48 Independent Activity: Proofreading with Targeted Search

The “find” function (CTRL+F on PC, Command+F on Mac) is a powerful tool for focused proofreading. This exercise encourages you to use it strategically to identify common writing issues and refine your prose.

1. Eliminating First and Second Person:

• Search Terms: I, me, my, mine, we, us, our, you, your, yours
• Rationale: As discussed in the chapter on pronouns, first-person (I, we) and second-person (you) pronouns are often inappropriate in formal academic writing. First-person can weaken arguments and sound too informal, while second-person can make false assumptions about the reader. This search helps you identify and replace these pronouns with more objective and appropriate third-person constructions.

2. Finding Vague Pronouns:

• Search Terms: This, that, it, they (especially when used alone or at the beginning of a sentence)
• Rationale: Pronouns should have clear and specific antecedents (the nouns they replace). Vague pronouns make it difficult for the reader to understand what the pronoun refers to. This search helps you locate instances where these pronouns might be unclear and encourages you to replace them with more specific nouns or rephrase the sentence for clarity.

3. Targeting Wordiness:

• Search Terms: of the, in order to, due to the fact that, because of the fact that, at this point in time, in the event that, etc. (Look for common phrases known to be wordy)
• Rationale: Wordiness can make your writing difficult to read and understand. Searching for common wordy phrases can help you identify areas where you can be more concise and direct.

4. Checking for Commonly Confused Words:

• Search Terms: there/their/they’re, to/too/two, your/you’re, it’s/its, whose/who’s, affect/effect, accept/except, advice/advise, farther/further, fewer/less (These are examples; add other words that you or your students commonly confuse)
• Rationale: Many errors arise from using the incorrect version of commonly confused words. Searching for these words can help catch these errors.

Using the Find Function Effectively:

• Search one term at a time.
• Carefully review each instance found.
• Don’t automatically change everything the “find” function highlights. Use your judgment to determine whether a change is necessary.
• Remember that context is key. Just because a word or phrase is flagged doesn’t automatically mean it’s wrong.

By using the “find” function strategically and considering the why behind each search, you can significantly improve the clarity, conciseness, and correctness of your writing. This targeted approach to proofreading can save you time and help you produce a polished and professional final draft.