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Focussed or Focused?

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The term ‘Focussed’ or ‘Focused’ illustrates the classic language variation between British and American English. Wondering when to use each one? Read on to find out.

Definition

‘Focussed’ or ‘focused’ is the past participle of the word ‘focus’ and can function as both a verb and an adjective. This word signifies ‘the act of bringing something into focus’ or ‘giving significant attention to a specific thing’.

Understanding the Two Different Spellings

The two spellings are a result of the doubling rule. The doubling rule is like a spelling trick. It says that for certain words, you should double the last letter when adding a suffix that starts with a vowel. This usually happens when the following conditions are met:

  1. The word has a single vowel before the final consonant.
  2. The final consonant is preceded by a single vowel.
  3. The word is one syllable or has the stress on the final syllable.

Interestingly, “focus” doesn’t meet the third condition because the primary stress in the word “focus” is on the first syllable, not the last part, yet people sometimes double the final “s” anyway.

When to Use “Focused” vs. “Focussed”

Both versions are correct, but the spelling choice depends on the variety of English you are using.

So, the common spelling used globally is ‘focused’ with one ‘s,’ which is the American spelling. When it comes to making English easier to spell, especially in American English, they’ve sometimes left out an extra letter, like in “focused.” And this way of spelling has been more popular around the world for many years.

‘Focussed’ (with double ‘s’), on the other hand, is the British spelling and follows the doubling rule.

Now, let’s look at the examples:

As a Verb:

  1. British English: She focussed her attention on the spreadsheet.
  2. American English: He focused his attention on the task at hand.

As an Adjective:

  1. British English: The editor’s feedback was concise and focussed.
  2. American English: The final review ensured a focused and error-free document, ready for publication.

Alternatives to ‘Focussed’ or ‘Focused’

  • Concentrated
  • Attentive
  • Engaged 
  • Dedicated 
  • Absorbed 
  • Immersed 
  • Fixated 
  • Committed 
  • Mindful 
  • Devoted

If you’re not a native English speaker and unsure which one to use, sticking with ‘focused’ is a safe choice. For added assurance in your work, you may also consider hiring a professional proofreader.

03/10/2023 |

5 Areas Where Professional Proofreaders Shine

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In a world where content rules supreme, the importance of perfection in the written word cannot be overstated. From captivating marketing campaigns to legally sound business documents, precise and error-free text is the key to success. Enter professional proofreaders – the unsung heroes who polish, refine, and elevate your content to unparalleled heights. In this article, we’ll explore five vital areas where these meticulous experts truly shine and make a professional proofreader service a must for business to consider.

1. Mastering the Art of Localization

In an era of global outreach, localization is a buzzword for businesses. It’s about adapting content to resonate with diverse cultures and languages. This is where professional proofreaders play a pivotal role. They are not merely linguistic experts but cultural connoisseurs. Whether you’re expanding your market to Tokyo, Mumbai, or São Paulo, a skilled proofreader ensures that your content feels native to the audience, avoiding cultural missteps or language faux pas.

2. Crafting Convincing Copyrighting

Effective copywriting is at the heart of marketing success. It’s the art of persuading, engaging, and converting readers into customers. Yet, the most brilliant marketing ideas can fall flat if marred by grammatical errors or clumsy phrasing. Professional proofreaders possess a keen eye for detail. They fine-tune your copy to perfection, ensuring that it not only sounds compelling but is also error-free, fostering trust and confidence in your brand.

3. Enhancing the Editing Process

Editing and proofreading are often used interchangeably, but they serve distinct roles. Proofreading focuses on the bigger picture – structure, flow, and coherence. Editing, on the other hand, delves into the nitty-gritty details – grammar, punctuation, and spelling. A professional proofreader complements the work of an editor. They meticulously scan your content for any lingering errors that might have eluded the editing process, ensuring a publication-ready piece.

4. Serious Business Inquiries

In the world of business, professionalism is non-negotiable. Whether you’re drafting contracts, proposals, or financial reports, impeccable communication is vital. A single typo or grammar blunder can cost you not just credibility but also business opportunities. Professional proofreaders are adept at turning complex business jargon into clear, precise language. They ensure that your documents are a testament to your professionalism and attention to detail.

5. Reshaping Research and Academic Papers

Academics and researchers often spend months, even years, crafting their work. The last thing they want is for their groundbreaking research to be overshadowed by grammatical errors or inconsistencies. Professional proofreaders specialize in academic and research papers, meticulously checking citations, references, and formatting. They ensure that your work not only meets the highest scholarly standards but also communicates your ideas clearly and effectively.

Why Protranslate is Your Go-To Choice

While understanding the significance of professional proofreading is essential, it’s equally crucial to know where to turn for top-notch services. This is where Protranslate steps in. With a team of expert proofreaders spanning various industries and languages, they are your one-stop destination for error-free, polished content. Whether you’re a global corporation looking to localize your marketing materials, a startup crafting persuasive pitches, or an academic with a groundbreaking paper, Protranslate has the expertise to elevate your work.

In a world where content is king, professional proofreaders are the knights in shining armor, ensuring that your words reign supreme. Whether you’re navigating the complexities of localization, crafting compelling copyrighting, perfecting your editing process, handling serious business inquiries, or reshaping research and academic papers, they are the secret weapon of excellence.

Exceptional content isn’t just about what you say; it’s about how you say it. And when perfection is the goal, professional proofreaders are your trusted allies. So, the next time you embark on a marketing campaign, draft a legal document, or submit an academic paper, remember that Protranslate’s professional online proofreading services are just a click away. They are dedicated to making your content shine, ensuring that your words resonate powerfully with your audience. Your content deserves nothing less than perfection.

11/09/2023 |

Exciting times ahead for Find A Proofreader

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Under new management

We have some exciting news! The site is under new management and we aim to expand our offering so that you get even more Get A Quote emails from a variety of different fields including academics and students, businesses and novelists.

How are we improving Find A Proofreader?

Well, let’s just say the new management are pretty good at search engine optimisation (SEO). The owner has over a decade of experience in the field. This will mean the site attracts more targeted traffic, resulting in a wider variety of proofreading job leads.
We are also optimising the get a quote form to attract more enquiries, boosting our marketing efforts and now have a dedicated customer support agent to answer any questions you may have by email from Monday to Friday, 9 am-5.30 pm.

We are also improving the usability of the site to make it easier to create a listing and get a quote.

I’m sure you will agree that’s a lot of value for just £40 a year for a standard listing. You can add your business by clicking here – https://findaproofreader.com/create-listing/

18/01/2023 |
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