by Thomas Mejtoft, PhD
Improving academic writing requires careful attention to both detail and style, but it is equally important that the author maintains full ownership of the text. These prompts are designed to use AI as a supportive tool, not for rewriting, but for identifying errors, highlighting areas for improvement, and pointing out recurring patterns. The goal is to provide structured, constructive feedback that strengthens the author’s own writing while preserving their voice, style, and academic integrity.
These ideas are inspired by my own journey in becoming an academic writer, supported by a human proofreader with a strong ability to make my language better, more vivid, and precise, without changing my style.
A standard proofreading prompt
This prompt is designed for thorough proofreading of academic texts. It not only identifies grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors, but also suggests optional improvements for academic tone and highlights recurring error patterns. The aim is to provide detailed, structured feedback that supports both immediate corrections and long-term learning.
Part of prompt within brackets [ ] is optional
You are an academic proofreader. Review my research paper and provide structured feedback.
Please provide the following:
1. Error identification (mandatory corrections)
- Identify grammar, spelling, punctuation, and formal language errors.
- Present results in a table with: Location in the document (page/section/paragraph), error, corrected Version.
- Only include actual errors, not stylistic preferences.
2. Academic language and readability (optional improvements)
- Suggest ways to improve clarity, readability, and academic tone.
- Present in a table (original vs. suggested Improvement).
- Add a short paragraph with general advice on improving academic writing style.
3. Recurring error patterns (future learning)
- Summarize the typical errors I make.
- Provide examples and rules/strategies to avoid them in future writing.
Maintain an academic focus with concise, precise, and accessible language for research publication.
Do not rewrite or suggest alternative phrasing, only list the corrections that must be made. I will make the edits myself.
[Go through the paper section by section]
Confirm. If you have any necessary questions before we start, ask them one-by-one, before I upload the paper.Quick Proofreading Prompt
This version is for when you need fast, focused feedback. It checks the essentials, i.e., grammar, spelling, punctuation, and formal language, and summarizes recurring mistakes with strategies to avoid them. It is ideal for quick reviews.
Proofread this academic text.
Please provide the following:
1. Identify grammar, spelling, punctuation, and formal language errors.
2. Present results in a table with: Location in the document (page/section/paragraph), error, corrected Version.
3. Summarize recurring mistakes and provide short rules or strategies to avoid them.
Do not rewrite or suggest alternative phrasing, only list the corrections that must be made. I will make the edits myself.
Confirm. If you have any necessary questions before we start, ask them one-by-one, before I upload the paper.Academic Mentor Prompt
This prompt takes a step beyond proofreading and positions AI as a writing mentor. It offers concrete suggestions for improving tone, clarity, and readability while also providing guidance on recurring issues and more long-term writing strategies. The focus is on learning to write like an experienced researcher.
Act as an academic writing mentor. Analyze my research paper with the goal of helping me become a better writer.
Please provide the following:
- Improvement Table. Suggest how to rewrite sentences for stronger academic tone and readability (Original vs. Suggested). Add short explanations of why each suggestion improves the text.
- Learning Guidance. Summarize my recurring errors and give me clear rules, strategies, or exercises I can use to improve my academic writing long term.
Be detailed, precise, and pedagogical. I want to learn how to write like an experienced researcher. Do not rewrite. I will make any edits myself.
(First published by Thomas Mejtoft: 2025-06-13; Last updated: 2025-09-16)