Proofreading

Free Proofreading
Tool and Tips

Feel confident your writing is clear with Grammarly’s AI-powered proofreading tool. Browse our resources below for tips to make your writing effective, engaging, and mistake-free.
A person works on a laptop beside a large window.
A pair of glasses sits beside a pile of paper and pens.

What Is Proofreading?

Proofreading is a final step in the writing process that checks for grammatical, spelling, and formatting errors. This review eliminates typos and ensures clarity. Learn more about the basics of proofreading and how polishing your writing helps make your point.

Your AI Writing Partner for Every Step of
the Writing Process

Build confidence and credibility with writing that’s always sharp. Grammarly makes it easy to go from blank page to final draft with personalized, proactive writing recommendations every step of the way. 

What Are Proofreading Marks?

Proofreading marks are shorthand symbols that identify where changes are needed in a document.
Proofreading Marks 101

Fine-Tune Your Work With Our
Free Proofreading Tool

Trust your words are well written thanks to real-time feedback on missing commas, incorrect verb tenses, and much more. 
Sign up to keep going
It’s fast and free. Finish checking your text and create an account to get:
  • Tone and clarity insights
  • Tips on how to engage readers
  • Word choice and inclusive language guidance
Get Grammarly It's free
Already have an account? Log in
Suggestions
Get Grammarly It's free
Already have an account? Log in

Get Help From Writing Experts

Want to feel extra sure your writing shines? With Grammarly Premium, you get access to our team of professional proofreaders. Just submit your writing, and they’ll revise it for correctness and clarity. Learn more about Grammarly’s expert writing service.
Grammarly offers expert writing help.

Your Guide to Proofreading 

Build your proofreading skills by reading these helpful resources on the mechanics of writing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the meaning of proofreading?

Proofreading is the final step in the writing process to review grammatical, spelling, and punctuation errors. It's a sure way to fix any typos and formatting inconsistencies before you press send.

Why is proofreading important in writing?

Proofreading is an essential step in writing because it’s an opportunity to ensure your writing is mistake-free and clear for your reader.

What are proofreading mark and what do they mean?

Proofreading marks are shorthand symbols that identify changes needed in a piece of writing. Each proofreading mark means something different—from adding a certain punctuation mark to removing a space to changing the order of words.

What is the role of a proofreader?

A proofreader is responsible for checking a document to find and fix mechanical writing mistakes before a written piece is published.

What are some common proofreading mistakes?

Some common proofreading mistakes are misspelled words, incorrect subject-verb agreement, and comma splices.

What is a helpful free online proofreading tool?

Looking for an online proofreading tool that works for both academic and professional writing? Grammarly's free proofreading tool offers instant suggestions to polish your writing as you type.

How can I find professional proofreading services?

A Grammarly Premium account gives you access to our team of writing experts who can proofread your writing for correctness and clarity.

Better Writing Starts Here

Join the 30 million people and 70,000+ teams who use Grammarly
to improve their writing and achieve their goals.