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Missing words are hard to find
Q: When I proofread, I know to look out for grammar errors and sound-alike words that spell check won't pick up. But how can I proof for missing words?
A: Omitted words are a common editing mistake. They are also very hard to pick up because we see what we assume is there. This type of scanning is the brain's way of saving time so we can get back to hunting, gathering, eating, reproducing and playing Angry Birds. To slow down enough that you will notice a missing word, say every word to yourself as you read. Many editors also read pieces twice — once for meaning and once for editing. It's a good way to see the forest and then concentrate on each of the trees.