Proofreading

This skill enables an AI agent to systematically proofread text, catching errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation, style, and consistency. The agent applies a structured multi-pass review process, supports standard style guides (AP, Chicago, APA, or custom house styles), and provides readability scoring alongside tone analysis. Output includes both the corrected text and an annotated summary of every change made.

Workflow

1. Grammar Check Scan the text for grammatical errors including subject-verb agreement, incorrect tense usage, dangling modifiers, sentence fragments, run-on sentences, and misplaced clauses. Fix each error and record the original phrasing alongside the correction. Pay special attention to complex sentences where multiple clauses may introduce ambiguity.

2. Spelling and Word Choice Identify misspelled words, commonly confused homophones (e.g., "affect" vs. "effect," "their" vs. "there"), and incorrect word forms. Verify proper nouns and domain-specific terminology against the provided context or glossary. Flag any words that are spelled correctly but likely used in the wrong context.

3. Punctuation and Mechanics Review comma usage, semicolons, colons, em dashes, en dashes, hyphens, quotation marks, and apostrophes. Apply the rules of the specified style guide — for example, the Oxford comma for Chicago style but not for AP style. Correct misuse of ellipses, parentheses, and bracket nesting.

4. Style and Consistency Enforce consistent formatting throughout the document: heading capitalization (title case vs. sentence case), number formatting (numerals vs. spelled-out), abbreviation usage (define on first use), and list punctuation. Check for passive voice overuse and recommend active alternatives where the meaning would be clearer. Ensure consistent use of terminology — if "user interface" appears in one place and "UI" elsewhere, unify them.

5. Clarity and Readability