These days you can find anything you want on the Internet. From how to videos on YouTube, to online dictionaries and resources.
When it comes to writing, having the right resources is vital for producing grammatically correct text, and interesting information and stories people want to read.
Using Google Search
You can put your query into Google search and it will come up with an answer. I use it all of the time, if I'm not sure about the meaning of a word, plus, it will help you build your vocabulary, once you know what a new word means.
You can use really simple terms to look up what you're looking for like:
which or that?
their there they're
ageing or aging
My go to website for all of my grammar needs is wordhippo.com. It has a really easy layout and dashboard that includes:
- Synonyms
- Atonyms
- Defintions
- Rhymes
- Sentences
- Translations
- FindWords
- Word Forms
- Pronunciations
As well as a handy little box at the top of the page "What's another word for ...."
Thesaurus at Your Fingertips
Some people still like the feel of a paperback thesaurus such as Roget's, but the first page of any "Thesaurus" search will come up with plenty of online versions for you to use.
Tools such as Google Docs have a handy OneLook thesaurus, whereas MS Word has a synonym finder.
I've put together a comprehensive list of online resources and tools which include, style guides, dictionaries, and many other useful websites you can use as a go-to when you're copyediting.
Style Guides, Dictionaries, and Thesauruses
The Elements of Style
Used and loved by writers everywhere, this book's wit and charm has conveyed the principles of English style to millions of readers.
Important note: Style guides cover everything from spelling and grammar, to acronyms and capitalization. This helps you maintain consistency throughout your work.
Dreyer's English
This authoritative and amusing guide offers lessons on punctuation, and grammar, while helping you brush up on your spelling.
Merriam Webster's Guide to Punctuation and Style
Is a quick guide if you're struggling with copyediting or proofreading.
Oxford English Dictionary
Contains over 350,000 words, phrases and meanings.
Roget's Thesaurus
An unparalleled aid in using language with precision, grace and power.
All of the above books are available in ebook and paperback formats.
More Online Copyediting Tools
Thsrs: The Shorter Thesaurus
Aces: CopyDesk.org
TheSlot.com
EditTeach.org
AssignmentEditor.com
This Word Does Not Exist
Quill: This Checklist Will Help You Edit Faster and Better
Journalism.co.uk: Five Proofreading Tools Every Journalist Should Know About
Sapling.ai Spelling and Grammar Check Tool
Chicago Tribune Grammar Cheat Sheet
AP Stylebook Archives
ACES: Journalism Tools for the Modern Copy Editor
The Slot: The Nine Commandments of Caption Writing
Quill: Tools to Copy Edit Like a Boss
Viooly
Sixteen Great Typography Resources
Typedia
Editing a Web Site: Extending the Levels of Edit
Grammar Guide
ACES: The Grammar Guide
Finding and Fixing Typos
Top 25 Grammar Mistakes
Kok Edit Copy Editor's Knowledge Base
BlogShot
Grammar.ccc: Sentence Subjects
10 Words Everyone Should Know How to Pronounce
GrammarBook.com
Common Usage in English
It Figures: Figures of Speech
Copyeditor's Knowledge Base
GrammarCheck.net
EnglishGrammar.org
Dictionaries on the Web
Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better WritingGuide to Grammar and Writing
Simple useful takeaways:
- A useful hint for when you put your query to Google search, put the way you would ask someone if you were looking for an answer to a question.
- Try WordHippo, or look for your own preferred thesaurus online.
- If you prefer digital to paperback, explore some of the other versions of dictionaries and thesauruses out there.
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