It happens to the best of us. We ALL miss errors in our writing. Some are basic misspellings, others are based on our assumption of the subject matter without double-checking. The most embarrassing error I made was misspelling my own name — how bad is that?
Errors occur for many reasons. It may be that you are in a hurry to get out that post or article. Other times we ‘assume’ we know a fact, when we don’t (you all know what assume means.) The point is, we all should be checking our work. It’s a reflection of you so put your best foot forward.
Making a List and Checking it Twice or Three Times
Are you making the same errors over and over? The best way to improve your writing is to analyze the errors you are making. Make a tally of the errors you make and “resolve to triple-check every instance” of these errors before you publish.
- Go to the source of the information or a “respected reference work.” Don’t rely on the popular media.
- Check names a titles of people, locations, URLs, and definitions. Just because it ‘sounds good’ on paper, doesn’t mean the information is factually accurate.
Writing Accuracy
Your goal is to report the most accurate and correct information to your readers. If your “sources are unreliable (facts or findings contradict the prevailing understanding) or subjective (an expert spins facts to support their viewpoint), jettison them and obtain more reliable ones.”
Be skeptical; don’t let impressive job titles distract you from seeking the truth. When it comes down to it, your name goes on the final work, so eliminate writing errors and report “the facts, man!”
Source: It’s All About Accuracy from DailyWritingTips.com
