ESL editing

Editing for ESL authors

I provide ESL editing services for writers whose first language is not English. Whether you are writing your dissertation, a business letter, or an academic article, contact me. I will make your writing clear, consistent, and error-free.

What makes an ESL editor different?

ESL editors need to be aware of specific errors ESL writers often make. Though it varies depending on your native language, as a former ESL teacher I understand the problem areas to focus on for ESL authors (e.g., verb tense, agreement, and articles).

Common errors for ESL writers:

• The use of articles (e.g., the, a, or an). Many languages do not use articles. As a result, some ESL writers forget to use them or use them incorrectly.

• Proper subject-verb agreement. Subject-verb agreement is a common problem for ESL writers. For example, one should write “The evidence proves” and not “The evidence prove.”

• English has many prepositions (e.g., on, in, at, under, behind, before, after), and so ESL writers often have trouble with them.

• Word order within a sentence is different from English in many languages (e.g., adjectives may come after nouns instead of before). Therefore, I check ESL authors’ sentences for clarity and ensure they are not awkward sounding.

Academic editing for ESL authors:

I help authors who want to submit their dissertation. Whether you’re ready to defend or you’re making revisions after defending, I will help make sure you’re ready to graduate. Your writing deserves to be judged on the strength of your research and ideas, and not on your English writing abilities.

I will edit your paper according to the style guide or guidelines provided by your learning institution. Let me help you graduate sooner, rather than later.

Services not included

My ESL editing services do not include:

• pointing out scientific errors

• fact-checking