Not quite how it should be

In this section, you are going to test your editing and proofreading ability. Here is a list of sentences. Decide for each one if the sentence is correct or incorrect.

• I used a very heavy pot made of cast iron to cook an extra juicy roastbeef.
  • Correct.
    • The sentence uses many repetitive ideas and needs to be revised to eliminate wordiness. Suggested revision: I used a cast iron pot to cook a very juicy roastbeef.
  • Incorrect.
    • The sentence uses many repetitive ideas and needs to be revised to eliminate wordiness. Revision: I used a cast iron pot to cook a very juicy roastbeef.
• Hanging out with you is like eatign watermelon on a sumer day.
  • Correct.
    • The sentence contains two typos. Revision: Hanging out with you is like eating watermelon on a summer day.
  • Incorrect.
    • The sentence contains two typos. Revision: Hanging out with you is like eating watermelon on a summer day.
• Andy has the ability to make the most fabulous twice-baked potatoes.
  • Correct.
    • The sentence uses unnecessary words that can be eliminated. Revision: Andy makes the most fabulous twice-baked potatoes.
  • Incorrect.
    • The sentence uses unnecessary words that can be eliminated. Revision: Andy makes the most fabulous twice-baked potatoes.
• The animals got out and ruined the garden produce.
  • Correct.
    • The sentence uses vague words. Using specific words provides clearer information to the reader. Revision: The animals got out and ruined the tomatoes and cucumbers.
  • Incorrect.
    • The sentence uses vague words. Using specific words provides clearer information to the reader. Revision: The animals got out and ruined the tomatoes and cucumbers.
• Linda is so photographic! She always looks good in pictures.
  • Correct.
    • If you’re uncertain about the meaning of a word, look it up before using it. Revision: Linda is so photogenic! She always looks good in pictures.
  • Incorrect.
    • If you’re uncertain about the meaning of a word, look it up before using it. Revision: Linda is so photogenic! She always looks good in pictures.
• Its very difficult to find frech tomatos as it is winter.
  • Correct.
    • There are many words in the English language that get confused such as its/it’s. The sentence also contains two typos. Revision: It’s very difficult to find fresh tomatoes as it is winter.
  • Incorrect.
    • There are many words in the English language that get confused such as its/it’s. The sentence also contains two typos. Revision: It’s very difficult to find fresh tomatoes as it is winter.
• They used the fireworks to great affect.
  • Correct.
    • There are many words in the English language that get confused such as affect/effect. Revision: They used the fireworks to great effect.
  • Incorrect.
    • There are many words in the English language that get confused such as affect/effect. Revision: They used the fireworks to great effect.
• My father is follicly challenged.
  • Correct.
    • The use of euphemisms can make your sentence incomprehensible. It’s always best to use direct language. Revision: My father is bald.
  • Incorrect.
    • The use of euphemisms can make your sentence incomprehensible. It’s always best to use direct language. Revision: My father is bald.
• The horses got out and ruined the tomatoes and cucumbers.
  • Correct.
    • While the sentence is correct, it would greatly benefit from more concrete and evocative words. Revision: The horses stampeded out and squished and squirted the tomatoes and cucumbers.
  • Incorrect.
    • While the sentence is correct, it would greatly benefit from more concrete and evocative words. Revision: The horses stampeded out and squished and squirted the tomatoes and cucumbers.
• I’m loose as a goose today.
  • Correct.
    • Clichés should be used with caution and replaced whenever possible. Revision: I’m very relaxed today.
  • Incorrect.
    • Clichés should be used with caution and replaced whenever possible. Revision: I’m very relaxed today.

For more example, read Chapter 17 from the Handbook for writers (2012).

(: There’s a problem with the bullet lists.)