Proofread and Edit to Only Fix Spelling and Grammar Errors
When asking an AI assistant to edit your writing, there’s a risk that it may change more than you intended—rewording sections for clarity or style and diluting your unique voice. If you only want spelling and grammar errors corrected, it’s important to be explicit in your instructions.
This approach is particularly useful when you've spent time crafting a piece of writing that reflects your style—whether it's a creative story, a business proposal, or a personal email. By instructing the AI to focus solely on grammatical fixes, you can ensure your work remains authentically yours while still benefiting from a polished final product.
Lisa’s Story: Maintaining Her Unique Writing Style
Lisa is a creative writer who takes great pride in her unique voice and style. She’s just finished writing a short story and wants to ensure it’s polished before submitting it to a literary magazine. However, she’s wary of losing her distinct tone if she asks ChatGPT to edit her work.
To maintain her voice while correcting any errors, Lisa decides to ask the AI to focus solely on spelling and grammar.
Not Using the Best Practice
Original Story
The heros journey was ardous, filled with challanges that tested her resolve. Yet, threw every trial, she emerjed stronger, her spirit unbroken. As she reached the final peak, the view before her was not just a sight, but a testament to her perserverance.
Prompt
Edit my short story to improve it.
Response
The protagonist's journey was arduous, filled with challenges that tested her resolve. Yet, through every trial, she emerged stronger, her spirit unbroken. Upon reaching the final peak, she was greeted by a breathtaking view, a true testament to her perseverance.
In this response, the AI has reworded the original text for style and clarity. While the edits are polished, they have altered Lisa’s unique voice and some of the original phrasing that made her story distinctive.
Using the Best Practice
Prompt
Proofread my short story and only fix spelling and grammar errors.
Response
The hero's journey was arduous, filled with challenges that tested her resolve. Yet, through every trial, she emerged stronger, her spirit unbroken. As she reached the final peak, the view before her was not just a sight, but a testament to her perseverance.
By explicitly asking the AI to only correct spelling and grammar errors, Lisa’s original voice and style remained intact.
The AI corrected the spelling and grammar issues without rewording the original content, preserving the unique tone of her writing.
Recap
Lisa learned that when it comes to editing with AI, being specific about what you want can make all the difference.
If you want to keep your unique voice intact, make sure to instruct the AI to only fix spelling and grammar errors. This way, you get the best of both worlds—a polished piece of writing that still sounds like you.