{"id":1400,"date":"2021-07-08T16:18:56","date_gmt":"2021-07-08T15:18:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.banana-print.co.uk\/blog\/?p=1400"},"modified":"2022-01-31T16:25:50","modified_gmt":"2022-01-31T16:25:50","slug":"proof-check-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.banana-print.co.uk\/blog\/proof-check-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Proof Checking Tips for Perfect Print Marketing Materials"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Photo by Bank Phrom<\/a> on Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The proof check process gives content a final polish in the last stage of editing before going to print. If you are printing marketing materials for your business, it’s essential to follow proof checking protocol to avoid costly typos, formatting issues, grammatical and spelling errors.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Proofread Before Sending to Print<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you don’t have a proofreader, no worries. Follow this proof checking guide so that your printed materials are perfect before hitting print.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Run a Grammar and Spell Check <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It’s critical to double-check grammar and spelling before any documents go to your printer. Lucky for you, word processing programs like Google Docs and Microsoft Word automatically check your work for typographical errors, as well as grammatical issues like wrong commas, missed capitalizations, and more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other online word processors can offer feedback for passive voice, readability, subject-verb agreement, and more. The more advanced versions will help correct sentences and even provide a rewrite of helping with flow and engagement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, here’s a word of caution using a word processor. They are a helpful shortcut, but they can’t replace human proofreading. Sometimes they suggest corrections that don’t benefit the material or may make it incorrect, so always review your work yourself. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It helps to take a long break and then come back to it when your eyes feel fresh again, and you can better detect errors in your work. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read Aloud To Check Your Syntax<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Syntax is the arrangements of words and phrases to create sentences that are both pleasing and coherent. In short, syntax is what separates good content from bad content. If you use proper syntax, your words will be arranged appropriately, grammatically correct, and engaging. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ever notice that sometimes sentences sound better in your head than they do out loud? It is easy to miss syntactical errors when proofing in your head, making reading aloud a crucial step in the proof check process. Reading aloud forces you to slow down and really read what’s on the page, giving you a better chance at catching clumsy phrasing and incorrect punctuation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can also try reading the material out loud to a friend or coworker who can provide valuable feedback about the tone and the flow of the content.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Consistency Is Key<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Consistency is vitally important if you want polished printed material that connects with the reader. To help you stay consistent, try style guides like: <\/p>\n\n\n\n