Module 8: Proofreading In Practice: Style

Do you know the difference between a style guide and a style sheet? Can you tell formal language from informal? And can a sentence be too long or too short? All these are important style factors that help shape a text and direct its purpose. Knowing the key differences between various types of writing, from academic essays to marketing copy, means you’ll know what cues to look for and how to apply a consistent and appropriate style to a document.

How This Module Works

Style requirements vary from document to document and client to client – which means we have plenty of wide-ranging advice to share! Plus, there are some style issues that tend to crop up frequently, no matter the type of writing. This stylish module covers it all.

Lesson 8.1: An Introduction To Style

Learn what kinds of stylistic edits are a proofreader’s responsibility, and get to grips with style guides and sheets – including how to create your own if you need to.

Lesson 8.2: Tone And Formality

Explore the kinds of edits you can make to ensure that a text is fit for its intended audience and purpose while allowing the author’s voice to shine through.

Lesson 8.3: Vocabulary

Discover how word choice affects the tone of a text and how to edit vocabulary to ensure it hits the right spot with readers.

Lesson 8.4: Sentence Structure And Length

Address filler words, redundancies, stringinesses, and more to learn how to smooth out clumsy and unclear sentences.

Lesson 8.5: Paragraph Structure And Common Questions

Brush up on effective paragraph structure and organization while recognizing the boundaries of proofreading, then read through some common questions new proofreaders have about style.

Lesson 8.6: Module Quiz

Answer questions related to what you have learned in the module, and have a go at spotting some stylistic errors in short extracts.

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Why Does Style Matter?

Style is an important consideration for all types of writing. Following clear guidelines helps to maintain professionalism and ensures that:

✓ There is consistency throughout a document
✓ There is a cohesive style across the output of a brand or organization
✓ The material is suitable for its target audience
✓ The text fulfils its intended purpose
✓ The content is clear and accurate

Learn More About Style in Proofreading

All sorts of topics fall under the definition of “style” – tone and voice, sentence length, word choice…the list goes on! Don’t be alarmed, though – visit our blog for a beginner-friendly look at some key issues relating to proofreading and style.