AI technology has made significant advancements in recent years. When OpenAI released ChatGPT almost two years ago, it set the benchmark for how large language models (LLMs) and natural language processing (NLP) systems should perform. These technologies enable ChatGPT to hold human-like conversational dialogue.
While ChatGPT is well-known for its ability to generate natural-sounding content, it also serves as a valuable proofreading tool. This makes it ideal for situations where you want to craft content in your own voice but need help polishing drafts. Here’s everything you need to know.
NOTE
Ways to use ChatGPT Desktop app on Mac for proofreading
Let’s dive into the steps on how to proofread your documents with the ChatGPT desktop app on Mac.
Step 1: Install the ChatGPT Desktop App
Time needed: 3 minutes
You can download the ChatGPT app directly through www.chatgpt.com. Installation is simple, and it’s similar to any other Mac application. Follow these steps:
- Visit the OpenAI website on your web browser.
- Choose Download for macOS.
- Open the downloaded file and then drag ChatGPT icon to the Applications folder.
- Click the ChatGPT icon in your Applications to launch.
- Put your login info, and you’re in.
Step 2: Open Your Document
Open the file (e.g., Word, Google Docs, or PDF) you want to proofread. I suggest creating a separate document for the one edited by ChatGPT so that you can compare edits.
Step 3: Copy the Text
Copy the parts you want to proofread, although you can also upload the entire document if needed. Most PDF files allow you to copy text. But there are instances when you’re not allowed to do so. You can use PDF converters online first to copy the text you want to proofread.
Step 4: Use ChatGPT for Proofreading
ChatGPT is designed to hold human-like conversations in conversational dialogue—just input your instructions clearly.
For this example, you’d want ChatGPT to proofread your document. Here are some ways to structure your prompt:
- Can you proofread this article?
- Please proofread and edit:
- Proofread and edit:
- Can you simplify this article?
- Please make this article more engaging:
ChatGPT will respond to your request, including the edited version of the texts you pasted.
Here’s a sample using my rough draft of an article:
Step 5: Review the Suggestions
Review the document to see if there are errors from the edited version of your document. AI-generated content is prone to errors.
AI may be designed to generate text as requested, but it’s not always perfect. There could be statements that may be taken out of context because some words have several meanings and/or usage.
I put additional prompts so I could easily see the edits that it made.
It even listed the changes made to the content.
Tips for Effective Proofreading of Documents with ChatGPT
Let’s go over some helpful tips on how to make the most of the ChatGPT desktop app on your Mac for proofreading:
1. Break Down the Text
Divide your content into smaller sections. This allows you to focus on one part and prevent getting overwhelmed by the whole content. This also allows you to see smaller mistakes and avoid overlooking specific errors that ChatGPT might have introduced.
Breaking down your content also allows you to see the flow of your work. It’s similar to story-telling. You can rearrange your content while proofreading if you think there’s a better way to make your content more engaging.
2. Ask ChatGPT for Specific Help
Getting someone to proofread your work is helpful because they see your work from a fresh point of view.
In this case, ChatGPT may see some errors you have overlooked. Some of these errors include overused words, redundant statements, and grammatical errors.
You can ask ChatGPT for specific help in proofreading your document. For example, you can prompt it to analyze your content for overused words or redundant statements.
When you’re specific in how you want the ChatGPT desktop app on Mac to proofread your documents, the results can be more accurate.
3. Read Your Work Out Loud
Quietly reading your work is not the same as reading it out loud. Hearing your content can help you notice some mistakes you may have overlooked. You may notice grammatical errors, missing words, or misused words by hearing them out loud.
4. Proof Your Work Backwards
Editing your work backward may give you a new perspective. If you divide your work into sections and read it from end to top, you may see each statement from a different context. It will eventually help you determine some information or transition that your work is lacking.
6. Create a Proofreading Checklist
If you often proofread your own work, you probably notice the most common mistakes you make. It’s better to create a list of these mistakes to spot them as you revisit your article.
You can feed ChatGPT your proofreading checklist so that it understands your writing habits. It’s easier for AI to spot mistakes if it knows what its looking for. Likewise, this list could also help you avoid them during your writing process.
Although the quality of AI-generated content is getting better as technology progresses, a human factor is still needed. There could still be errors from AI-generated or AI-edited content. People will be reading your work, and not computers (probably). That’s why checking your content and editing it to provide proper context is still important.