Many people read much high-level English, can speak it well but do not write it very well or express themselves clearly. Researching, writing and editing are disciplines and learning opportunities; in our view, authors should approach these as such.

This might for instance mean copying your “before edit” and “after edit” versions of words, sentences or common mistakes, into a Word file called Editing notes. Looking at edits and comments is a valuable, easy, practical and inexpensive way to improve your English. Edits are case studies. If you’ve made the investment, why not reap the reward?

If you don’t yet have Ilse Evertse’s Guru notes, Writing to be read, and A short-cut to understanding tenses, please ask us and we will email them to you gratis. If you work through these notes and try to learn from them, your writing will definitely improve.