Below are ten sample prompts you can provide to ChatGPT (or another AI writing assistant) to proofread and refine texts. Each prompt is tailored to achieve a different level of scrutiny — ranging from straightforward proofreading to more nuanced editorial review.
1. Standard Proofreading Prompt Prompt: Please proofread the following text for grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Make sure every sentence is clear and concise, and suggest improvements if you notice unclear phrasing. Retain the original tone and meaning. Text to Proofread: [Paste your text here] Why it works: Directs the AI to focus on correctness (grammar, spelling, punctuation). Maintains the tone and meaning. Requests suggestions for unclear phrasing. 2. Detailed Copyediting Prompt Prompt: I want you to act as an experienced copyeditor. Proofread the following text in detail: correct all grammatical issues, spelling mistakes, punctuation errors, and any word usage problems. Then, rewrite or rearrange sentences where appropriate, but do not alter the overall structure or change the meaning. Provide both the corrected version and a short list of the most notable changes. Text to Proofread: [Paste your text here] Why it works: Specifies a deeper editing pass. Asks for both the corrected text and a summary of edits for transparency. Maintains the original meaning while optimising word choice. 3. Comprehensive Developmental Edit Prompt Prompt: Please act as a developmental editor for the text below. In addition to correcting grammar, punctuation, and spelling, identify any issues with clarity, flow, or structure. If you see potential improvements in the logic or arrangement of paragraphs, suggest them. Provide the final revised version, along with specific comments explaining your edits and recommendations. Text to Proofread: [Paste your text here] Why it works: Goes beyond proofreading; focuses on logical structure and flow. Requests specific editorial comments. 4. Style-Focused Proofreading Prompt Prompt: Proofread and revise the following text, aiming to improve the style and readability without changing the overall voice or register. Focus on grammar, punctuation, sentence variation, and coherence. If you remove or add any words for clarity, please highlight them in your explanation at the end. Text to Proofread: [Paste your text here] Why it works: Adds a focus on style and readability. Encourages a consistent voice. 5. Concise and Polished Prompt Prompt: Please proofread and refine the text with the goal of making it concise and polished. Look for opportunities to remove filler words or repetitive phrases. Keep an eye on grammar, punctuation, and spelling. Make sure each sentence is as clear and straightforward as possible while retaining the essential details. Text to Proofread: [Paste your text here] Why it works: Focuses on conciseness and directness. Encourages removing fluff. 6. Formal-Tone Enhancement Prompt Prompt: I need this text to be presented in a formal, professional tone. Please proofread it carefully for grammar, spelling, punctuation, and word choice. Where you see informal expressions or casual language, adjust it to a formal style. Do not change any technical terms. Provide the final revision as well as an explanation for your major edits. Text to Proofread: [Paste your text here] Why it works: Elevates the text to a professional style. Preserves technical details. Requests a rationale for the changes. 7. Consistency and Cohesion Prompt Prompt: Please proofread the text below with the objective of ensuring it is consistent and cohesive. Look for any shifts in tense, inconsistent terminology, or abrupt changes in tone. Correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation as needed. Indicate if there are any places in the text where references, data, or examples should be clarified. Text to Proofread: [Paste your text here] Why it works: Highlights consistent use of tense, style, and terminology. Flags unclear references or data. 8. Audience-Specific Proofreading Prompt Prompt: Proofread the following text to ensure it's well-suited for [describe target audience here]. Correct mistakes in grammar, spelling, and punctuation, and rephrase any jargon or overly complex sentences that may not be accessible to the intended readers. Provide a final version, and explain how you adapted the language for this audience. Text to Proofread: [Paste your text here] Why it works: Centers on the target audience's needs and language comprehension. Ensures clarity and accessibility without losing key content. 9. Contextual Usage and Tone Prompt Prompt: Please review and proofread the following text for correct grammar, spelling, punctuation, and contextual word usage. Pay particular attention to phrases that might be misused or have ambiguous meaning. If any sentences seem off-tone or inconsistent with the context (e.g., an academic paper, a business memo, etc.), adjust them accordingly. Text to Proofread: [Paste your text here] Why it works: Highlights word usage in context. Ensures consistency with the intended style or environment. 10. Advanced Grammar and Syntax Prompt Prompt: I need you to focus on advanced grammar and syntax issues in the following text. Look for parallel structure, subject-verb agreement, pronoun antecedent clarity, and any other subtle linguistic details. Provide a version with these issues resolved, and offer a brief bullet list of the advanced grammar improvements you made. Text to Proofread: [Paste your text here] Why it works: Aimed at sophisticated syntax corrections. Calls out advanced grammar concerns for in-depth editing.
