Word
proofread
Phoneticsproof·read, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈpɹuˌfɹid/
UK/pɹˈuːfɹiːd/
Definition
v. to read through a text carefully to find and fix mistakes in spelling and grammar. You do this as a last check before you share or print something.
v. to examine written text for errors in spelling, grammar, punctuation, and formatting, correcting them before publication.
Examples
“She proofreads her emails before she sends them.”
“Before submitting his essay, he proofreads it twice to catch spelling mistakes.”
“The editor proofreads the final manuscript late at night, checking every footnote and comma before the book goes to print.”
Examples
simple
“She proofreads her emails before she sends them.”
contextual
“Before submitting his essay, he proofreads it twice to catch spelling mistakes.”
complex
“The editor proofreads the final manuscript late at night, checking every footnote and comma before the book goes to print.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “proofread” in context.
Verb
01. agree to proofread
“My tutor agreed to proofread my first draft this weekend.”
verb + to + verb
02. offer to proofread
“My friend offered to proofread my personal statement for university.”
verb + to + verb
03. proofread article
“She asked a colleague to proofread her article for grammar mistakes.”
verb + noun
04. proofread document
“He stayed late to proofread the document for the meeting.”
verb + noun
05. proofread essay
“I need an hour to proofread my essay before I hand it in.”
verb + noun
Adjective
06. carefully proofread
“Please carefully proofread your email before you send it to the client.”
adv + verb
Noun
07. proofread before submission
“Always proofread your work before submission to avoid simple mistakes.”
verb + prep + noun
08. proofread for accuracy
“Editors proofread every article for accuracy before publication.”
verb + prep + noun
09. always proofread before sending
“Always proofread before sending an important email to a client.”
10. carefully proofread your work
“Take ten minutes to carefully proofread your work before you submit it.”
11. have someone proofread it
“If possible, have someone else proofread it with fresh eyes.”
12. proofread for spelling mistakes
“You should always proofread for spelling mistakes before printing.”
Usage
The verb is transitive and takes a direct object.
Real-World Examples
“Proofreading mechanisms correct the vast majority of these, yet errors do slip through.” “Someone who wished to be more conscientious might be asked to carefully proofread an email before sending it, or to write a to-do list before going to bed.” “A heartfelt message you drafted yourself before using AI to proofread and polish it is different from one you delegated entirely to AI.” “You may blame the original clinician, but anyone who has tried to proofread something they have created, particularly under time pressure, will know how difficult this is.” Etymology
From proof + read.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
ADJECTIVE
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/proofread