us know.
     
    gvannorman, Jul 28, 2010 IP
  18. atreides

    atreides Peon

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    #18
    mate, you're looking for shortcuts. that's not the approach you want to take if you're planning on making a career out of this.

    btw, natives have the initial advantage. however, in the long run, the advantage recedes.

    get your basics right, and everything else will fall into place.
     
    atreides, Jul 28, 2010 IP
  19. Perry Rose

    Perry Rose Peon

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    #19
    Sorry, but proper grammar keeps the article flowing; makes an article an easier read.

    Example: the following doesn't flow because the grammar is wrong:

    If it is like that throughout an article....

    I'm not talking about "witn."

    Online courses will not help him in this regard.

    Jesus...I sound like a f*cking little nerd.

    I'm going to stop now and go get...yes...a beer.

    And, perhaps, a hamburger. :)~
     
    Last edited: Jul 28, 2010
    Perry Rose, Jul 28, 2010 IP
  20. atreides

    atreides Peon

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    #20
    how does 'beer' manage to wrangle itself into every post you make, mate? lol
     
    atreides, Jul 28, 2010 IP