Punctuation | Proof Communications

Sorry, use this version instead

May 29, 2019

Annual reports, B2B documents, Grammar tips, Proofreading tips, Punctuation, Typos, Writing tips

The oft-used email subject line ‘Sorry, use this version instead’ can have a myriad of stories behind it, but most often it’s to email an updated version of a document that was emailed only a short time ago. The reason? Usually, because many people are involved in contributing to the document’s content, which results in a myriad of changes. Even with version control, it’s extremely easy for a document’s quality to diminish during the writing and editing process. Annual reports,…

Sorry, use this version instead was last modified on May 29th, 2019 by Proof Communications Author

Why pandas carry guns

November 28, 2018

copywriting, Grammar tips, Proofreading tips, Punctuation, Typos

According to a recent Google Doodle, this year marks the 187th since the birth of the man widely considered to be the father of modern football, Ebenezer Cobb Morley. Riveting stuff indeed. But even more noteworthy than that particularly fascinating sporting nugget is that 2018 also marks exactly 15 years since Lynne Truss published her widely acclaimed book, ‘Eats, Shoots & Leaves’, the zero-tolerance approach to punctuation. Why is this important? Because within its pages lies the information you need…

Why pandas carry guns was last modified on November 29th, 2018 by Proof Communications Author

Five ways to make your document free of typos

September 7, 2017

B2B documents, Editing, Grammar tips, Proofreading tips, Punctuation, Typos, Writing tips

Editing and proofreading your own work is tough. We’re too close to it to proofread it perfectly. A fresh pair of eyes is the answer. If you don’t have anybody to help you, then rest between the time you write and the time you proofread—at least overnight. By doing this, you’ll gain some distance from your writing and you’ll have your own fresh pair of eyes with which to view your content. When you’re ready, here’s how to do it.…

Five ways to make your document free of typos was last modified on August 28th, 2018 by Proof Communications Author

Have you ever made these embarrassing grammar or spelling mistakes?

August 14, 2017

Grammar tips, Proofreading tips, Punctuation, Typos, Writing tips

During a recent radio interview a prominent Sydney barrister was several times heard to use the phrase ‘it was more better’, highlighting that even the most seemingly educated of people aren’t immune from make embarrassing grammatical or spelling mistakes. Here are some common ones to avoid. I could care less Really? Then feel free to do so until you can’t any more, at which point you can then use the correct expression – ‘I couldn’t care less’. It’s a far…

Have you ever made these embarrassing grammar or spelling mistakes? was last modified on August 28th, 2018 by Proof Communications Author

Do you make these common English mistakes?

August 8, 2017

Grammar tips, Proofreading tips, Punctuation, Typos, Writing tips

When you’re typing or texting at speed, it’s easy to spell a word incorrectly. But mistakes can completely change the context of your message and often make you sound just plain silly. Make sure you sound like you know what you’re talking about by using these words correctly. Compliment/complement When two words sound identical, it can make it difficult to know which the right one to use is. A ‘compliment’ is an expression of admiration such as, ‘You look just…

Do you make these common English mistakes? was last modified on August 14th, 2017 by Proof Communications Author

Is poor spelling ruining your love life?

August 3, 2017

copywriting, Proofreading tips, Punctuation, Typos, Uncategorised, Writing tips

When it comes to finding a partner, some prefer to meet someone the old fashioned way. Through alcohol and poor judgement. For others, online dating sites are the way to go. But it turns out there are things way more unacceptable to potential mates than spurious claims of having actually enjoyed Eat, Pray, Love, declaring you’re a “glass half-full kinda guy” or employing the excessive use of LOL. And one of the biggest deal breakers of all? Poor spelling and…

Is poor spelling ruining your love life? was last modified on August 3rd, 2017 by Proof Communications Author

I Love Thee, My Ford…Oops! What I meant to say was…

December 15, 2016

Proofreading tips, Punctuation, Typos, Writing tips

No matter what kind of business you’re in, print mistakes happen. And when they do, the results can be hilarious. Enjoy this selection of heavenly howlers from church newsletters and noticeboards. Bertha Belch, a missionary from Africa, will be speaking tonight in the church hall. Come and hear Bertha Belch all the way from Africa. Next Thursday will be tryouts for the choir. They need all the help they can get. Ladies, don’t forget the rummage sale. It’s a chance…

I Love Thee, My Ford…Oops! What I meant to say was… was last modified on December 15th, 2016 by Proof Communications Author

Tricky Words That Trip Us Up

October 20, 2016

Grammar tips, Punctuation, Typos, Writing tips

The English language may be blessed with many words, but quite a few can easily trip us up. Here are some of the most common words that even the best English writers confuse. Unique Many businesses like to think of themselves as the most unique in their industry. But ‘unique’ means truly one of a kind. Therefore, you cannot be the ‘most unique’ or ‘one of the most unique’ or the ‘only unique’. You are either unique or you’re not.…

Tricky Words That Trip Us Up was last modified on October 20th, 2016 by Proof Communications Author

The Comma Sutra: How to use a comma

July 28, 2016

Grammar tips, Punctuation, Writing tips

There’s nothing like a comma to tie you up in grammatical knots. Sure, this cute, curvy symbol looks innocent enough, but behind its oh-so-deceptively simple style, this little baby has the power to take your sentence and give it a WHOLE new meaning. If you don’t think commas are important, try forgetting one when you tell someone “I’m sorry, I love you.” Here are just a few of the ways in which commas come in really useful when you’re writing. Commas separate elements in a series “Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, and Croatia…

The Comma Sutra: How to use a comma was last modified on July 30th, 2016 by Proof Communications Author

How to write newsletters that won’t comatose your readers

January 22, 2016

copywriting, Newsletters, Preparation guides, Punctuation, Writing tips

Well written, targeted articles can breathe new life into business communications. But you also want to avoid your newsletter being sent straight to the reader’s recycle bin. Rather than bore customers to death, here are three ways to keep newsletter content fresh and your customers focused on the good work you do. 1. It’s about your customer Important though it may be to you, no one wants to read about how your business operates or who has been moved from one…

How to write newsletters that won’t comatose your readers was last modified on September 19th, 2017 by Proof Communications Editor