This is a very comprehensive service in which our proofreaders and editors scrutinise your manuscript for many aspects: grammar, punctuation, spelling, word choice, sentence structure, readability, flow of language, clarity, organisation, among other elements.
We have provided below specific examples on each of the areas covered by the Substantive Copy-editing Service.
We will correct any grammatical errors, including subject-verb agreement, upper case and lower case, tenses, use of modifiers, possessive pronouns, connectors, and the apostrophe.
Original: My manager and I am considering the applicants for the vacant position.
Edited: My manager and I are considering the applicants for the vacant position.
Original: I am in receipt of your letter applying for a course at this College.
Edited: I am in receipt of your letter applying for a course at this college.
Original: I apologise for failing to attend the interview. I assure you that I should definitely be there on the rearranged date.
Edited: I apologise for failing to attend the interview. I assure you that I will definitely be there on the rearranged date.
Original: Thank you for your hospitality yesterday. I shall make a follow up visit next week.
Edited: Thank you for your hospitality yesterday. I shall make a follow-up visit next week.
Original: I have explained all the options in this letter. Now, the choice is your’s.
Edited: I have explained all the options in this letter. Now, the choice is yours.
Original: I look forward to see you next week.
Edited: I look forward to seeing you next week.
Original: Its too late to book a room at the hotel; it is already fully booked.
Edited: It’s too late to book a room at the hotel; it is already fully booked.
Original: The decision on how many students we accept this year is dependant on the quality of their CVs.
Edited: The decision on how many students we accept this year is dependent on the quality of their CVs.
* They wanted too (to) discuss this in their academic paper.
* The researcher has recommended that they sotp (stop) making mistakes and use English proofreading services.
* In the peeface (preface), they explained what they will discuss in their book.
Original: I have obtained a science degree from Cambridge University and now it is my intention to applu for a position in the field of engineering.
Edited: I have obtained a science degree from Cambridge University and now it is my intention to apply for a position in the field of engineering.
We will replace any American words or expressions with British equivalents, as exemplified below:
* Learned (American) Learnt (British)
* Focussed (American) Focused (British)
* Center (American) Centre (British)
* Characterize (American) Characterise (British)
Example: (where the client requests British English)
Original: I shall be traveling to London next week, so maybe we could arrange to meet and discuss the proposal.
Edited: I shall be travelling to London next week, so maybe we could arrange to meet and discuss the proposal.
We will also correct any punctuation errors. A few recurrent examples we come across include the use of colon, semicolon, and quotation marks.
Original: I have qualifications in the following subjects: English: history: philosophy: psychology.
Edited: I have qualifications in the following subjects: English, history, philosophy and psychology.
Original: We shall be interviewing potential new staff tomorrow, they need to be well qualified.
Edited: We shall be interviewing potential new staff tomorrow; they need to be well qualified.
Original: When we last met, you said "I am planning a holiday in Egypt".
Edited: When we last met, you said, "I am planning a holiday in Egypt."
In English, some words have a greater impact than others; and other words fit a certain purpose than others do, or convey the meaning in a better way.
Original: If the professors like my CV, they may accept me at Oxford.
Edited: If the professors are impressed with my CV, they may accept me at Oxford.
One recurrent problem that we often come across in editing and proofreading is what we call run-on sentences...i.e. sentences are excessively long.
Original: Thank you for your invitation received today, I have made enquiries about travelling to South America and I plan to book a flight to Rio next month because I want to see Brazil and also Argentina and Chile and I want to take a boat trip up the Amazon so I can see the rain forest and also the mountains in Chile and the grass plains in Argentina so I will send you an email as soon as I book the flight and look forward to seeing you again.
Edited: Thank you for your invitation received today. I have made enquiries about travelling to South America and I plan to book a flight to Rio next month. This is because I want to visit Brazil, Argentina and Chile. I would like to take a boat trip up the Amazon and see the rain forest. I would be interested in seeing the mountains in Chile and the grass plains in Argentina. I will send you an email as soon as I book the flight and I look forward to seeing you again.
We will help ensure your written manuscript is digestible and comprehensible in a way that would attract readers, rather than turn them off.
Original: I hope you accept the job offer and I think you will find us a good firm to work for and that you will tell me you want the job, I think you will like it.
Edited: I hope you accept this position as I am confident you will settle into our company.
As part of our service, we also help you get your ideas and themes across to readers in a clear and unequivocal manner.
Example:
Original: This cover letter explains why I want the job. I want to use my financial qualifications in work.
Edited: I believe that my financial qualifications and experience will be useful for the company if I am offered this post.
We also assist professionals and individuals with the organisation of their written copy and manuscript. We offer suggestions on how better organisation can be achieved.