By Wise Eyes Proofreading

Learning English as a second language can be a rewarding yet challenging journey. Between pronunciation, vocabulary, idioms, and grammar, there’s a lot to take in. Grammar, in particular, can feel overwhelming due to the many rules—and the even more common exceptions! At Wise Eyes Proofreading, we’ve worked with hundreds of ESL students and professionals, and we’ve seen the same grammar issues come up time and again.

Whether you're writing an academic paper, a business email, or simply trying to improve your everyday communication, here are our top grammar tips to help you write clearer, more confident English.

1. Master Subject-Verb Agreement

This is one of the most common issues we see in ESL writing. In English, subjects and verbs must agree in number (singular or plural).

✅ She runs every morning.
❌ She run every morning.

Tip: Be especially careful with third-person singular in the present tense (he/she/it). It almost always requires a verb ending in -s or -es.

2. Understand Article Usage: "A," "An," and "The"

Articles can be tricky, especially for speakers of languages that don’t use them. Here's a quick breakdown:

• Use "a" before words that start with a consonant sound: a dog, a university
  
  

• Use "an" before vowel sounds: an apple, an hour
  
  

• Use "the" when referring to something specific or already mentioned: the book on the table
  
  

Tip: Practice with everyday objects around you. Say sentences like, I see a chair. The chair is blue.

3. Watch Your Tenses

Tense consistency helps your reader understand when something happened. Mixing tenses within a sentence or paragraph can confuse your message.

✅ Yesterday, I walked to the store and bought some fruit.
❌ Yesterday, I walk to the store and bought some fruit.

Tip: Always identify the time you're referring to—past, present, or future—and stick with the correct verb tense throughout.

4. Use Prepositions Carefully

Prepositions like in, on, at, for, to, and by are small but powerful. They often cause problems because their usage doesn’t always follow a strict pattern.

• We say: on Monday, at night, in the morning
  
  

• We go to school, but we arrive at school.
  
  

Tip: Create flashcards with common prepositional phrases and review them regularly. Over time, you’ll start to “hear” what sounds right.

5. Avoid Run-On Sentences

Sometimes ESL writers try to pack too much into one sentence, resulting in a run-on sentence that’s hard to follow.

❌ I went to the market I bought apples I saw my friend.
✅ I went to the market, bought apples, and saw my friend.

Tip: If in doubt, break long sentences into two or three shorter ones. Clarity is more important than complexity.

6. Don’t Translate Directly from Your Native Language

Direct translation often results in awkward or incorrect grammar. Different languages have different sentence structures and idioms.

For example, a French speaker might write: I have 25 years, instead of the correct English version: I am 25 years old.

Tip: Try to think in English as much as possible while writing. Read English newspapers, books, and websites to absorb natural structures.

7. Use Consistent Pronouns

Make sure your pronouns agree with the nouns they replace, both in number and gender.

❌ Every student must bring their pencil. (Some style guides now accept this, but it's still considered informal in academic writing.)
✅ Every student must bring his or her pencil.

Tip: Always match singular nouns with singular pronouns and plural nouns with plural pronouns unless using informal or inclusive language.

8. Practice Sentence Structure Variety

A mix of sentence types keeps writing interesting and helps express complex ideas more clearly.

• Simple: I like coffee.
  
  

• Compound: I like coffee, and I like tea.
  
  

• Complex: Although I like coffee, I prefer tea in the evening.
  
  

Tip: Try rewriting short paragraphs using different sentence types. This improves both grammar and style.

9. Use Online Grammar Tools (But Don’t Rely on Them Completely)

Grammar checkers like Grammarly or Microsoft Word can catch basic errors, but they’re not perfect—especially for more advanced writing.

Tip: Use these tools as a first check, but follow up with a human proofreader, especially for important documents like essays, resumes, or publications.

10. Get Professional Feedback

Nothing beats personalized feedback. Working with a skilled proofreader or English tutor can help you identify your specific grammar challenges and correct them efficiently.

At Wise Eyes Proofreading, we specialize in helping ESL students polish their writing. Whether you're preparing a university paper or writing for work, our editors will help you produce clear, professional, and grammatically correct English—while explaining the changes so you can learn from them.

Final Thoughts

Grammar doesn’t have to be a mystery. With practice, patience, and the right support, you can write confidently and correctly in English. Remember, every mistake is a step toward improvement—and even native speakers make grammar errors from time to time!

If you’re looking for a second pair of eyes on your writing, don’t hesitate to reach out to Wise Eyes Proofreading. We’re here to help your writing shine.

Get in touch today 

Website: wiseeyesproofreading.com.au

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By Wise Eyes Proofreading

Self-publishing has opened the doors for countless writers to share their stories, ideas, and expertise with the world—without waiting for traditional publishing approval. But with that freedom comes responsibility: indie authors must ensure their books meet professional standards to stand out in a crowded marketplace.

While strong storytelling is essential, even the best ideas can be lost behind grammar mistakes, awkward phrasing, or inconsistent structure. That’s where professional editing comes in. At Wise Eyes Proofreading, we’ve worked with self-publishing authors across genres, and we've seen firsthand how the right editing support can make the difference between a forgettable book and a five-star success.

Here’s how professional editing can elevate your self-published work—and set you apart from the competition.

1. Polished Writing Builds Credibility

Readers can forgive a lot—but poor grammar, spelling errors, and clunky sentences are quick turn-offs. In today’s digital world, reviews can make or break a book, and readers don’t hesitate to call out careless mistakes.

Professional editing ensures your manuscript is clean, polished, and easy to read. It gives your book the polish readers expect from traditionally published titles and helps you present yourself as a serious, credible author.

2. Clear Structure Strengthens the Story

A great editor doesn’t just fix typos—they look at the bigger picture. Is your story flowing logically? Are your chapters well-balanced? Are your characters consistent? A structural or developmental edit can help uncover plot holes, pacing issues, or unclear arguments (for nonfiction books), improving the book’s overall impact.

At Wise Eyes Proofreading, we tailor our editing services to your book’s stage and genre—whether you need deep developmental feedback or a final proofread before hitting “publish.”

3. Professional Editing Saves Time and Stress

Many self-publishing authors try to edit their own work to save money—but editing your own writing is incredibly difficult. You’re too close to the text to see the errors clearly, and self-editing can lead to endless rewrites and frustration.

Working with a professional lets you move forward confidently. An experienced editor can spot what you’ve missed and help you avoid embarrassing mistakes—saving you from costly revisions or bad reviews down the line.

4. Good Editing Improves Your Writing Long-Term

One of the hidden benefits of professional editing is the learning opportunity it provides. A great editor doesn’t just make silent changes—they explain why changes are made. Over time, you’ll start recognizing patterns in your writing and applying those lessons to future projects.

At Wise Eyes Proofreading, we believe in empowering authors. Our feedback is always constructive, respectful, and designed to help you grow—not just improve one manuscript.

5. You Only Get One First Impression

Whether you're publishing on Amazon, Apple Books, or another platform, your book is competing against millions of others. Readers browsing online make snap decisions. If your “Look Inside” preview includes typos or awkward writing, they’ll likely move on.

Investing in professional editing gives your book the best possible chance of grabbing and keeping reader attention. It shows pride in your work—and respect for your audience.

Let Wise Eyes Proofreading Be Your Editing Partner

Self-publishing is a bold, exciting path—and you don’t have to do it alone. At Wise Eyes Proofreading, we specialize in working with independent authors to bring out the best in their writing. Whether you’re writing fiction, nonfiction, memoirs, or business books, our professional editors will help you refine your work, protect your voice, and get your manuscript ready for publication.

You’ve put your heart into your book. Now let us help you polish it to perfection.

Get in touch today 

Website: wiseeyesproofreading.com.au

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Common Mistakes in Marketing Materials
By Wise Eyes Proofreading

Marketing materials are the voice of your brand. Whether it’s a flyer, website, social media ad, or product brochure, these materials shape the first impression your customers have of your business. Unfortunately, even the most well-designed marketing pieces can be undermined by something as simple as a typo or unclear messaging.

At Wise Eyes Proofreading, we’ve worked with countless businesses to polish their marketing copy. Along the way, we’ve seen a few common errors pop up again and again—mistakes that can cost you credibility, confuse your audience, or even drive potential customers away.

Here are some of the most frequent mistakes in marketing materials—and how professional proofreading can help you avoid them.

1. Typos and Grammatical Errors

This might seem obvious, but it’s surprisingly common: spelling mistakes, punctuation errors, and incorrect grammar still make their way into many final marketing pieces. Why? Because when you're close to the material, your brain often reads what you meant to say, not what’s actually there.

Why it matters: A typo in a headline or ad undermines your professionalism. Customers may wonder, “If they didn’t take time to check this, what else are they overlooking?”

How to avoid it: Always have a second set of eyes—preferably a professional proofreader—review your materials before publishing or printing.

2. Inconsistent Branding and Tone

Your marketing materials should all sound like they’re coming from the same voice, whether you're posting on social media, sending emails, or printing catalogs. But many companies unintentionally shift tone or style across different platforms or even within the same campaign.

Why it matters: Inconsistency confuses your audience and weakens your brand identity.

How to avoid it: Develop and follow a brand style guide—and have a proofreader check for tone, voice, and message alignment across all materials.

3. Misused Words or Jargon Overload

Words like their/they’re/there or its/it’s are commonly mixed up. Beyond that, marketing teams sometimes use industry jargon or buzzwords that alienate rather than engage the audience.

Why it matters: Using the wrong word or overwhelming readers with insider terms makes your message unclear or inaccessible.

How to avoid it: Keep language simple and focused on your customer. A professional proofreader will ensure your writing is accurate and reader-friendly.

4. Unclear Calls to Action (CTAs)

Every marketing piece should guide the reader toward an action—call now, visit the website, sign up for a newsletter. But if your CTA is hidden, vague, or missing entirely, your campaign may fall flat.

Why it matters: Even the best ad won't convert if people don't know what to do next.

How to avoid it: Use strong, clear language for CTAs—and place them where they’re easy to see. Proofreaders can also help identify weak or confusing phrasing in your messaging.

5. Formatting and Layout Errors

Missed line breaks, inconsistent spacing, strange font choices, or uneven alignment can distract from your message and make your materials harder to read.

Why it matters: Visual inconsistencies can signal carelessness, making it harder for customers to trust your business.

How to avoid it: Always preview final layouts—and have a proofreader review not just the text, but how it’s presented. We check for both content and formatting issues that could affect readability.

Partner with Wise Eyes Proofreading for Flawless Marketing Copy

Professional, error-free marketing content isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity. Your audience is constantly bombarded with information. Clear, polished messaging gives you the competitive edge you need to stand out and build trust.

At Wise Eyes Proofreading, we work with businesses, marketers, and creatives to fine-tune their content so that every word pulls its weight. Whether you’re launching a campaign, updating your website, or printing promotional materials, we’re here to ensure your copy is clean, consistent, and compelling.

Get in touch today 

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Common Essay Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Introduction
Even strong ideas can be buried by avoidable writing issues. These five common mistakes can trip up many writers—here’s how to avoid them.

1. Vague or Missing Thesis Statement

Issue: Without a clear argument, your essay lacks direction.
Fix: Craft a precise, arguable thesis—e.g., rather than “Social media is important,” say “Social media has significantly changed teen communication and reduced face-to-face interaction.” Then ensure every paragraph ties back to it.

2. Repetitive Content Instead of Advancement

Issue: Repeating ideas instead of building on them leads to weak development.
Fix: Each paragraph should offer a new point or evidence that deepens your thesis. Ask: Does this actually add something new?

3. Disorganised Paragraphs

Issue: Unfocused, rambling paragraphs dilute your message.
Fix: Use a clear structure—Topic sentence, Evidence, Explanation, Link back to thesis (TEEL). This helps your argument stay tight and persuasive.

4. Passive Voice Overuse

Issue: Sentences like “The experiment was conducted by the students” are impersonal and hard to follow.
Fix: Prefer active voice—for example: “The students conducted the experiment.” It’s clearer and more direct.

5. Skipping Proofreading

Issue: Typos, grammar inconsistencies, and clumsy phrasing harm credibility and clarity.
Fix: Always review your work—read it aloud, scan for errors, and don't rely only on spellcheck tools. And if you want expert polish, Wise Eyes offers a personal, thorough proofreading service.

Why Wise Eyes Stands Out

• Two sets of eyes for superior quality and accuracy.
  
  

• Personal, friendly service—not a mass‑processing operation.
  
  

• Affordable, with 5% off standard prices for students.
  
  

Final Thought

Great essays shine when ideas are backed by clear expression. Avoid these five errors to make your writing stronger—and for a confident finish, the Wise Eyes team is ready to help you stand out.

Get in touch today 

Website: wiseeyesproofreading.com.au

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How to Proofread Your Assignment in 10 Minutes

Introduction
When you’re racing the clock to submit an assignment, every minute counts. But a quick, methodical proofread can elevate your work—and your grade. Here's how to make every second count.

Step 1: Pause & Reset (1 Minute)

Stepping away from your screen—even briefly—helps you return with fresh eyes and a sharper perspective.

Step 2: Read Aloud (2 Minutes)

Speaking your text aloud forces clarity and rhythm. You'll catch awkward phrasing, missing words, or convoluted sentences you wouldn't otherwise notice.

Step 3: Zero in on Common Errors (3 Minutes)

Focus on high-impact issues:

• Spelling, punctuation & capitalisation – the essentials that matter.
  
  

• Grammar & verb tense consistency – avoid awkward shifts or mismatches.
  
  

• Overused or “crutch” words – look out for repetition and improve variety.
  
  

Step 4: Evaluate Structure & Flow (2 Minutes)

Quickly assess whether:

• Your introduction clearly sets the stage.
  
  

• Each paragraph presents a unique point.
  
  

• Sentence transitions make sense—avoid abrupt jumps.
  
  

• The conclusion ties everything together effectively.
  
  

Step 5: Final Spellcheck or Use Tools (2 Minutes)

Run a spellcheck or use tools like built-in grammar checkers to catch small oversights. They won’t catch everything—but they’ll help tidy up.

Why Quick Proofreading Works

Wise Eyes Proofreading brings clarity fast—with two sets of skilled eyes ensuring your document looks polished and professionally presented.

Tip: When you're short on time, a 10-minute focused proofread can still rescue your submission and sharpen your presentation.

Wrap-up

Even if you're pressed for time, a structured 10-minute proofread can greatly improve your writing. Make it count—then, if you'd like extra assurance, Wise Eyes Proofreading is here for a thorough, personal finish.

Get in touch today 

Website: wiseeyesproofreading.com.au

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Essay Proofreading Checklist

Wise Eyes Proofreading – Helping Students Shine

Step 1: Big Picture Checks (Structure & Flow)

• Does my introduction clearly state my thesis/argument?

• Does each paragraph have a clear topic sentence?

• Do paragraphs flow logically from one to the next?

• Does my conclusion summarise the main points and answer the question?

Step 2: Clarity & Style

• Have I avoided long, confusing sentences?

• Have I cut out filler words (e.g., 'very,' 'really,' 'just')?

• Is my tone formal and academic (not conversational)?

• Have I varied sentence length for better readability?

Step 3: Grammar & Spelling

• Have I checked for common mistakes (their/there/they’re, its/it’s, affect/effect)?

• Do my verb tenses stay consistent?

• Have I run a spell-check AND read the essay aloud to catch errors?

• Did I double-check homophones (words that sound the same but mean different things)?

Step 4: Punctuation

• Are commas in the right places (especially before conjunctions)?

• Did I avoid comma splices and run-on sentences?

• Do I use apostrophes correctly (singular vs. plural)?

• Have I checked quotation marks around direct quotes?

Step 5: Academic Formatting

• Is my referencing style consistent (APA, Harvard, MLA, etc.)?

• Are in-text citations accurate and correctly formatted?

• Is my reference list/bibliography complete and alphabetised?

• Are headings, fonts, and spacing consistent throughout?

Step 6: Final Touches

• Have I checked the title page, headers, and page numbers?

• Did I proofread the essay in a printed copy or on a different screen to catch new errors?

• Have I left enough time to review before submission?

• Would I be confident if my professor read this aloud to the class?

Pro Tip:

• Even the best writers miss mistakes in their own work. That’s why professional proofreading can

• make all the difference between a pass and a distinction.

Need an extra set of eyes?

Wise Eyes Proofreading offers students 5% off all services.

Get in touch today 

Website: wiseeyesproofreading.com.au

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